Laos forum

"One other option could be to fly from BKK to Udorn Thani, which is about 100 km or so south of Nong Khai and Vientiane, then take the international bus or even a taxi from there." This would probably be a better option than the overnight bus on your honeymoon.

Doing it reverse isn't a bad idea, Chiang Mai is a very nice place to get settled into as well. I would recommend a one or two night excursion with Pooh Eco Travel if you are willing to pay a little more for a better experience (since it is your honeymoon and all) - you could even take the slow-boat down to Luang Prabang and skip Luang Namtha - instead opting for doing your hiking around Mung Ngoi (a 1hr boat ride north of Nong Kiaow).

Ah, so many possibilities! Is my idea of flying into Vientiane not a good idea b/c of the one-way flight problem? Or are you just trying to help me save money?

Rufus, how much does the mini-bus from Udon Thani to Vientiane cost? And is the border crossing there fairly easy to manage?

And caseyprich, we were planning on Mung Ngoi as well. Would you recommend more time there and less time in Luang Namtha? What about compared to Vientiane and PDJ? We would like to get a feel for several different parts of Laos, that's why the spread-out itinerary.

Exacto, will any travel agent in BKK be able to help us solve our issue? Do they cost a lot extra? I haven't had much luck online getting a local agent.

Thanks in advance!

"Rufus, how much does the mini-bus from Udon Thani to Vientiane cost? And is the border crossing there fairly easy to manage?"
I can't remember the exact amount, but it is not expensive. The border crossing is super easy. You do the Thai formalities, cross the Friendship Bridge and then get your visa on arrival in Lao. Use USD - 30-42 depending on your nationality. 30 for Aust. 35 for US. It is no problem at all.
This is the cheapest way to fly and is relatively quick.
POJ is definitely worth a visit; so much so that I am buying land there to start a farm.

In fact, this screw-up ended being a serendipitous delight! We flew to Vientiane from Bangkok, only had to wait two hours for the connection, thus gaining two whole days in Laos. We spent one more day (3 total) in Vientiane, then two nights in Phonsavan (met some wonderful people and had a fabulous guide) and have now stuck the other extra day onto Luang Prabang, which we're just loving. We're taking caseyprich's advice and cutting out Luang Namtha, and are now thinking of taking the boat on the Nam Ou all the way up to Muang Khua. Anyone ever done this? We may try to stop in Udomxai as well. We have six days to go up the Nam Ou and make our way back to Luang Prabang, any other suggestions?

And any ideas for choosing among the many elephant 'mahout training' possibilities on offer? Any other places to do it besides Luang Prabang?

When I was in Udomxia in 2008 it really wasn't a place I'd recommend to visit - just a dusty cross-roads town. I think the time is better spent with stops in Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi.