Laos forum

Revised itinerary

marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Hi Somtam

I have researched your original suggested itinenary and have decided on:- Huay Xai-Gibbon Experience-bus to Luang Nam Tha - Udomxai - day trip? to Muang La for hot springs - Udomxai - Nong Kiaow - Muang Ngoi - Nong Kiaow - boat down to Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - on to Southern Laos (you suggested Tha Khaek and Savannakhet as overnight stops) Pakse - Champassak and Si Phan Don - Stung Treng - Kratie - Kompong Cham - Phnom Penh. Most probably templed and caved out at this point so considering Kampot and Kep over Angkor (heresy: I know) - Sihanoukville, then Ko Kong at border on to Trat and Ko Chang for island experience - back to Bangkok- fly out - boo hoo.
My question to you is: if I needed to sacifice a section for expediency what part would you amputate?. My feeling is the Vientiane - Pakse stretch. Would you recommend flying this section? Weighing the experience over the time/effort equation.

Looking forward to your feedback

Kind Regards

Marian

#1 Posted: 17/5/2006 - 16:29
somtam2000

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Hi Marian,
I really wouldn't agree with your comment about being templed out -- maybe you've got a lower threshhold than me ;-), but the only substantial ruins you're going to see are at Wat Phu (Champasak), I'd say if you can fit it in Angkor is absolutely worth the diversion.

I'd agree with your suggested amputation -- fly down to Pakse. Also you can easily go from Si Phan Don to Kratie in one hit -- no need to overnight at Stung Treng unless you want to.

I can't remember how long you're going for -- all these trip plans get pretty muddled up in my head -- but assuing you're got enough time, its a good route.

#2 Posted: 17/5/2006 - 17:03

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marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Thanks for your input Somtam, am planning on 65 days including a week in Chang Mai for hubby to chill out and soak in the atmosphere before the 'real adventures' start. (first o/s experience for him) I think we will have to 'suck it and see' - so OZ. I agree that Angkor is a must see but some of my best o/s experiences have been just hanging with the locals and forget about the monuments.

Ciao for now

Marian

#3 Posted: 17/5/2006 - 17:30