Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[madam]

hello all!

i would love to hear about anyones laos intinery!

i am thinking of backpacking my way through laos on the way to hanoi

i will enter lao after i have checked out north thailand

i would like to do some trekking and sight seeing..bit of this and that!

what can i do in 2 weeks....terrified of planes so no planes!!....only the one to asia and back home to australia.

i have heard its a nightmare to go by bus to hanoi as it taks 23 hrs....but im happy to do that if it means no plane!

thanks!!

[starlagurl]

I've never been there, but an interesting thing to do is check out other people's blogs:

This zigzag one is interesting...
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...06960/tpod.html

Another, more sensical tour, except they started in Hanoi
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...09360/tpod.html

This one focuses more on Thailand and Malaysia:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...10340/tpod.html

This guy's route focuses on Vietnam and Cambodia:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...55640/tpod.html

As for what you can do in two weeks???
Not much... I went to Thailand for 10 days and only really explored Bangkok and I-san... and not very well at that...

[laos_info]

In 2 weeks? Your options are endless!! Once you cross the border into Laos, I would recommending heading north to Luang Namtha. There are some great treks up here exploring the national park and utilising village homestays to allow you to get to know the locals better. From here would head south east via Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. More trekking, elephant riding, kayaking, cycling plus loads of cultural activities available here.

Continue south through Vang Vieng to Vientiane. From here you have some options - head in Vietnam (yes long bus trip) or continue south through Khammouane and Champasak tot he Four Thousand Islands. From here you can cross into Cambodia (north of Stung treng) and then work your way back to Vietnam via Cambodia.

Enjoy the trip,

[john.macarther]

I think village homestays are a great suggestion....you have an amazing variety of things to do here...starting from nature exploration and cultural tours to recreational activities....it's a fun package for any travel-lover.....have a great time...

[laolady]

You are right that going by bus from Vientiane to Hanoi can take that long 23-24 hours, the fact if the bus go straight then it wouldn't take that long, the bus leaves Vientiane 7 am then arrive the border 2 am, the bus stop there and wait till the border open around 7 am, then the bus leaves the border around 8-9 am in the morning and arrive Hanoi 6-7 pm.
You can read about Laos itinerary here
Vientiane Itinerary
Luang Prabang Itinerary

[laos_info]

Would enter Lao via Vientiane, head northwards and considering heading to Hanoi overland through the border crossings in either Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars), Samneua (Viengxay Cave complex) or even through Phongsaly.