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<title>Travelfish Laos forum</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/</link>
<description>Digest of the Laos travel forum</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:17:41 +0000</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
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<title>Decent Hostels In Vientiane</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21222_Decent-hostels-in-Vientiane/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:10:36 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hey,
I'm looking for some decent and highly-recommended hostels in  Vientiane ?   I've heard horrible reviews of Vientiane Backpackers Hostel and Funky Monkey and they seem to be the only ones bookable online.  If I can get names and addresses of others recommended, I don't mind finding them once I get there.  I'd like to stay for a couple of days where I can get help and info on booking onward trips to places like Tham Kong Lo caves, Dong Phou Vieng and then onward to Pakse. I'm also looking for a decent night's sleep (if that's possible). ]]></description>
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<title>Anti-mosquito Kit Available In Laos?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21178_Anti-mosquito-kit-available-in-Laos-/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:15:42 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I'm wanting to stock up on some gear against mozzies on my way to Laos.  I want to invest in a portable mosquito net, some DEET and creams.  Also some malarone tablets as emergency medication.  Is it possible to get such stuff in the big cities like  Vientiane  and Luang Prabang? ]]></description>
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<title>Travel By Boat In Mekong River</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21149_Travel-by-boat-in-Mekong-River/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:52:16 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hi, I'd like to know if there is any way that I could travel in boat or passenger ferry for the following location:
1.  Vientiane  to Louang phrabang
2. Louang phrabang to Vientiane
3. Louang phrabang to   Pakse
4.  Savannakhet  to Pakse
5. Pakse to Vientiane


Also, I would like to know:
1. What services are available, in case boats or ferry are not available: tourist and publictransport?
2. What are the sailing schedules?
3. How long would travel between each port take?
4.What are the costs?


Thanks in advance for the help. ]]></description>
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<title>Luang Prabang To Phonsavan To Hanoi</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21135_Luang-Prabang-to-Phonsavan-to-Hanoi/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hello all. I am going to be in   Luang Prabang   in two-three weeks and considering a one day stop in   Phonsavan   to see the Plain of Jars on my way to   Hanoi  . I guess I have three questions involving this.

1- How long does it take for the Vietnamese Consulate in Luang Prabang to process a Vietnam visa?
2- I've read about different styles of buses departing Luang Prabang for Hanoi on different days and that you definitely want to get a certain type of bus. What kind of bus leaves on what day? (I think it takes 24 hours and costs around 320,000 kip?)
3- Is it possible to go DIRECT from Phonsavan to Hanoi? And what are all the details if it is? It seems pretty straightforward from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan, but I have found zero ... ]]></description>
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<title>4,000 Islands - Worth It?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21116_4-000-Islands---worth-it-/0</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:17:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ My boyfriend and I are spending 2 months in SEA, focused in Thailand. We are planning to spend a week in Northern Laos and Cambodia as well, and we are trying to work out the logistics of getting from  Vientiane  to Phnom Penh. After doing some research, we are leaning towards flying - we were considering bussing down to see 4000 Islands, but the information about 4000 Islands on this website made it seem less then appealing. We are not fans of crowded or overdeveloped places.


Is 4000 Islands worth visiting, or should we just fly and skip it? Have you bussed around Laos, and is it comfortable - I am 6 ft and he is 6'5&amp;quot; so we have trouble fitting in small places.


Any advice is much appreciated! ]]></description>
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<title>Vang Vieng Accommodation Owned By A New Zealander Search</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21083_Vang-Vieng-accommodation-owned-by-a-New-Zealander-search/0</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:06:08 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I think this may be a long shot but thought I'd see if anyone knew what I was looking for.

I went to  Vang Vieng  at the start of last year with some mates and am heading back with my boyfriend at the end of this year. We found this little place for breakfast with the best                                     croissants we'd had in Asia, the people were very nice and the place, which I think you can stay at. The front was yellow with the eating area out the front and it was owned I think by a man from New Zealand. It was a little out of the center or busiest part of Vang Vieng.

My question is....
Does anyone know what this place is called?
Has anyone stayed there?

Any information would be awesome, thanks ]]></description>
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<title>Northern Laos, The Rivers And The Chinese Effect.</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21075_Northern-Laos--the-rivers-and-the-Chinese-effect-/0</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:11:56 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ So what's the story with the Chinese and the dams up North? I was in  Phongsali  the last couple of days. Went for a wander out to some villages and when we popped over the top of one of the hills we found a scene of apocalypse! Diggers pulling apart the hillside, sticking it into trucks and dumping it down the bank presumably to improve the road. I've heard talk about the plan to build around 7 dams on the Mekong/Nam Ou but seeing it close up seems pretty scary. One minute we were seeing villagers collecting wood and 5 minutes later, Chinese trucks carting soil all over the place. I'm realising that some parts of the trip I've done these past few weeks will simply not be possible in a few years.

I've also heard about the ... ]]></description>
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<title>How Bad Is Weather In Vietnam In Late May?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21071_How-bad-is-weather-in-Vietnam-in-late-May-/0</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:01:49 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I will be travelling Thailand and Vietnam between March and April but I can't decide whether to spend an extra month in May seeing Laos, especially if the weather is starting monsoon season!

Has anyone done this and could tell me what the weather is usually like?

Thanks! ]]></description>
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<title>Motorcycle In Phonsavan</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21060_Motorcycle-in-Phonsavan/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:16:29 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hi,

Anyone have an idea roughly what a motorcycle rents for in Phonsavan? Can you get a better deal if you rent for 3-5 days? Searched, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Also, since I'm going to be leaving several days before dawn (before the rental shops are open) has anyone had luck renting the bike for multiple days and returning it at the end (as opposed to every night?)

Thanks!

Jon ]]></description>
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<title>Getting From Vietiane To Kong Lo Cave?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21055_Getting-from-Vietiane-to-Kong-Lo-cave-/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hi guys

Massive apologies if this has been asked before, I have looked and can't find the exact answer I need so here goes...

We are currently in  Vientiane  and have to stay here to sort an extended Thai Visa for later in the trip.  We really don't want to stay here any longer than we have to so wanted to try and get to Kong Lo or Ban Khoun Kam after we have picked up our visa (which we can only do between 1-3 in the afternoon.)

We have asked around and there is only one direct bus to Kong Lo that leaves at 10am so that doesn't work.  We were considering getting on an afternoon bus to  Tha Khaek  (if there are such things) and getting off at the junction to route 8 but were wondering if this would be wise as it will be dark when we ... ]]></description>
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<title>Maps Of The Plain Of Jars</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21054_Maps-of-the-Plain-of-Jars/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:53:34 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I was curious what maps are available in Phonsavan. I like the maps here:

http://hobomaps.com/

But if I understand correctly, the POJ maps are not for sale. I'm going to email them to be sure.

Thanks!

Jon ]]></description>
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<title>Mac Friendly Unitel Store In Vientiane?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21052_Mac-Friendly-Unitel-Store-in-Vientiane-/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:51:50 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hi,

I'd like to get a 3g USB Modem for my Mac laptop and a SIM card for my iPhone. Can anyone recommend a Unitel store in  Vientiane  that won't give me a blank stare when I pull out my laptop and phone?  

Thanks!

Jon ]]></description>
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<title>Currency - Travelling Vietnam To Laos</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21036_Currency---Travelling-Vietnam-to-Laos/0</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 23:59:48 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I'm currently in Vietnam and will be travelling into Laos by land next week from  Sapa  -  Dien Bien Phu  - Maung Khua - Luang Prabang. From what I have read I don't think I will find any ATMs in Laos before Luang Prabang. Is that correct? What currency should I take into Laos and where can I exchange it after crossing the border? I've been told that you can't get US dollars in Vietnam, is that correct? ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Laos Travel/Itinerary Advice</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21033_Laos-Travel-Itinerary-Advice/0</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 13:26:22 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hello,
My boyfriend and I are twenty-something backpackers who are planning our first trip to South East Asia. We plan to spend the majority of our time in Thailand, but would also like to explore Northern Laos and Cambodia. We will be in the area for 2 months (May and June) and are planning to roughly follow one of the itineraries on travelfish (http://www.travelfish.org/trip_planner/thailand-indochina-tour1). The map at the bottom is really helpful for understanding our plan. We will not be visiting Vietnam and instead want to explore Southern Thailand more, and in order to do this all in 2 months we are leaning towards cutting out the stops in Laos south of Vientaine.

Do you think will will be making a mistake but cutting out ... ]]></description>
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<title>CRIME IN DON DET</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/21000_CRIME-IN-DON-DET/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:01:53 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hey has anyone ever had to report a theft / crime whilst staying on Don Det, any advice would be grateful is it worth the hassle? ]]></description>
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<item>
<title>Laos Travel Advice</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/20987_Laos-travel-advice/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:09:43 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hello! I was hoping to get some specifics on some alternative transport options from luang probang along the nam ou river? Boats, buses, something else? And what would the rice ranges be? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks! ]]></description>
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<title>Travelling SaPa To Chiang Mai Through Laos - Best Route?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/20958_Travelling-SaPa-to-Chiang-Mai-through-Laos---Best-Route-/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:22:12 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I am travelling from SaPa to  Chiang Mai  via  Luang Prabang  next month. I have about 9 days to make the journey (including spending 3-4 days in Luang Prabang) and am considering 2 different options and would like your thoughts on which of these would be best? Or if there is another route you would recommend?

Option 1 - Train from SaPa to  Hanoi  - fly to Luang Prabang - slow boat to Huay Xai - side trip to Nam Ha NP - bus to Chiang Mai

Option 2 - Bus from SaPa to Dien Bien Phu - bus to  Muang Khua  - boat to Nong Khiaw - boat to Luang Prabang - fly to Chiang Mai

Option 1 was my original plan but I will have already been to Hanoi before SaPa and am not keen on going back on myself so thought if I could overland from SaPa into Laos ... ]]></description>
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<title>Escaping The Hoards?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/20951_Escaping-the-hoards-/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 20:02:20 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Ok so I arrived in  Vientiane  a couple of weeks ago and after a brief stop in Van Vieng, which I found to be way too touristy (although I did enjoy 2 days out on a scooter in the countryside) I'm now in Luang Prebang and enjoying it. But, I feel like for the rest of the trip I want to get off the track a bit and head away from the hoards a bit. I've been to the Buddha caves and to the waterfalls and both were pretty packed with tourists and I've felt a bit disappointed in some respects. The alms giving this morning was a bit of a circus too so I'm looking for something a bit different.

I'm planning on heading up the river by boat to Non khiaw and then further up to  Muang Khua  and on to Phongsali. I'm hoping to do some trekking but ... ]]></description>
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<title>Went To Savannakhet On Sat. January 19 -- Why Was EVERYTHING Closed?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/20947_Went-to-Savannakhet-on-Sat--January-19----why-was-EVERYTHING-closed-/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:24:08 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A friend and I passed through  Savannakhet  City on Saturday, January 19. All the museums were closed, practically nobody was in the streets. We saw maybe two other tourists and a few street vendors, but the tourist info center and many restaurants were closed. Anyone have any idea why? Is this normal for Saturdays in Savannakhet, or was this particular day a holiday? ]]></description>
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<title>Luang Prabang Post Office Address</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/20946_Luang-Prabang-post-office-address/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 12:50:59 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I wondered if anybody could give me an address for a LP post office which is open and accepts POSTE RESTANTE?  I'm having an item sent from the UK soon.

Thanks  ]]></description>
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