Readme before you journey
Trip Summary
The trip involved a flight to Udon Thani, followed by a bus journey to Vang Vieng. The itinerary included a one-day trip to Vang Vieng, with activities such as photographing the orange bridge, exploring the night market, and purchasing a one-day package. This package included visits to Tham Chang Cave, Tham Nam Cave, kayaking on the Song River, and the Blue Lagoon 1. Additionally, the traveler climbed the Silver Cliff. Transportation primarily consisted of public buses and walking. The total cost was approximately 5,052 baht, which covered mid-range accommodation and regular meals.
Interesting Facts about Laos
1) The language is similar to Thai spoken in the Northeast region of Thailand, but the word order is reversed. For example, "ลูกชิ้นทอด" (fried meatballs) becomes "ทอดลูกชิ้น" (meatballs fried).
2) Every tourist attraction, temple, and bridge has a toll booth that charges both people and vehicles.
3) Vehicles must drive on the right side of the road and in the absence of lane markings, police will not check identification documents.
4) The cuisine is very similar to Thai food, but with the addition of bread and pizza.
5) A female student wearing a loincloth and riding a bicycle in the rain to school.
6) As far as I have seen, they have been drinking beer since the beginning of the day.
7) Primarily listens to Thai music and watches Thai TV.
8) True slow life, people are really, really chill.
9) Numerous activities: hot air ballooning, off-road vehicles, waterfalls, caves, rivers, pubs, zip lines, and mountains.
10) Restaurants and hotels will have yellow neon signs with the same standards.
24 Feb - Bangkok, Lat Krabang to Udon Thani
Travel by Shuttle Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport (Level 2, Gate 3)
- Travel time: 1 hour (assuming minimal traffic)
- Departure frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Requirement: Passengers must possess a valid Don Mueang Airport ticket and present it for inspection before boarding the shuttle bus.
February 25-26: We spent three nights sleeping in Udon Thani and Nong Khai. However, on the last night, we needed to be close to the Udon Thani bus station to purchase tickets for a 7:00 AM departure. Therefore, we stayed at the Kavin Buri Green Hotel, conveniently located near the station. This hotel was fantastic, boasting a rooftop swimming pool and complimentary soft drinks.
The hotel has everything you need, and I would recommend it to anyone. However, when I asked about the walk-in price, it was more expensive than Agoda, so I booked through Agoda at the counter and got a price of 752 baht.
Map for choosing a travel method
February 27th - I woke up at 6:30 am to check out of the hotel and left my luggage there, as I planned to return for lunch at Madame Patisserie. I took a shortcut through the back of the bus terminal, which took less than 5 minutes. On my way, I noticed two hostels with prices starting at 99 baht. If you're looking to save money, I highly recommend checking them out.
Upon arrival at the bus terminal at 7:00 AM, proceed directly to the bus exit. The orange building is where you can purchase tickets to Laos. The Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Vang Vieng bus costs 320 baht and departs once daily. You will need your passport to purchase a ticket. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date to enter Laos.
Madame Patte: A Hidden Gem in Udon Thani
The restaurant, Madame Patte, is located just steps away from the hotel, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite. Despite its proximity, the restaurant can be challenging to find due to its unique and somewhat inconspicuous design. Painted in a vibrant red, the restaurant blends seamlessly with its surroundings, making it easy to miss.
A friend who resides in Udon Thani recommended this hidden gem, which has only been open for less than a week. The staff at the hotel were unfamiliar with the establishment, suggesting its recent arrival on the culinary scene.
Passing through the archway, you'll find a small alleyway decorated with flair. The restaurants in Udon Thani are all amazing. I really like them. In my opinion, the food menu here is similar to southern Thai cuisine, but every dish was new to me and tasted great, especially the ko pi with something fried. The prices are mid-range, from 40 to 200 baht.
It seems I've arrived in Udon Thani and had the chance to try some local food. Haha! If anyone says it's not good, please let me know so I can try it next time.
8:15 - As time approached for the bus to depart, I quickly walked back to the bus stop. The ticket clearly indicated the platform and seat number, so I headed straight there without hesitation as the bus was about to leave. As soon as I boarded the bus, it departed, slightly ahead of schedule. It was full, and it left as soon as it was full.
As the bus departs, the staff will distribute immigration forms. Please fill them out according to your passport information. There are two forms, one for departure and one for arrival. It is important to keep the arrival form for your return trip. You may leave the information section blank if you do not have the required details. Please complete the forms in English.
9:30 AM - Pick up additional passengers in Nong Khai. The wait won't be long if everyone is present, and the bus will depart immediately. Arriving here signifies proximity to the Thai border. Upon reaching the Thai border, disembark to have your passport stamped. Ensure you use the correct lane, as there will be options for temporary border passes or passport control. The passport lane offers both automated and non-automated options.
After getting back on the bus, we entered the Laotian checkpoint, which was similar to the previous one. We got off to have our passports stamped, then walked over to buy a one-way ticket. On weekdays, it cost 5 baht.
Insert the card into the slot like BTS, aligning it with the slot as indicated by the sign above. After inserting the card, walk through the gate. The card will not be returned. The bus staff will not allow you to exchange money here. Use the restroom now, as we have a long journey ahead. The next stop will be a rest area where you can buy a SIM card and exchange money.
13:00 - Rest stop. I got off and went into the supermarket to exchange money. The exchange rate that day was 1 baht to 260 kip. I exchanged 4,000 baht. I didn't buy a SIM card because there was a lot of Wifi there. I also downloaded the map.me app to use as an offline map.
After exchanging money, I had lunch, but it got crowded, so I bought some meatballs instead. The dipping sauce was delicious. If you're passing by, give it a try. From then on, I was awake the whole way. I realized that the reason it took so long was because the car couldn't drive very fast, around 30-50 km/hr, because the road was constantly winding.
Meatballs 20,000 kip
The journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes approximately 7 hours. Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and head to the ticket counter to purchase your return ticket. Buses depart for various destinations, but I purchased a ticket back to Udon Thani. The purchased ticket serves as a reservation and not the actual ticket. You must exchange it for the actual ticket on the day of departure. I booked my return trip for the morning of March 1st, costing 90,000 kip. Inform your accommodation the night before your departure, and they will pick you up at the front desk. However, I had to call and inform them later as I hadn't booked accommodation beforehand. Make sure to provide your ticket number (in Lao, "pee" means ticket).
In front of the bus terminal, there seemed to be shuttle buses to hotels, but I wasn't sure if they charged a fee. Since I hadn't booked a hotel, I decided to walk and find one along the way. As I walked into the city, I asked around, but most hotels were fully booked. Finally, I came across the Malinee 2 Hotel, located opposite the famous Sakura Bar. The bar was indeed quite loud at night, as I was staying on the first floor.
The hotel cost 120,000 kip. The room was as shown in the pictures. There was Wi-Fi, but what I liked was that there was hot water that you could turn on with a knob. We don't have that much in our country yet. The staff was also very relaxed and gave me some good advice. They asked me where I was going and what my plans were because they wanted to sell me a one-day trip.
I didn't immediately agree because I wanted to go sit on a rubber ring, so I asked him where to rent one. He told me it was near the roundabout. When I got there, I saw the price was 60,000 kip for 9:00-16:00, so I started to think, "Is it worth it?" In the end, I changed my plans.
The one-day trip offered by the hotel costs 120,000 kip and includes visits to Tham Chang Cave, Tham Nam Cave, kayaking on the Song River, and Blue Lagoon 1, with lunch included. The main goal of this trip is to visit Blue Lagoon 1 and Pha Ngern, so this option is a good choice.
After walking a little further through the circle, I came across a bridge. It was a wooden bridge, but the problem was that the lane cover had fallen into the water. I thought the water was very deep at first, but it wasn't. So I just waded through it and got my shoes wet.
With accommodation secured and a plan for the next day in place, I decided to explore the area. I walked to the Orange Bridge, about a kilometer away. Along the way, I passed by the night market, which was not yet open.
I encountered a hot air balloon during the peak operating hours. It approached alarmingly close, giving the impression that it might crash. Startled, I followed it to observe, only to witness it ascend effortlessly.
After walking for a while, I heard the sound of cheering and laughter coming from the school. I decided to stop by and watch the students play sports. At first, it seemed like they were very prepared, with referees and cheerleaders. I thought they were having some kind of sports competition. But then I saw tourists asking to join in, and they were allowed to play without any problems. It seemed like they were just playing for fun, and it was great to see so many people coming together to play sports and cheer each other on.
Continuing on to the orange bridge or the path to Tham Jang Cave. If it's Tham Jang, I probably won't go in because it's late. The entrance fee is 2,000 kip. When I arrived, there was a tree with orange flowers, so I took some photos to match the tone. If I were to go into Tham Jang Cave,
To reach the cave, one must cross a bridge and pass through another checkpoint. The entrance to the cave features a crystal-clear stream flowing in front.
The night market is located in two alleys, with one alley leading up to the middle. It is strange that the market is not connected by a single alley. The market sells jewelry, clothing, and food. I walked past it without paying much attention.
19:00 - Returned to the area near my accommodation for dinner. Today, I had to try the Lao papaya salad, but the taste wasn't quite there yet. I didn't really like it. If you're curious about the taste, come and try it yourself.
I'm not sure what kind of water it is, I haven't tasted it. If anyone has tried it, please let me know what it is. It's near the condiments.
Banana roti 10,000 kip
28 Feb - Today we have an appointment at 9:00 am. But I woke up early to eat breakfast and walked around the area near my accommodation. I came across a place I stayed at four years ago, Vang Vieng Central Backpacker. The view from the top floor is amazing! I saw beautiful fog this morning. For breakfast, I had pâté.
The 15,000 kip bacon cheeseburger was delicious, but the patty was a bit too large.
Upon arrival at the designated meeting time, I observed numerous groups of individuals being greeted by their respective tour guides. In my case, I was approached by a representative who directed me to a nearby hotel where I was to wait for the arrival of the tour bus.
After a short wait, a car picked us up and drove around to pick up other passengers until it was full. We headed north to Tham Chang and Tham Nam Caves. The road was dusty, but it didn't matter because we were going to be swimming anyway.
9:40 AM - The first stop is Tham Chang Cave. It's just a short walk across the bridge, but you have to pass through a temple. There is an entrance fee at every location, which is customary. The tour guide will distribute water and waterproof bags to protect your belongings. This is especially important here.
The atmosphere is like our Isan home.
10:30 AM - Tham Nam Cave
Continuing our journey from Tham Chang Cave, we arrived at Tham Nam Cave after a 1 kilometer walk. This cave features a thrilling zip line, but our main objective was to explore its depths. The cave is characterized by a constant flow of water, requiring us to navigate through it using inner tubes and ropes. Each participant was equipped with a headlamp, enhancing the experience. For first-timers, this adventure is truly remarkable, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. However, due to safety precautions, we were unable to capture photos inside the cave. Our cameras were safely stored with the tour guide at the entrance, where they were monitored.
11:40 AM - After kayaking on the Song River from Tham Nam, we took a short car ride to the boat drop-off point for lunch. The meal consisted of fried rice, barbecue, and fragrant bread, which was typical of the area. However, the highlight was the incredibly sweet bananas, which were a vibrant orange color. I enjoyed them so much that I forgot to take a picture.
As we sat down to eat, we chatted with the Thai people who had come with us, Khun Ton and his girlfriend. They asked us where we had been sightseeing, and they told us that they had already been to Blue Lagoon 1-3, so they wouldn't be going there again today. Instead, they were going to paddle back to their accommodation.
Interestingly, the Blue Lagoon has three locations.
Blue Lagoon 1 is the first stop for the group. It features a jumping platform and is the most crowded spot. Nearby, there is the Pu Kham Cave.
Blue Lagoon 2 is like a large pool, further away, with fewer people and the clearest water.
Blue Lagoon 3 is a pool-like area located approximately 8-9 kilometers further up a gravel road. It is less crowded than other areas.
Today, I'm content with just jumping into the Blue Lagoon 1.
After finishing our meal, the staff explained how to kayak. We joined a group that had arrived earlier and set off together. The kayaking wasn't too long, and the water wasn't very rough. There was only one point that could be considered whitewater rafting. Along the way, there were rest stops, but we didn't stop. If we hadn't continued to the Blue Lagoon, we would have had to kayak all the way to Vang Vieng town. However, we had to continue, so we took another car ride.
14:00- Blue Lagoon 1: After kayaking, we took a car ride through the city again and passed Pha Ngern. Oh! Then I realized that we didn't plan to go here. I thought it was our goal. Haha. But let's play in the water first. When we arrived at Blue Lagoon, the tour group asked us to get on the bus at 16:30.
Our group likely arrived before anyone else, as there weren't many people around. As the evening approached, more groups arrived, and we had to queue to jump into the water. There were tourists from various nationalities, including Koreans, Japanese, Thais, and Westerners. The diving platform had two levels and a rope swing, which required taking turns to jump. The atmosphere was quite show-offy. I jumped once from the highest level, and I must say, my heart skipped a beat. It was high, and the water was freezing cold.
4:00 PM - Time to head back. We decided to talk to the driver and ask him to drop us off at the entrance to Pha Ngern so we could check out the view. He was cool with it, as the atmosphere was pretty relaxed there. However, the walk up to Pha Ngern and back to Vang Vieng town is over 4 kilometers. I wouldn't recommend doing what we did. It's better to rent a bicycle or motorbike and come back later. Motorbike rentals cost around 50,000-60,000 kip, and you can rent them for half a day if you prefer.
The ascent to Pha Ngeun is truly challenging, with a 680-meter elevation gain and a steep incline of approximately 60 degrees. The safety railings are not particularly sturdy, and the entrance fee is 10,000 kip. It took me about half an hour to reach the summit.
Exhausted but the view was worth it. I stayed up there for about an hour, and honestly, I even took a nap. Haha.
17:45 - It was time to head down, as we didn't want to stay until it got too dark. We didn't have a car, so we walked down. As luck would have it, we saw a hot air balloon floating in the distance. It passed by close enough for us to take some pictures, which added to the atmosphere.
The sun sets very late here. I think it must be blocked by the mountains. In other words, I can't see the sun anymore, but it's not dark yet.
I encountered a lottery vendor and inquired about their offerings. The lottery is drawn every Wednesday, and you can purchase tickets with any two- or three-digit number, similar to the Thai lottery. Results are available on Facebook around 8 pm.
After returning to my accommodation for dinner, I ordered some cooked-to-order dishes. I would like to recommend a local delicacy, jaew bong.
Lao dark beer 20,000 kip
A short trip and I'm back home already. Time flies when you're having fun. Back in my room, I informed the staff to arrange for a bus from the bus terminal to pick me up. For my last night, I planned to visit the Sakura Bar, but when I got to my room, I fell asleep without realizing it.
March 1st:
- 8:30 AM - The car arrived on time. I woke up late and quickly got ready to go home. I didn't have to wait long for the car to pick me up.
- Upon arriving at the bus terminal, I exchanged my temporary ticket for a real one. I wanted to grab some food, but there were no restaurants available. So, I went hungry.
10:00 AM - The car will depart slightly later than scheduled.
11:50 AM - Arrived at the rest stop and immediately went to buy food. I'm starving! ><
Sticky rice x5,000, Grilled pork x5,000
14:25 - Upon reaching the checkpoint, I turned back from where I came. The place where they sell one-way tickets is located elsewhere. This time, I got the tickets for free. I guess it was because it was a big Buddhist holiday. It wasn't difficult to find. I crossed the Laotian immigration checkpoint and then exchanged money. 270 kip = 1 baht. I exchanged a total of over 400,000 kip, so I had a lot of money left.
When arriving at the Thai checkpoint, unlike the arrival, you will need to unload your luggage from the car in case they call for an inspection. Then, you can sleep soundly all the way to Udon Thani Bus Terminal.
16:20- Upon exiting the Udon Thani Bus Terminal, passengers are often approached by groups of taxi drivers offering rides. As my flight was scheduled for late at night, I decided to visit the Pu Ya Shrine first. However, before leaving the bus terminal, I noticed a red taxi with a sign indicating airport service. This might be a more affordable option for those looking to save money. It's worth noting that public transportation options to the airport are available, eliminating the need for expensive taxi rides.
After crossing the railway tracks at UD Town, you'll arrive at your destination. I recommend reading more about it, as I believe Udon Thani is a fascinating city.
17:00 - I'm taking a Grab to the airport to catch my flight home. The journey takes about 30 minutes. If you're coming from the bus terminal, it should take about the same time.
The author mentions Don Mueang Airport and observes the presence of an A1 shuttle service that transports passengers to both BTS Mo Chit station and Mo Chit Bus Terminal 1. They note the similarity in the names of these two destinations and express concern that foreign tourists might be confused. The author suggests that renaming the BTS station to BTS Chatuchak would be more appropriate, as it would avoid confusion and better reflect its actual location.
Review
5 stars - Easy, convenient, and excellent.
★★★★ : The journey takes a long time, 7-8 hours, due to the poor road conditions.
★★★★★ : [ Hiking ] is tough because it's very steep, but it's only a short distance, so it's manageable.
★★★★ : The accommodation was comfortable for the price, but amenities were limited.
★★★★★ : [ Amazing ] Go see for yourself.
★★★★ : [ Price ] Average, but not cheap considering the additional miscellaneous fees. The cost of living is comparable.
Money
Aircraft ------------------ 698+439
Hotel --------------------------- 752
Breakfast Madame ---------------- 200
Udon Thani - Vang Vieng -------------320 +360
Ticket pass ------------------------- 5
Meatballs + Pepsi --------------------40+20
Orange Bridge Toll -------------------20
Roti ---------------------------------- 40
Dinner -----------------------120+80
Malinee Hotel 2 ------------- 480+480
One-day trip ------------------- 480
Silver Cliff Admission Fee ------------------------40
Mango juice + small black Lao beer --- 20+40
Sticky rice + grilled pork --------20+20+20+20
Grab to the airport -----------------110
Texas rice dinner ---------------129+29
Taxi back home -----------30+33+247
<<<<< 5,052 THB
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 3:27 PM
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