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[lauraandmark]

We have to travel on the slow boatand we are worried about the cattle boat in case we dont get good seats and the accommodation in pakbeng. we have heard conflicting stories of nai of mekong can anyone give me any advice please on this? also does anyone know how we can book Pakbeng or Luang Sey lodge without being on the very expensive tour? anhy advice welcome

I am also going to book with laos airlines to fly from vientianne to hanoi - i was going to do it now rather than wait till i get over there do you think this is a good idea?

also what will the weather be in Mid-end november in Laos???

[starlagurl]

I don't know much about boat travel in Laos but here's climate information from http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293949-...When.To.Go.html

Cool and Dry Season: November - February
Av tem Av rainfall
17 - 29 oC 26mm

From November through to early February temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low

Throughout the year temperatures drop quite dramatically in mountain areas such as the Bolovens Plateau and Xieng Khuong Province - take adequate cold weather clothes when visiting these areas.

[rbisset]

Weather will be great in November. I was there in November 2005 and it was scorching hot every day. Can't comment on the slow boat as I went overland from China rather than Thailand but I did take the flight from Vientiane to Hanoi.

I would wait until you get to Laos before booking the flight. The tickets are a lot more expensive outside the country. I visited one of the many travel agents in Luang Prabang and they arranged my Vietnam Visa and flight for about $150. The flight was $109.

[lauraandmark]

Thanks so much for your help with this. At the moment they are about £80 each we were just worried as it was high season getting there and they are fully booked as only a few flights a day ... we were thinking for peace of mind just to book it. We also need to get our visas there as well so we will do that in Luang Prabang as well.

Thanks

[rbisset]

Just to let you know, there is a $10 departure tax that has to be paid at the airport as well. Wasn't warned about that in advance so keep a $10 note handy.

[ScottWoz]

And that all depends on where you're from as to what you find 'chilly'. Generally, what locals find chilly is a warm summers day to me..