Vietnam forum

Advice needed!! travel from southern laos to hue, vietnam

elena123

newbie
Posts: 3

Trying to plan a 'rough' itinerary for 6 weeks backpacking trip in June/July -

I'm planning on travelling through Laos =

From Vientiane to Tha Khaek, then on to Savannakhet, then on to Pakse
Then from Pakse to Champasak
And from Champasak to the Si Phan Don area – the Four Thousand Islands
Then would like to go from here to central Vietnam - (Hue)...

Can anyone offer any advice on how to travel from Champasak in Laos, to Hue in Vietnam, without going back to Savannakhet?
Is it advisable to go back to Champasak and from here on to Hue? and if so, any ideas on transport - buses etc??
THANKS!!
Elly

#1 Posted: 29/5/2007 - 21:39
ernieh

noodle lady
Posts: 49

Hi Elena123,

If you can start your journey in Luang Prabang, Laos it would be better. LP is one the nicest places in Laos. You can take a mini van or bus from LP to Vientiane. It passes through Vang Vieng.

I would pass on seeing Thakek and Savannakhet and go straight to Pakse. Take the overnight VIP bus from Vientiane to Pakse with "King of Bus" company for $13.

Pakse is a good base to organize trips to Champasak to see Wat Phu, Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands. Pakse Travel across the street from Nazim Indian Resturant offers a mini van to Hat Xai (Don Khong Island) or Nakasang (Don Det Island) for 60,000 KIP OW or 110,000 KIP return ($1 = KIP 9,600). Of the 4000 Islands Don Det is the best. A bungalow with hammock costs only 15,000-20,000 KIP per night. Travel agents on Don Det Island can organize your bus trip to Vietnam.

Ernie

#2 Posted: 29/5/2007 - 22:47
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

Private message

Hi Elly,

If you don't want to return to Savannakhet, you can head instead to the new crossing at Attapeu, which leads across to Kontum in Vietnam, from where you can head to the coast and then north to Hue. Laos's Bo Y crossing is discussed in depth here.

If you don't want to cross there, then you will need to return to Savannakhet and use the Lao Bao crossing.

Hope that helps

#3 Posted: 30/5/2007 - 05:50

------------------------------
iPhone Apps for Southeast Asia