Laos forum

From Luang Prabang to Hanoi (or at least vietnam)

etam

newbie
Posts: 3

Hi!

I've set up a nice route that takes me from bangkok to hanoi, but I still have a big question to straighten out.

I intend to travel from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, without killing to much time. Does anybody have a suggestion on how I should do this? A realistic time estimate would also be of great value. Flying, although this probably means I have to get back to Vientiane, might be an option, if travelling by bus is too time consuming. But hopefully there's things to see along the bus route that makes i worth while?

/Etam

#1 Posted: 13/9/2007 - 21:40
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

Private message

Hi Etam,

To do the trip overland from Luang Prabang to Hanoi takes at least two full days of travel. If you want to fly, there are direct flights now between Luang Prabang and Hanoi, so there's no need to go to Vientiane.

The Borders and Visas FAQ has some information on estimated trip times across borders in that region -- should be of help.

#2 Posted: 14/9/2007 - 08:25

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vietguide

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Posted from within Vietnam.

Hi Etam,

There are two options for you:
1. Flight Luang Prabang - Hanoi, please take Laos Airlines (as Laos airlines share the same flight with Vietnam Airlines, so in this case, laos airlines = Vietnam Airlines), you will save cost and the rate is about at $150/way/person

2. If you care about cost, and have time, you can take bus: Luang Prabang-Vientiane-Hanoi at about USD 40/way/person with 1 night in Vientiane and 1 night on the bus. But this is not recommended as it's so terrible with the quality of bus. Don't beleive - try it -:)..

Happy flying

#3 Posted: 23/9/2007 - 15:23
pauljaymes

hippy
Posts: 74

I travelled overland from Vientiane to Vinh in August 2006. After hearing all the tales of the unpleasant direct bus to Hanoi I took a bus to Lak Sao and picked up a ride to Vinh there with some Vietnamese traders. It took all day to get from Vientiane to Vinh but I think it was a whole lot better than it would have been on the dodgy direct bus.

If you do take the overland route you can change Kip into Dong at the border. Make sure you have plenty of dollars or dong when you arrive in Vietnam as Thai Baht is not widely accepted like it is in Laos; and Lao kip will probably be laughed at :-) There are ATMs that accept foreign cards in Vinh city.

#4 Posted: 25/9/2007 - 06:01