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Best route from Bangkok to Vang Vieng?
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catherine25
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Hi guys
Wondering if you could help...
We have been travelling in South East Asia before and last time we took the overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai and then crossed the border ourselves and then took a local bus into Vientiane , stayed overnight and got the bus to Vang Vieng in the morning!!
We are on a much tighter schedule this time and cant really afford so much time on the road....does anyone know of a better route?
Ive heard a good plan is to fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and then get a bus to the border and on from there, but again that seems as if it will take a long time!!
Are there any cheap airlines that fly into Vientiane or anywhere else close by?
Also does anyone know if it is possible to get a Laos visa while still in the UK? Or even if we can get one in Bangkok? Trying to cut down time as much as possible!!
Thanks!!
#1 Posted: 6/3/2012 - 12:30
Rufus
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No, those are the only ways to get to Vang Vieng. Alternatively you could fly to Luang Prabang and then take a bus from Luang Prabang.
#2 Posted: 6/3/2012 - 21:14
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ProjectLP
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Hello,
The fastest and simplest way to get to Vang Vieng from Bangkok is :
1. Fly from Bangkok (BKK) to Vientiane (VTE) in 70 minutes
There are 4 flights per day served by Thai Airways and Lao Airlines
2. Bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng in 4-5 hours
There are 3 departures per day in VIP bus; 2 in the mornings and 1 in the evening. Transport by other buses and mini-buses are also available.
The course from the airport and the Northern bus station in Vientiane needs a tuk-tuk ride. Also depending on the season, the VIP bus may be completely booked. Don’t forget to get down in Vang Vieng because the bus goes all the way to Luang Prabang (which is a pretty descent place to end up by accident anyway … in my opinion).
You can get a visa at any Lao PDR embassy, but they usually recommend to going directly to the port of entry. At Vientiane airport, it doesn’t take so much time as long as you have all the documents and the fee in USD ready.
Good luck !
#3 Posted: 7/3/2012 - 00:47
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captainbkk
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now try some logic thinking:
1. plane+Bus combo eats time in daylight. Plus that connections also eat lots of time. You''ll waste most of that day.
2.currently train is suspended last stretch beyond Udorn-long overdue rail repairs. Train only advisable if you want that bed and can get it. Travelling at night is not ''lost''time. Youll waste till 14 or so next day in buses.
3.Much more reliable, but for many a kind of curse, is the overnight bus, from BKK MOchit-to Nongh Khai-will set you down wehn they still charge the overtime at Lao-border, thus all in all a lot quicker as train+bus combo.
4.OR-and yes, I am very well aware of the assumed dangers of KhaoSarn buses, but this one is different and does not suffer from it-as it charges normal sensible prices: direct NAGA/Sabaidee bus from near Khao Sarn-into VTE, where you get reoloaded into a minivan or even VIP to VgVg. 800/1000 THB all the way.
#4 Posted: 8/3/2012 - 19:05
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and 5. now that new direct bus Udorn-VgVg has started-by that so praised by you govt. bus: take any overnight-can even also do govt bus- BKk_Udorn and connect there.
#5 Posted: 9/3/2012 - 20:24
catherine25
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Thanks for the advice, I agree ProjectLP that the best way would be to fly Bangkok to Vientiene however the flights are £200 return which I feel is pretty pricey for SE Asia - considering flying to Udon Thani is only £35 return!!
Thanks captainBKK - we are thinking we might just get the bus and try to book it directly from Bangkok to Vang Vieng!! Seems the simplest option!!
#6 Posted: 13/3/2012 - 12:20
busylizzy
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So why not go back to your original suggestion and fly to Udon Thani, then bus to VV via VTE? That would have to be a lot quicker than bussing all the way from Bkk to VV?!
#7 Posted: 13/3/2012 - 16:46
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"Thanks captainBKK - we are thinking we might just get the bus and try to book it directly from Bangkok to Vang Vieng!! Seems the simplest option!!"
Do you know how long you are to be on that "simplest option"??? This bus ride wouldn't suck, it would suck a LOT. Like, worse than the plane ride that got you to SEA.
#8 Posted: 14/3/2012 - 10:56
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catherine25
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True!! Best option is flying to Udon Thani and busing it from there I think!! At least then its only a day travelling rather than overnight as well!! Just wish flights into Vientiane weren't so expensive!!
Thanks for the advice!!
#9 Posted: 14/3/2012 - 11:19
MADMAC
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catherine
Absolutely. Fly to Udon, RON in Nong Khai, move out from there the next day. Breath a little.
#10 Posted: 14/3/2012 - 12:34
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Rufus
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Read my lips - THERE IS NO bus from Bangkok to Vang Vieng.
#11 Posted: 15/3/2012 - 19:04
MADMAC
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And Rufus, besides the fact that the market would probably not support a direct Bangkok to VV bus, I would imagine another reason said bus doesn't exist is because most of the passengers would kill themselves prior to arrival.
#12 Posted: 17/3/2012 - 00:29
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Rufus
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" I would imagine another reason said bus doesn't exist is because most of the passengers would kill themselves prior to arrival."
Very likely, Mac.
It is amazing how some posters do not read replies though, or perhaps don't believe what they are told.
#13 Posted: 17/3/2012 - 01:42