Laos forum

Fiona

Don't despair. If you've got yourself booked onto a flight from hot hot Melbourne to hot hot Vientiane in February, either you're following his passion, or you have life in your palm.

If the former, ask him what HE is going to be doing to placate a toddler and a bub while YOU enjoy yourself on the journey.

If you have life in your palm, first go read:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/cambodia/2330_takin-kids-to-cambodia-vietnam--longish-stay

Heaps there.

It is true that the bus trips can be long and tedious. But, they are really no more dangerous than crossing a busy road in Melbourne. For many, as they are not in control of the bus, they have nightmares about such journeys. My personal experience has been that the bus trips are long and tedious because the bus driver goes slowly and the distance is long.

There are many short distance routes that you will have to take in some form of wheeled option even if you fly. ps. taxi's in rural Lao are not sedan cars.

Laos is a really family oriented society. If you are willing to allow your children to interact with locals, I doubt they'll be on your lap for too long (whether on a bus, or in a park, or etc).

Flying around Laos can be expensive - if you are thinking of at least three flights in Laos, go look at the Discovery pass (type in Discovery Pass in the 'search Travelfish' box above).

As I've indicated elsewhere on Travelfish, the accommodation descriptions of Lao GH here (and nearly everywhere) are targeted towards singles and doubles. But, I've stayed in rooms that are family rooms. So, start by mapping out a rough itinerary, and then email the accommodation providers listed here on Travelfish and ask them whether they have family rooms (ie, specify type & number of beds in the room).

In some respects, Laos is not a place that one has to go see certain 'must see' icons. Rather, while there is much to see and do, Laos is a place where just being is the greatest enjoyment: talking with locals, have a meal with or without locals at a market or other non-western venue, riding bikes along local streets. The list can go on forever.

When you have a rough itinerary, revisit and describe same for more comments.

Hope this helps

Cheers

"In some respects, Laos is not a place that one has to go see certain 'must see' icons. Rather, while there is much to see and do, Laos is a place where just being is the greatest enjoyment: talking with locals, have a meal with or without locals at a market or other non-western venue, riding bikes along local streets. The list can go on forever."

Bruce, I respect your judgement on the subject. You've travelled extensively, give good advice... but you and I really do lead VERY different lives and see things very differently. Sitting around, talking with some "locals" in Laos, eating at a market, riding bikes along local streets... I'd be bored to tears. But, as they say, different strokes for different folks. I'm sure your view is closer to most travelfishers than mine.

Fiona

I don't know what star level you are seeking. But, I'm sure you'll have heaps of options.

For example, we stayed at Rattana GH during Pii Mai Laos (top of the top season) and paid US$20. For lower season take US$5 off. It was very central, and the two hosts were really warm, friendly and welcoming (was more flashpacker than backpacker). I'm not 'plugging' Rattana over others: rather providing info and feedback.

For more options, go to:

http://www.travelfish.org/accommodation/laos/northern_laos/luang_prabang/luang_prabang/all

select some, email them and go from there.

Cheers

Villa Manoly on Travelfish

Added two new words to my vocabulary here: Bub and Pram.

bub = baby

pram = perambulator

pusher = stroller

dummy = pacifier

nappy = diapir

bunnyrug = small soft blanket or similar that becomes the toddler's attachment item

tyke = toddler

toddler = newly walking - about 3yo

Yes, we Australians live in a remote corner of the world, and our language must show it.

hooroo

Rufus

We use those two terms here in Oz, but I've also heard on American TV. So, I deduced they were (sort of) global.

Cheers

John (MAC)

As you'd imagine, I'm the axact opposite.

I suggest that too many cultural idiosyncracies, local ideations, and ethnic identifiers are being lost to corporate American 'culture'.

bring back the boof!!

So, John, if we are all to be the same...

When will you begin trekking through wet wet rainforests, or swimming the Mekong, etc., etc., like all the other westerners????

hehehehe