horseback
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#1 Posted: 9/10/2007 - 22:06


Does anybody have experience with rental of taxiservice with good english speaking driver for 2 weeks roundtrip in Laos in November/December??
Roundtrip will be:
Udon Thani- Vientiane-Vang Vieng-Luang Prabang- Non Khiaw(boat) - Nam Neung - Phonsavan - Vientiane - Udon Thani. Will need car 8 days and spent other days otherwise.
First inquiries look very expensive (USD 100/day).
Can I use sedan car or do I need 4x4 for these roads??
If anybody could give me name of driver I would be delighted.

Rufus
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 125

Located in:
Laos

#2 Posted: 10/10/2007 - 06:12


You can use a sedan, you do not need a 4WD for this trip. Do you really think $100 a day is expensive for a car and a driver? Think how much you would pay in your own country for this service. Having said this, you may be able to bargain the price down somewhat as you are going for an extended time.

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2968

Located in:
Indonesia

#3 Posted: 10/10/2007 - 14:08


US$100 strikes me as a little high -- but if you've priced that through some online agency, then the rate will be inflated anyway. As Rufus says, a 4WD is not essential, but I'd say a 4WD will prob be more comfortable - especially if you have a lot of luggage.

A friend who hired a 4WD with driver for about six weeks of travel in Southern Laos paid in the region of US$60-70 per day from memory. He's away at the moment, but when he's back in town I'll see if I can get the driver's details for you (the driver was based in Vientiane, so you'd need to get yourself there first I think).

Will post back if I get some more info.

fondo
backpacker
Posts: 18

#4 Posted: 10/10/2007 - 20:58


I don't think you'll get a car to go over the border, so you'll need to get one in Vientiane. I was quoted USD70 without, USD80 with driver (I think). Ten bucks a day comprehensive insurance 'ain't too bad!

That was for 5 days, maybe longer is cheaper. Joe Rumble's your man.

www.avr.laopdr.com

fondo
backpacker
Posts: 18

#5 Posted: 10/10/2007 - 20:59


I don't think you'll get a car to go over the border, so you'll need to get one in Vientiane. I was quoted USD70 without, USD80 with driver (I think). Ten bucks a day comprehensive insurance 'ain't too bad!

That was for 5 days, maybe longer is cheaper. Joe Rumble's your man.

www.avr.laopdr.com

horseback
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#6 Posted: 11/10/2007 - 05:57


Thanks for answers. I was comparing rates which I have experienced in Sri Lanka (2006 usd 35/day taxidriver was excellent english speaking guide as well); Cambodia (Jan. 2007 usd 40) and Thailand (2005 usd 30).
Sofar AVR.laopdr.com quoted me same rates (usd70-80). Why is Laos so much more expensive??
Still I will be happy to receive name/contact of good driver.

kam_taxi
longtail driver
Posts: 7

#7 Posted: 12/3/2008 - 14:09


oh.. i'm a bit late, have you done this trip yet sir!