Hello, I'm Bear. Today, I'm here to share my experiences and travel recommendations for the Lao People's Democratic Republic. I must say that Laos is one of the countries I visit most frequently due to its accessibility, affordability, and the friendly nature of its people. In fact, I believe the Lao people are the friendliest among our neighboring countries. ;)

Before I begin, I want to clarify that the images in this post are from multiple trips I have taken to Laos. I have compiled them into this single post to provide my friends with information, travel planning assistance, and recommendations for places to visit in Laos. This will help them better manage their budget and choose activities that fit their financial situation.

Let's get started without further ado. We'll begin in Bangkok.

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From Bangkok to Vang Vieng, Laos, I recommend the best route I can think of, which is to start in Udon Thani Province. Why? Because it's the cheapest option, at only 320 baht!

Compared to domestic vans in Laos, the price from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is almost 500 baht or 110,000-120,000 kip (depending on the exchange rate).

There is only one bus trip per day from Udon Thani to Laos, departing at 8:30 AM and arriving at approximately 3:30 PM. Passengers must present their passport when purchasing tickets; otherwise, they will not be allowed to buy a ticket.

There are several ways to travel to Udon Thani, including:

1. Nok Air flight, 6:00 AM to 7:05 AM, approximately 1200 Baht.

2. Buses: Choose a bus departing from Bangkok around 9:00 PM to arrive in Udon Thani at 6:00 AM.

3. There are two recommended trains available.

a. The 20:00 express train from Bangkok to Udon Thani arrives at 5:53 am. The fare ranges from 600 to 1100 baht, depending on the type of sleeper selected.

b. The 133 express train departs at 8:45 PM and arrives at 7:33 AM. The price is currently… free… FREE!!! You only need your ID card to exchange for a free seat. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this is it. Additionally, trains are now more punctual, increasing the chances of arriving in Udon Thani in time to catch the bus to Laos.

*Tip: If you choose train number 133, the express train to Nong Khai via Udon Thani, and you plan to travel on a Friday-Saturday or during a holiday, it's best to exchange your ticket early in the morning, around 6:00 AM. This will ensure you get your own seat number.

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The tour bus takes approximately 2 hours to reach the international border crossing. During this time, immigration forms for both Thailand and Laos will be distributed. You can fill them out now, but it's not necessary. You can wait until you arrive at the border.

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Taking a break from the Sim card discussion, Laos has several mobile network providers, including Bee line, ETL, Unitel, and Laos Telecom. I have tried all of them except ETL. In my opinion, based on frequent travel between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, I recommend Laos Telecom. It is the best for me.

To purchase a SIM card, head to the Lao immigration checkpoint. Upon exiting immigration, you will find a booth on the left-hand side. The cost of a SIM card at this location is 100 Thai baht, offering 7 days of validity and 1.5G of internet data (based on the current exchange rate). Note that purchasing a SIM card outside of this designated area may result in a higher price exceeding 100 baht.

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Regarding motorbikes, in Vang Vieng, the rental price is around 70,000-80,000 kip, with slight variations depending on the rental shop.

In Luang Prabang, motorbike rentals are slightly more expensive, with starting prices around 90,000 kip. The average rental price is 110,000 kip. Renting through your hotel may incur additional charges, bringing the price closer to 120,000 kip. If the quoted price exceeds this range, it's advisable to seek out a different rental shop.

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After leaving the Lao immigration checkpoint, we traveled for another 2-3 hours before reaching a rest stop where we could eat. The atmosphere was like this!

Around 3 pm, we arrived in Vang Vieng. From the bus station, there is a free shuttle to Vang Vieng town. If you have already booked your accommodation, you can tell the driver the name of your hotel and they will drop you off there.

However, if you haven't booked in advance, you can walk into the city and ask around.

I stayed at Vang Vieng Rock backpacker in a 10-bed dorm room for approximately 160 baht. Breakfast was included.

Upon arriving at our accommodation, we embarked on a leisurely stroll, taking our companions to savor the delectable Laotian hamburgers known as "Pa-te." Drawing from my extensive travels throughout Laos, encompassing Pakse, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang, I can confidently assert that Vang Vieng offers the most exquisite rendition of this culinary delight. The flavors are truly exceptional, leaving an unforgettable impression on the palate.

The weather today is overcast due to the recent rainfall, creating a somewhat gloomy yet comfortable atmosphere. This makes it an ideal setting to enjoy a glass of beer.

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1. Song River Bar

A true gathering place for friends, sit by the water, dip your feet in the cool water, sip beer, and eat with friends.

To illustrate, let's take a quick break with a picture from my previous solo trip to Laos.

The first day of the multi-hour journey has ended.

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Another morning in Vang Vieng... I must say that Vang Vieng has a lot of activities to do. You can't finish it in one day. Don't even try... Trust me!

Since we're already here, let's just relax and enjoy ourselves. Let's take it slow and soak it all in. If we don't have enough time this time, we can always come back later.

Let's move on to the second must-visit place in Vang Vieng.

2 Orange Bridges & Cave Jang, approximately 2.4 kilometers from Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a popular tourist destination in Laos, known for its stunning natural scenery and laid-back atmosphere. The caves in Vang Vieng are a major attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's unique geological formations. The entrance fee for the caves is 20,000 kip (approximately $2 USD).

The crystal-clear water here is perfect for swimming, and you can even swim into the water cave. The interior is stunning, with crystal-clear and refreshingly cool water. Honestly, this spot is even more enjoyable than the cave itself. ;)

However, please exercise caution as there are no safety measures in place. Ensure you are a competent swimmer, bring a flashlight, and avoid going alone. Bring a friend who can assist you if necessary. Stay safe and enjoy! ^^

3 Jumps at the Lagoon: Approximately 8 kilometers from Vang Vieng

The breathtaking view from the lagoon's peak in Laos is exhilarating. The lagoon's crystal-clear blue water allows for a clear view of the ground below (when it's not crowded). However, due to the recent influx of visitors, the water's clarity has diminished. Additionally, the site features the intriguing Phukham Cave. While I lack images due to not ascending this time, I recall a prior visit several years ago. The cave's interior was pitch black, illuminated only by my tiny flashlight, creating an eerie and thrilling atmosphere. If you enjoy such experiences, don't hesitate to explore!

Enjoy a meal of mountain crab with a beautiful streamside atmosphere, approximately 25 kilometers from Vang Vieng.

The steamed crab with soy sauce, served with chili paste and sticky rice, is absolutely delicious! It's a must-try dish that will send you to culinary heaven. The crab costs 60,000 kip, but the entire meal will set you back hundreds of thousands. However, the experience is worth every penny!

After a satisfying meal, venture a little further to discover the local market. Here, you'll find an abundance of freshly grilled crabs and a diverse array of local goods. Take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

5. On the way back, visit Wat Pho Karm Chai Mong Kol.

Climb the bell tower for a view. Like this, you can do it again!!

Along the way, there are also views like this.

Let's go, what are you waiting for? ^^

Soar like a bird with a hot air balloon or a paramotor.

In Vang Vieng, you can purchase a hot air balloon or paramotor flight for $90 at your hotel or guesthouse. Most flights are booked in advance.

The balloon ride lasts approximately 40-45 minutes, offering breathtaking panoramic views from high above.

I did not ride the paramotor because it flies lower and the flight is shorter, around 30 minutes. Most importantly, it's expensive! Let's move on to the next item.

From here on, there are no photos I took, but I'm providing information for my friends to plan their trips.

7 water caves 12.8 kilometers from Vang Vieng

For adventure enthusiasts, I recommend purchasing a one-day cave tour package. In 2015, the price was 450 baht, which included transportation to the cave, a meal, and a 12-kilometer kayak trip down the river back to Vang Vieng.

8 Blue Lagoon 3 11.7 miles from Vang Vieng

A place designed for fun water activities, making it an attractive destination for water enthusiasts.

9 Pha Ngern, 4.7 kilometers from Vang Vieng.

While the distance from Vang Vieng is listed as 4.7 kilometers, reaching the destination by car is not possible. An additional 20-minute walk is required, according to the sign. However, in reality, the walk can take closer to an hour. It is unclear whether the 20-minute estimate on the sign refers to the descent or the entire journey.

Silver Cliff is a high-angle viewpoint for those who enjoy hiking and appreciate stunning views earned through their own sweat. It's a must-visit location for witnessing breathtaking sunsets.

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Vang Vieng offers a plethora of attractions and activities to keep you entertained, including:

- Tubing down the Song River, relaxing in an inner tube.

- Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is about 10 kilometers from Vang Vieng. It is recommended to visit during the rainy season, as it is very dry during the dry season.

• Elephant Cave (Tham Chang), approximately 14 kilometers from Vang Vieng.

- Heart Beat Pub is a popular spot for Laotians and Koreans.

• Sakura Bar attracts a diverse clientele, including Westerners, Thais, and Koreans.

Indeed, it is extensive. With such a vast area, how could one possibly explore it all in a single day?

Let's continue our journey to Luang Prabang... A new day has begun, and it's time to fuel up with breakfast and find inspiration... by playing a game of football with friends... I must say, I'm quite skilled! 555 I won 10-7. Yay!

Transportation from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is readily available, with departures to Luang Prabang occurring almost every hour from morning until 3 pm. Numerous hotels and tour agencies in Vang Vieng offer booking services. The fare typically ranges from 400 to 500 baht, with variations depending on the type of vehicle and the time of departure.

There are two routes to Luang Prabang:

The old route takes 5-6 hours and has countless curves. A foreign passenger even threw up in the car from the winding roads. Imagine the horror of smelling vomit the entire journey! The route involves driving along mountains and through villages, with one stop for lunch. The scenery showcases rural life.

The new route takes approximately 4 hours, which is faster than the old route. However, there are only two bus departures per day, at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This route has fewer curves than the first route, but it is much more isolated, with only one rest stop. The scenery along the way is also different, offering more natural views.

In the late afternoon, we arrived in Luang Prabang. The minivan dropped us off at the Luang Prabang bus station, which was about 2 kilometers from the city center. The weather was scorching hot, and we decided to take a tuk-tuk for 20,000 kip per person. It was a wise decision, as walking in that heat would have been unbearable.

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I began at the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang.

After walking around looking for accommodation, I found a place called Joy Friends Hostel for $4, which is about 150 baht per night. The room was a bit cramped, as it used triple bunk beds. Those who slept on the third bunk would get a slightly lower price.

The advantage of staying here is that it would be fantastic if you could stay for multiple nights and come with friends. This is because there is a kitchen that you can use to cook meals and eat together with your friends. It would be an amazing experience.

The evening is still young, so let's make the most of it! Let's start exploring Luang Prabang with a must-see attraction.

1. Phra That Phu Si (Phu Si)

A Must-Visit in Luang Prabang: Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is a must-visit destination in Luang Prabang. It offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, especially at sunset. However, reaching the summit requires climbing 328 steps. The effort is well worth it, as the panoramic views are breathtaking.

The mountain is also home to Wat Chom Si, a revered temple with a golden stupa. The entrance fee is 20,000 kip. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy the sunset views for free after the sun sets.

It's usually crowded, isn't it? Good things attract people, right?

And then, a big set with flashing lights, beep-beep with a picture of the view on the top of Phu Si.

Though the sun has set beyond the horizon, the stars still illuminate the earth for us to see.

2. Black market

The black market... After enjoying the panoramic view of Luang Prabang, when we walked down, the market was full of people shopping. If in our country, it is called a walking street, that's right. As for the things that are brought to sell, there are handicrafts, art, culture, money, gold, jewelry, paintings by local artists, local fabrics, local clothes, and food in the style of Luang Prabang.

3. Offering sticky rice to monks.

For those who wake up early, breathe fresh air, and want to make merit by offering food to monks, you can wait at the Dark Market around 6:00 AM. Monks and novices will start their alms round. As for the offerings, there's no need to worry, as local residents have already prepared them for you.

4. Explore the Luang Prabang Morning Market

After offering alms to the monks, I took a stroll around the market. The market opens at 5:30 AM, and by the time I arrived, the vendors had already set up their stalls. Luang Prabang's morning market is known for its fresh produce, including live frogs, toads, and fish. A wide variety of vegetables are also sold in abundance. The absence of large shopping malls in the city contributes to the daily hustle and bustle of this lively market.

5. Popular coffee

This is a very popular breakfast spot. I remember the first time I went to Luang Prabang, Prachaniyom Restaurant hadn't yet added tables, so it overflowed to the edge of the river. But now it's so popular that it's a must-check-in spot for anyone who visits.

This shop not only sells coffee, but also pho and khao piak, making it a one-stop shop for a budget-friendly breakfast!

6. Kuang Si Waterfall (29 kilometers from Luang Prabang)

Let's embark on a journey outside the bustling city of Luang Prabang. Our first stop will be the captivating Kuang Si Waterfall.

This is said to be the largest waterfall in Luang Prabang. It has multiple tiers that can be climbed, with a total height of approximately 70 meters. The surrounding area is lush with trees of various sizes.

The entrance to the waterfall is also a conservation and care center for black bears, where visitors can observe these majestic animals up close. The area boasts fresh, clean air.

Foreign tourists are drawn to this waterfall for its refreshing and cool water, where they can enjoy jumping from tall trees into the pool. I also had a great time there.

7. Oum Huck Civet Coffee Farm

Located on the way to Kuang Si Falls, on the banks of the river, is a newly built coffee shop with a civet farm for producing civet coffee.

The owner explained that initially, villagers would catch civets in the wild and sell them. Gradually, they began to raise civets for the production of coffee. The price of coffee here ranges from a few baht per kilogram to tens of thousands of baht.

Uom Hug Organic Farm is a place for tourists to stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The price of coffee is 15,000 kip, but if you want to try civet coffee, it will cost 500 baht per cup (expensive, right?).

The process involves feeding fresh coffee beans to civet cats, collecting their droppings after digestion, and aging them for two years.

Coffee Roaster

This is the face of coffee that costs 24,000 baht per kilogram!

8 Tad Sae Waterfall, 15 kilometers from Luang Prabang

This waterfall offers a plethora of activities. However, reaching it requires driving to the pier and taking a boat ride for approximately half the journey. Directions are readily available on Google Maps, ensuring a smooth trip.

In addition, this location offers elephant riding and zipline activities.

9 Nahm Dong Park 10 kilometers from Luang Prabang

The Nam Dong Tourist Area is a relatively new attraction. I learned about it from a Laotian friend and was eager to share it. It is only 10 kilometers from Luang Prabang, but... the last 6 kilometers (approximately) are a red dirt road. When a large vehicle passes, the dust is unbearable!

This place is incredibly charming! Not only can you relax and listen to the sound of the waterfall, but there's also a thrilling high rope bridge to test your nerves. And if that's not enough, there's a small bee farm and a cozy café with stunning mountain views. It's truly an amazing experience!

Note: There will be no water (at all) during the dry season.

10 Temples in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is home to many beautiful temples, which are worth exploring. Among the most recommended temples are:

• Wat Mai Suwannaphumaram

- Wat Wichunrat (also known as Wat Makmo)

- Wat Xieng Thong

- The Royal Palace of Luang Prabang

Pak Ou Caves, also known as Tham Ting, are located in Laos.

The Thip Cave houses intricately carved wooden Buddha statues of varying sizes, arranged in rows. Designated areas within the cave allow visitors to pay respects and seek blessings from these sacred figures. To access the upper level of the cave, visitors must ascend a staircase located at the rear. The upper cave boasts a larger space adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, alongside additional wooden Buddha statues for veneration.

12 Utopia Pub

This is a popular Western-style bar with a relaxed atmosphere. During the winter season, you might even spot fireflies. It's a great place to unwind, but keep in mind that it closes at 11 pm.

13 Sky Stars Pub

This is a local hangout spot with live music, mainly frequented by locals with a few Korean tourists. It closes at midnight, but the real fun starts around 11 pm!

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Please provide further suggestions.

Before leaving, don't miss Saffron Coffee and Bakery, another must-visit cafe. Grab a coffee and pastry and enjoy the serene riverside views. You won't regret it!

Followed by a 10,000 kip pork noodle soup, delicious and worth it, lunch at a restaurant in an alley by the black market road.

It's time to go home... From Luang Prabang city center, we need to hire a taxi to get to the airport. We can ask any taxi on the side of the road, and the price will be around 15,000-20,000 kip to the airport.

I would not recommend taking the bus back from Luang Prabang. The cost of a non-holiday flight with Air Asia is only 1790 baht, and the flight takes just over an hour. Even on Saturdays or Sundays, the flight costs around 2,300 baht, which is still more affordable than taking the bus. To save money on the bus, you would need to take a 4-500 baht bus to Vang Vieng, then a 300 baht bus from Vang Vieng to Udon Thani, and finally a 500 baht bus from Udon Thani to Bangkok. This would cost around 1300-1400 baht and take at least 20 hours. (If you go from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, it will cost even more.)

Goodbye, Lao PDR.

See you again soon.

I hope this is helpful to you all.

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