Travel Laos

Write about distant lands that I now write about Laos Water land plots adjoining land with S-shaped country Million Elephants and the temple with unique architecture. Laos is sandwiched between the Mekong River and Truong Son Mountains, so to get to this land you can come from many different directions. The most attractive tourist spots such as Vientiane (Vientiane), the ancient capital of Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang), the town of Vang Vieng with Beautiful scenery with adventurous tours. Also if you have time you can go on the plain in Phonesavanh (Xieng Khuang), Southern Laos, do not ignore Pakse and the area around the Pakse. Especially you do not overlook the temples in Laos, if you post will find it very special and unlike Cam or Thailand. If you go into the New Year, you BunPimay also join the traditional Water Festival is fun. Some of the storytelling, and now some information on Tourism Employment, the reader will find many interesting and useful things.

Going to Laos like?

Going by air

From Hanoi flights go straight HAN VTE, Luong Prabang Laos of VNair associated with Air. Before many of you say the price of Air Laos cheaper, but I check again and saw VietnamAirlines cheaper. Price range for 1 pm 2t8. But aircraft and services are better Vietnamair Laos. You see more information on prices and flight at: www.laoairlines.com and VNA offline.

Passenger cars, beds to Laos

From Saigon to Laos

Normally you in Saigon Pakse in Laos will go first, then to other provinces from here. Information Pakse luxury:

From Saigon to Siphadon - Champasak - Pakse with garage Phan Huy Ich Dawn 9/8, P14, q Go Vap (near Quang Trung) (800k / ticket - 0989475787) A. Son: 0918.714 679 A. Blessed: 0918.770 397 / C. Page (in Laos): 0085.6208446699.

Or go from Saigon to Gia Lai, then go Pakse from Gia Lai Mai Linh. Fares refer whiff, you ask a garage to have a specific price. 16 seats, leaving at 5am. Cars go well ok, quality merchandise at the foot.

Garages Ming Yu: Pakse - Cambodia - Saigon. Contact: 020.99911838 / 02056424555/020 55130 550 / 84.989961239 (5am departure 2nd to 7th and technology.

From Hanoi to Lao

There are many ways to go by road from Hanoi to Vientiane. But usually you go by the following:

You can buy tickets at the bus station hotel beds groundwater, 500k price VND / ticket. Vehicles run from the bus station at 19h daily groundwater. Coach 2 types, one is the Vietnam Coast Car Companies 27-7 and 14-Vietnam company (should go): run the 3-5-7 day of the week. Vehicles running the day Laos Sea-Sun weekly 2-4-6. Vehicles will follow the path 1 and Turn 8 Ha Tinh journey through the Cau Treo border (Vietnam), Laos is the Nam Phao border gate. Garages will stamp immigration help passengers, so you do not have to worry about the procedure. HN vehicles from 19h, to the gate about 5h00-6h00 morning, waiting until 7:30, then exit procedures. After the exit, the car ran to the bus station around 15h Vientiane. There will be many tuk lambrettas -tuk pick you, you say they will bring to the hotel where many tuk tuk drivers can speak Vietnamese so can be assured, the Lao gentle, honest and comfortable, so you no need to worry.

High quality vehicles HAN - VTE: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, high-quality vehicles 45C Laos, the Lao driver, safe, attentive and fast, car air conditioners, water, tour guide. Running straight, not catch the visitors. Tickets: $ 22.00 / pax. Hours run: 19.30h. 18.30h at present concentrated in VP 3A Nguyen Gia Thieu. Vientiane at 16.00h till the next day. Venture Vehicles, run every day of the week, the Vietnamese driver, vehicle 45C, Air. There freighter, constant car, running straight. Tickets: $ 17.00 / pax (~ VND 300,000d). Focus: 18.00h at 3A Nguyen Gia Thieu. Vehicles that run at 19.30h.

From Hanoi to Pakse

From Hanoi to Dong Hoi car down Quang Binh, then buy tickets from Pakse here. Information on bus routes closed slightly - Pakse: HTX truck transport mechanic Huy Hoang. Going in Dong Hoi, 6:45 Terminal, 5th weekly. Contacts: 052.3828939, Mobile: 097.3700939. Laos Tel: 51,463,789.

One other car was VietLaoBus, tel 0914425788 (his salary), 950k price, starting 1830, not go 5th, runtime 26 to 27 hours, routes: Hanoi (25 Tong Duy Tan) - Nam bite ( Nghe An) - Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang (northern bus station, ban na airflow near Luang Prabang airport).

Vientiane to Bangkok

There is a new bus route runs straight open 250.000kip price range, parking 2 flights run about 5.pm - 6pm. You go from the bus station if ground water is coming faster bus station Dong Doi (Vientiane) around 3 pm, late, about 5.30pm. Then you have to go to the bus station tuk tuk morning market (Ta Lat Sao) to buy tickets direct to Bangkok or Nongkhai. If fast, then you just bought tickets to get tickets to bangkok Nongkhai is not it time it was too late. Udon to Bangkok from Nongkhai or they had several vehicles, to purchase VIP tickets for comfortable sitting size 700bath / 1 person, while car parking points around 350-400bath run very laborious and tiring too (ride the Thai for quality).

Vehicles from Xieng cavity on Vinh City: Contact Vietnam: 0913 382 200 - 0985 522 999 - 01234 898 898; Laos Phone: 20506 8668 - 20259 8668 - 20518 7435.

Take the self-driving cars to Laos

Firstly need procedures for vehicles. You need to Department for Transport to operate procedures Vietnam Laos (in Hanoi was made in Cao Ba Quat or Tran Phu Ha Dong), a simple procedure:
Vehicle registration (required governmental or company car, if not the owner must ask a registered vehicle called up).
The application for license (if the governmental governmental signed, if the car company name, the director the seal)
Accommodation bearer gate go: should keep all the gate, and if caught, you keep accurate records about 4 gate records, such as in Hanoi, write stage door: Suspension Bridge, Lao Bao, Nam Kan Cha lo ...
Fee: 50,000 VND / car
Time and return the papers in just 3 days.

Motels hotels in Laos

You should check the price and determine the location of the Resort hotels booking site Agoda.com reputation, most people still book a room or across town. This will take the initiative for you to stay, do not waste time searching through the room there and then. Another thing is that the hotel offers in Laos had several owners are Vietnamese, so if you like you can select motels Vietnamese people to be able to communicate smoothly. Some suggestions for you:

In Vientiane, some hotels may in be like:

Hotels Family Hotel and a number of hotels near the Lao Plaza Hotel (5 star hotel) - Nam Phu zones many foreigners stay, pleasant. Hotels near the waterfront, it also has much higher prices. The Vietnam there are few hotels or at Mina (Lane Road Gas), Chaluenxay and Xayxonbun in after ANZ building near Thatdam (US Embassy).

Some speak Vietnamese hotel

Hotels Long Knives - boss speak Vietnamese. Tel: 865-21-990-386;
RiverSide Hotel, Ban Mixay, 2 star hotels - POBox 2846 - Vien Tiane, Lao PDR Tel: (856-21) 244390. Check Rates at Agoda
Chaleunxay Hotel in sugar Khounboulom Road. View room price on Agoda.
La Ong Dao Hotel 1, Ban Phon Si Nuan address, Nong Chan.

Some other hotels may refer to the past

Dragon Lodge Hotel (311-313 Samsenthai Rd, Ban Anou, PO Box 2892, Vientiane / Tel: + 856-21-250114) (reference price is 130.000K 2/2012).

In the near Thad airflow, you can at Villa Daraxay Guest House, address: 31 321 Sisangvone Street, Nongbone, That Luang, Vientiane, Laos. Tel: +856 21 414640. The rooms are very clean with garden, from here, you can walk out and Thad Luang Patuxay, very close to the Vietnamese people in the market called Market Naxay, here the Vietnamese people very much diner , rice noodles including Hanoi, full of currency exchange, laundry ... but have the disadvantage that if you go to the center, they must go tuktuk morning market around 2km. Information on prices of Villa Daraxay room on Agoda.

Also many cheap motels hotels in Vientiane for your other check on Agoda, a reputable booking channels and convenient.

Hotels in Luang Prabang

Kounxavan Guest House: beautiful campus, priced from $ 7 $ -10; SuanPhao 071 252 229 Guest House, Vongpanya (7-10 $) 071 212 039 slightly away from the center; Marry Guest House has rooms overlooking the beautiful river Nam Khan (10 $) 071 252 325. Information and booking the room price Hostel on at Agoda

Travel Laos

Vientiane

Situated on a curve of the Mekong River, Vientiane has a history spanning some 1,000 AD. This land is set by the development of alluvial plains around. Vientiane Laos became the capital of the mid 16th century.

Vientiane is the land contained many important national monument in Laos as: That Luang (Great Stupa), a symbol of the sovereignty of Laos and is a symbol of Buddhist Laos.

Go to Vientiane you should visit the following:

Wat Sisaket: built in 1818, this is one of the oldest temple in Vientiane. It is located in the heart of the old city, where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. Inside the hall, courtyard wall with hundreds of small houses and shelves containing a total of 6840 Buddha images. Opening times: daily from 08:00 to 16: 00.

That Luang Stupa (Great Stupa) First built in 236 by the Buddhist Calendar (ie 307 BC), by the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack. Dai told like an oven tower about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. Originally built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters high and is said to contain a relic of the Buddha. The center's golden stupas repeat the curve of a Lotus flower lasts. Today it is a cultural monument of national importance. Open daily from 08:00 to 16:00.

Hor Pha Keo Museum

Initially, this temple was built in 1565 by King Sayasetthathirath used to house the Emerald Buddha 1565-1779. Later it was rebuilt in 1936. In 1970 the temple was converted from a house of worship into a museum. And now it is a museum containing many national collections, the Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. From the terrace of Ho Pra Keo, people can have a panoramic view overlooking the Presidential Palace (formerly the Royal Palace). Open daily from 08:00 - 12:00 and 01:00 to 16:00.

Patuxay

Patuxay monument was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most striking point in the city. It is located on the boulevard Lanexang. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument, and since then has stunning panoramic view of the city of Vientiane. Open daily from 08:00 -17: 00.

Xieng Khuang Buddha Park

Xieng Khuang Buddha Park was built in 1958 displayed a collection of Buddhist sculptures and Hindu, interspersed among gardens and trees. Buddha Park was built 28 kilometers south of the capital Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River, directly across the river is the town of Thailand Nong Khay. Open daily from 08:00 to 16:30.

There's also a number of other attractions such as Wat Simuang, Tri Pitaka Library, and enjoy the sunset on the banks of the Mekong River.

Vehicles mainly in Vientiane and Laos in particular generally tuk tuk like in Thailand. But pay attention if you go out late would be difficult for the car for family Laotians almost always travel by private automobile. Tuk tuk here charge per person and not by distance, about 10.000kip / person / trip. But if many people can go haggle from 50.000kip down 5-6 30.000kip for all people.

With these attractions, you should take the time as follows:

Spend half day visit That Luang, the most famous temple Animal Park. Photographing is very beautiful.
Spend 1/2 days to go Nongkhai - gate Lao Thai, 25km from Vienna Blankets, go very fast, very easy entry and exit. In supermarkets and shopping Nongkhai. If you have more time, then take the bus to Udon Thani, one fairly large city of Thailand, Bangkok shopping is no different.
Spend one more day to go further other locations.

Dining and Cuisine in Vientiane

We should try to eat food in restaurants Khua Lao Lao - Vietntiane. Greek specialty dishes (such as minced meat mixed format with live cowpea diced, raw vegetables and peppers) served with sticky rice. Other tasty dishes in Laos also has barbecue (chicken, pork, sausage ...) food is also delicious. There are beef (buffalo meat must ensure ko) and the Mekong River fish should taste. The other dishes are nearly identical processing Vietnam but spicier and saltier. The menu is simple here, just around beef, chicken, pork, fish, crab .. rare amphibians such as in Vietnam, the processing is much simpler. Drinks mainly beer and soft drinks bottling Laos.

Focus dining area is 2 cities along the Mekong river is Fa Ngum and Setthathirath. Fa Ngum along with restaurants serving tourists, sidewalk shops, night markets very easy to eat here. Behind, in parallel with the road Setthathirath Fa Ngum, has many eateries serving foreigners as easy to eat with the Vietnamese. Want to eat delicious little restaurant, beauty shop, you can go to View or Laos Kong Garden to eat and enjoy live music after 19h30.

Currency exchange: Main Avenue Langxane has many exchange offices, many Vietnamese origin master money exchange counters so you can easily exchange USD / VND into Laos KIP money without having to know the Lao language. NOTE currency exchange primarily during office hours, to 17 pm whiff.

Shopping: In Vientiane, the market is the place to shop is decent. Morning (Morning Market - Talat Sao) and Talat Sao Mall (new building) is shopping that many Vietnamese to visit, shopping at stop in Vientiane. Morning market can purchase items such as: Level 1 with pants, shirt, mobile phone, 2nd floor with gold jewelry, silver, 3rd floor with dining area. In addition, there are many market morning market can buy many different commodities as markets Khua Din, Thong Khan Kham market, Chinese market. There is one supermarket was put into operation in this year's D-Mark on the road pretty much Dong Palan map quite reasonable prices. But to go Shopping, the best that you should to NongKhai, cross the border and go shopping Thai side, the range of goods and cheaper and Laos.

What play in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Vientiane, situated in the north, near the Mekong River. Generally most of the major cities of Laos along the Mekong. As a tourist city should place the whole just find restaurants, hotels and backpackers. The biggest attraction here are the palaces, the vestiges of an ancient capital (like Siem Reap and Hue of Vietnam). Besides Luang Prabang also attracts tourists by the waterfall and cave (how Luangpabang 24km).

To reach Luangpabang can go by bus or by plane from Vientiane. But if not withstand motion sickness, do not take a bus for long distances up to 400 km from Vientiane, over 200km Luangpabang just hills and crab lines continuously. Flight from Vientiane to Luangpabang 600,000 Kip / 1 pm. But the ride guests will have the opportunity through Vang Vieng, is also a tourist destination with many activities explore adventure sports tourism, which is also regarded as the center of attraction Packbacker ... The must go in Luang Prabang:

Alms ceremony

The ritual usually takes place very early in the morning (6am range), hundreds of monks from the temple in Luang Prabang start walking through every street and corner. Often the monks would go begging for alms in the area around the temple. Although the ceremonies took place across the city of Luang Prabang, but there are 2 streets focused many visitors and especially Th Th Kamal Sakkarin. Each monk when seeking alms are carrying a large bowl, which is attached to the shoulder strap to hang on. This is the unique culture of Laos in Luang Prabang, you should take the time to get up early to watch, take pictures, and feel this traditional culture.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves are located north of Luang Prabang on the Mekong and can be reached by boat or by road transport. Famous Pak Ou Caves with small Buddha statues including hundreds of wooden Buddha (was damaged quite a lot) is displayed on the wall. System in Pak Ou Buddha varied, showing a lot of different forms of Buddhism.

Tad Sae waterfall

Waterfall with stairs and large not as Kuang Si, but very beautiful. You can bathe in it, participating elephant. You will have to take a boat to reach the waterfall.

Wat Xieng Thong

Built in the 16th century by King Saysetthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong temple is one of the most interesting examples of Buddhist art and architecture in Luang Prabang. It also is said to be one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. The ornate carved and gilded car king's funeral was previously kept in a building in the temple courtyard. This temple was used for royal ceremonies the most important. Opening times: 08:00 to 05: 30. Open daily. Admission fee: 20,000 kip (US $ 3)

Mount Phousi

The mountain is located in the center of town, guests will need to climb 328 zigzag stairs to reach the summit. From here you will see the city panorama. Phousi mountain is Mount Saint of Luang Prabang, in the same location on top of it is 20m high Chomsi Bao ThapWat.

Wat That Luang

Located behind the old stadium on the way to the Kuang Si waterfall. That Luang temple is built on a high hill in 1818 by King Manthatourath. Before 1975, Wat That Luang is used to organize the funeral and cremation for the highest dignitaries of the country.

Going back in Luang Prabang

Travelling within metropolitan, you should move on a bike or walking, traffic here is very safe for you. If memory go fully prepared drinking water. Moving from LP to inner suburban sites. There are two main points to come in suburban Kuangsi Falls and Pak Ou Caves, each point of the city center (taken landmark mountain Phousi) 30km. Tuktuk for 200,000 kip / car / 7 seats. Small buses 50000 kip / person (apparently also 7 seater). Note: This price is not clear whether one-way check or 2D. You go, then check again.

There are three main areas should come in Luang Prabang's inner city, and the Pak Ou Kuangsi waterfall. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO world cultural heritage, should make the old town is worth visiting.

Peak Phousi: sunset, panoramic view of Luang Prabang.
Night Market is open on Si sa wine city life, is the city's main street stretching from the foot of Mount Phousi. Go here you can shop, play, watch, eat.
See the monks alms in the morning.
Visiting temples: Wat Xieng Thong Temple is the most famous. Also a lot of small temples, pagodas facilities occurs, we enter that temple.
Streetwear: photography, sightseeing, eating and flirting with the locals.

Dining in Luang Prabang

Features of LP's culinary cuisine sidewalks, taste a bit like Hanoi and akin Thailand, namely: Spicy, warm, garlic, chilli, many fish, with herbs. Some dishes are mentioned are: water noodle shop near Wat Xieng Thong Xiang. Tam_maak_hung salad (papaya salad must), rustic sausage (sai gog), grilled fish, steamed vegetables and pork, fried coconut cake, pancake fried butter, beer several rustic dishes can be found in night markets. Daily dishes such as affordable rice, noodles, wheat meat for around 15,000 kip / productivity. Morning: porridge Rib (6000 kip lak), rolls (10,000 kip), sandwiches (10,000 kip), flung Greek (9000 kip). Generally, just loitering around Luang Prabang city when hungry, turned into a roadside shop and eat.

Tubing in Vang Vieng

(Roughly translated as Swim Float in Vang Vieng)

Tubing in Vang Vieng appeared a few years ago and has quickly become one of the activities to attract tourists next top trekking, kayaking, rock climbing and caving.

Tubing unattractive? attractive thing from simple things, you will be provided with a float made of tires, and self floating floating on the water, make the meal a small party and watch the beautiful scenery of Vang Vientiane along two sides of the river. The wonderful feeling that is stretched over time, will be very special if you go in the late afternoon, when the afternoon sun stretched across the river, but not scorching sun light, a scene with the silver water waves created a wonderful setting. If you prefer athletes, to join the Western group Backpacks, you can jump from the trunk into the river, have fun and feel.

Vientiane go Nongkhai and northeast provinces

There are 2 buses, one is from Nongkhai to Vientiane travel, a travel from Udon Thani to Vientiane. 2 buses depart from the terminal are closely Talat Sao market. Vehicles running 2h, 30 minutes at the gate Nongkhai. Vehicles are not very good, but very comfortable, each one 1 seat. Cars will stop at the border Nongkhai (after 30 minutes). Exit declare myself in Laos (10,000 kip fee), then walk to the side of the Thai Immigration. Doing the procedure is finished, the bus will be waiting for you on the side of Thai (Thai car company), and ran toward Udon Thani, very good way. Buses will stop at the bus station in the UDT (total time 2 hours). This bus station is also where you buy tickets to Bangkok (Chan travel Vehicles, 525 Baht, 8), or the car back to Vientiane. You should buy tickets in advance for 1-2 days because travel demand is quite crowded.

1 car next to the hotel are quite good and cheap as:

Silver Reef (about 700 Baht, see on Agoda.com). bus station 2 minutes walk. You can pull up to operating ease. This hotel is a night market Central Plaza and 3: Precha, Center Point, UDT town about 5 minute walk. Large rooms, new, very good.

Udon residence (600 Baht). New hotels open, a 3-minute walk from the night market. You see on Agoda and book. Udon Thani also not many tourists so much availability.

At UDT can only change money (not where exchange VND) at banks. at the 3rd floor of Central Plaza has many banks. You need to bring your passport or driver's license photo.

Delicious dishes you can visit the night market, enjoy grilled fish, served with rice noodles, herbs, Thai sauce, Central Market selling point advance. Grilled pork tenderloin served with sticky rice and mango sticky rice dishes are also quite tasty. Night Market Center point and UDT town in the Central Station 2, extending the 1 KM. Go for one fun night markets know how.

Inside Central Plaza loudly, worth visiting, basement with Food Park, silkworm feed. You should try to eat buffet at Shabu Shi Sushi chain of Oishi, 5th floor (319 Bath, so easy and cheap, sushi, grilled saba fish, shrimp tempura, hotpot chain, ice cream, beverages), with Robinson, Tops, Watson, Booths, ... to buy cosmetics.

Additional Information

Contact: If in Laos for a long time, can buy a new phone SIM, but remember to call via VOIP (codes 118, 177 ..) is also about 2.000kip / minute, otherwise the international call charges directly 10 times going. SIM is also cheaper here about 50K 25K kip kip account. There are both free messaging network for Vietnam.

Cost: In Laos, cheaper automotive exterior VN 30%, the rest of the necessities are expensive double Vietnam. Example 1 ice cream as it was 8,000 kip Wall side, equivalent to 16.000vnd. All expenditures must be careful and ask price, bargain.

The taboo when traveling in Laos

Do not waist woman, kissing hands or take action blooper women. This is taboo action in Laos. If you want friendly attitude and you should keep a distance and polite. Even at the point where your massage services are also suspended tease act, the person will be immediately reported to the police and you sanctioned.
If you want to be pictured with a beautiful native girl? it absolutely can be. However, when taking common, you should take two hands neatly behind the back or to the front end, absolutely not be violated, if not you will see the "consequences" soon after.
Diets touch action, or patting one's head Laos (especially men). This is considered a serious insult action, can even lead to a fight.
Do not plead when people did not want to let you see or touch a certain object. Because maybe they are special items and they do not want you to touch.
Laos is a country that worships Buddhism. So when visiting temples, you are not disorderly, indecent dress or vulgar words, teasing. You should not turned into Buddha statues, pay attention to the signboards and regulations here.
In Laos, unlike Vietnam, the streets do not have the status honking loudly, you should know how to participate in traffic without using whistles, only when necessary.
Aware of traffic law enforcement in this country is very high. They also make concessions to each other while being circulated. You also need to know when to give way on the road or from the side preferred to go to the main road.
When passing through a village where you see where the entrance to the village with a cotton cloth rope or a sign hanging across the object, a special symbol, called Ta-led process - local option, they must understand that the people in This village forbid strangers to the village. Often because villagers are strange cases or deaths inexplicably can cause infection, or that day to a village day of abstinence.
When the natives sleep at home, you do not get their heads toward the door.
At night, you should not cut their hair or shave. You must abstain from Wednesday haircut and shampoo abstained on Thursday.
You do not get old, empty house it or go through with exposed wires above the woman's clothes.

Some useful contacts

If you have little English can walk, if a little difficult, you can contact the following numbers.

At Vientiane: English Pen Kham: tel in Laos: 020 665 4605. Want to eat hot pot Pen Buffe then called him and waved tuk tuk to go, he will talk with Tuk tuk driver. Any difficulties or questions you ask will be all right because he Pen speaks Vietnamese very good and enthusiastic.
In Luang Prabang: English Saipon: 9485 742 0123 Telephone VN Anh Saipon will call Laos to ask a family member to help the car and asked the hotel if you have problems in relating.
In Xieng Khouang: English Khamsay: Laos tel: 020 554 9590 When Luang Prabang group to contact him Khamsay. The crew will be welcomed Mrs Piu Lavan and her stay at motels when to Xieng Khouang. This hostel alright affordable price and can get cooking. Ms. Liu said to be Vietnamese. When the question or because she can buy tickets.