Laos forum

Hi everyone.
My GF and I will be in Laos in September. It'll be my 1st time abroad since the age of 12, and I'm really excited about the whole trip. 1st and foremost I must say that TravelFish has been a great aid with planning on the whole trip. But I've still got some questions. We're looking for the mix of trekking, nature and R&R on our trip. Which means we don't want to be stressed about catching the next bus, seeing every beautiful Wat, missing this or that sight recommended on LP or whichever travel guide, but we still want to see the main natural attractions throughout Laos. In that respect, how would you rate Si Pahn Don? We've heard recommendations from many people about the place.

2nd... This is somewhat of a "rate my itinerary" thing... We've planned 2 Itineraries - 1 including Si Pahn Don but is a bit stressed, and the other is more relaxed. We arrive to Bangkok at early morning of the 5th of September, and we need to be back to Bangkok by the end of the day of the 5th of October. So... What do you think about the following Itineraries? (Also, suggestions for things to do would be appreciated)

All around North -
Bangkok - shopping and information (1-2 days)
Bangkok to Nong Khai (train)

Nong Khai to Vientiane (border crossing)
Vientiane - 1-2 days

Vientiane to Viang Vieng
Viang Vieng - R&R. Some hiking/tubing 2-4 days

Viang Vieng to Luag Prabang
Luang Prabang - Has anyone done an Elephent ride? 2-5 days.

Luag Prabang to Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua - taking a trek to local villages. 4-6 days

Muang Ngoi Neua to Udomxai
Udomxai to Luang Nam Tha
Luang Nam Tha - Trekking, visiting local villages. 4-6 days

Luang Nam Tha to Huayxay
Huayxay - Gibbon experience. 1-4 days

Huayxay to Luang Prabang (bus) 2 days

Luang Prabang to Vientiane (bus) (2 days)

Vientiane back to Bangkok (1-2 days)



North to South
Bangkok - shopping and information. 1-2 days
Bangkok to Chiang Mai (train)
Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (bus or bus through Chiang Rai - 1 day)
Chiang Khong to Huayxay (border crossing)
Huayxay - gibbon experience. 1-4 days.

Huayxay to Luang Nam Tha
Luang Nam Tha - Having fun around Luang Nam Tha. Trekking/visiting local villages (3-5 days).

Luang Nam Tha through Udomxai to Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua - Trekking. 3-4 days

Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang - 2-4 days

Luang Prabang to Viang Vieng
Viang Vieng - 2-3 days

Viang Vieng to Vientiane
Vientiane - 1-2 days

Vientiane to Pakse (overnight bus)
Pakse - Trekking, sightseeing and waterfalls. 1-3 days.

Pakse to Si Pahn Don
Si Pahn Don- 1-3 days

Si Pahn Don to Pakse
Pakse to Chong Mek (border crossing)
Chong Mek to Ubon Ratchathani (bus)
Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok (train)
1-2 days.