🙂 Hi everyone!

Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!

For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...

Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).

Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️

Hi everyone, so glad the forum’s back up! I’m planning a trip for next June but I’m still torn between Papua and Papua New Guinea. Solo backpacking trip, about 3 weeks (trekking, culture, and a tiny bit of beach time). It’s still tough to find recent info—anyone know if backpacking is doable there? Thanks in advance for your tips! carpediem

Hello, We’re heading to Thailand for 26 days (excluding flights) next July with our two teens (12 and 15 years old). My husband and I have been there several times before they were born—so that’s 15 years ago—and I’m a bit worried about some of the changes that might have happened since, especially with the rise in tourism... I’d also like to keep a pace that allows us to settle in a bit and enjoy local life beyond just the main sights. Plus, we’re pretty active. For now, our plan looks like this:

Arrival in Bangkok, where we’re thinking of spending several days (minimum 4) Chiang Mai for about a week 2 or 3 islands in the Gulf Return to Bangkok for 2 days before departure.

We’re pretty set on Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but we’re unsure about which islands to visit—I’ve read such mixed things that I’m even wondering if we should consider the coast instead. Organization-wise, I’d love any tips or feedback on whether we need to book in advance at this time of year, which transport options to prioritize (train, bus, or plane), and of course, any suggestions for stops or routes. Thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to help us prepare for this amazing trip!

Hi everyone, I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.

- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet). - Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all... - Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border). - > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this? - Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back. - Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though. - Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes. - After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.

So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots! Pascal

Hi there,

The round trip to Bangkok is almost booked.

Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:

Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)

Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)

Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)

Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)

Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)

Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)

Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?

Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)

Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!

If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress... No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)

Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉

Thanks. 🙂

Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.

I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.

My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.

I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...

The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.

For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!

Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.

Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):

· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight) · Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) · Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok) · Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x") · Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x") · Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok) · Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok) · Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok) · Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon

Hello! We’re heading to Cambodia for a month in March. We’re planning to visit Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, the Angkor temples, Kompong Luong, then head down to Kampot, Kep, and finish our trip on the islands of Koh Rong. Has anyone done this trip recently? Any great spots to recommend? Neighborhoods to stay in Phnom Penh (lively but not too touristy)? Tips for getting around between the major cities—bus, train, boat, motorbike? Thanks for all the advice! Fabienne

The city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has once again caught the world's attention by ranking among the best holiday destinations in Asia for 2025, according to the Smart Travel Asia Best in Travel Poll. This prestigious annual ranking celebrates cities that combine authenticity, culture, and natural beauty—and Luang Prabang has all three in spades....

Hey everyone, I travel quite a bit, and I’m here to share my thoughts about an upcoming trip to Indonesia, specifically the Togian Islands.

I’m planning to go for 3 or 4 weeks in July-August and looking for a sunny destination that’s not too expensive (flights + cost of living), with varied points of interest. About fifteen years ago, I had planned a trip to the Togian Islands, but it didn’t happen, so I’m revisiting this destination (Sulawesi, Toraja country) + maybe others? Given that in Indonesia, I’ve already done volcanoes in Java, Bali, part of Lombok, and the Gili Islands. The issue is that I’ve read some posts about the plastic waste problems around the Togians, and it seems like they’re not the paradise islands they once were.

So, I have a few questions: I’d love to hear recent feedback from travelers who’ve been to the Togians to get an objective opinion (?) or if you’d recommend other paradise-like islands in Indonesia (not overcrowded).

If you confirm that it’s still an exceptional destination, what did you pair it with? The Moluccas and which islands in particular? Or Flores/Komodo? For my part, I don’t scuba dive—just snorkeling.

Finally, if you have other dream-island destinations (affordable and sunny), I’m all ears.

Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling. For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees? We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo. Thanks for your tips and help!

hi there, I’m looking for info on the Banggai Islands as an alternative to the Togians in Central Sulawesi. I’d like to compare the two destinations in terms of activities, accommodations, and access—the Togians seem gorgeous but very (too?) touristy (lots of resorts and already fully booked for July), while Banggai seems much more off the beaten path. I’m planning to go in July, traveling with 5 people including older teens. Thanks so much for your ideas, tips, or suggestions about Banggai!

Hi, I’m planning to travel from April 12 to 24, 2025, for my first solo trip. I’m torn between two destinations: Thailand or Vietnam. Which one would you recommend? Thanks so much for your advice!

Hi, I’d been told it was between 2,000 and 2,500 THB per day. 3,000 THB for Doi Inthanon... The driver I found gave me different prices depending on my destinations: 5,000 THB for the waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, which I negotiated down to 4,000. Then 2,000 for Lamphun, 3,000 for another day, and two times 3,500 for two other itineraries I showed him. In total, 16,000 THB, which I negotiated down to 14,000. I’m wondering if I overpaid... Since I’m planning two more outings, I’d like to have a solid baseline for negotiating...

I’m right in the middle of peak season, and everything’s gone up considerably in Thailand. So I don’t want to put my foot in it by pointing out he might’ve overcharged me if that’s not the case... Thanks

Hi everyone,

This summer, I’m spending 5 days in Yogyakarta, and I’d like to rent a car on my own, but I can’t find anything... (just to clarify, I’ve already driven on every continent, including Bali, so that’s not an issue for me).

Do you have any reliable contacts? I don’t want a taxi or driver—I want the freedom to explore on my own...

Hi there,

I’m heading to Bali at the end of August and I’d love to know if there are any transport options like buses. I’m planning to visit Tirta Empul temple and then make my way to Penelokan. Are there any local transport solutions, or is it necessary to hire a driver?

Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Thailand. Is the island of Koh Samui worth spending 12 days on? What is there to see and do? We’re not really into beach-only vacations. Thanks for your tips! Nath

Hi, We’ve planned a week in the delta, but sometimes I wonder if that’s not too much… We’ll be there in early February, and the idea is to take a taxi straight from Saigon Airport to Ben Tre. I’m counting on 3 nights to recover and adjust after the long trip. Then I was thinking of Sadec, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, and back to Saigon for 3 nights before a flight to Hoi An. We’ve got 6 weeks total, so we have a bit of time. After reading different travel stories, the destinations in the delta seem a bit repetitive—I keep seeing the same excursions. On the other hand, I also think having time is a chance to get to know the local life a little better. My question really comes down to this: for those of you who travel at a relaxed pace, do you have any tips? I’ve heard the floating markets aren’t that interesting anymore. Also, motorbikes aren’t our thing. Thanks

Hi! We’d like to work with local agencies to organize tours to Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, etc. There are so many agencies in Vietnam—any you’d recommend?

Hi everyone,

I’m leaving for a little over 3 months starting at the end of January—Thailand (January-February), then Laos (February-March), Cambodia (March), and Vietnam (March-April).

I see that a lot of travelers don’t seem to book accommodations in advance and just go with the flow.

Given that I’ll be traveling during peak season (January to early May) and these are still very popular destinations, do you think I’ll be able to easily find places to stay on the spot without booking the day before?

Thanks!

Juliette

Hi, just a quick note mainly for Samsong, even if he’s still giving me the silent treatment. I’ve been in Nan since yesterday and... I love it! So thanks, Thierry. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d been dreaming of... Even if communication is a bit tough, it’s not impossible. They don’t even know the most basic English words! Everyone laughs and they’re the first to pull out their phones to... translate. They’re even quicker on the uptake than I am. And then there’s the time I say Nan (pronounced "Nane"). They don’t understand me. After a while (sometimes a long one), they reply: "Ah, Nan?" (pronounced "Nane") 😵🤳😃

The town is exactly how you described it back in 2022. Though I’m surprised to find so many trendy, slightly intellectual "Cafés." Apparently, coffee—excellent everywhere—is king in Nan. It feels like a university town. And it seems pretty lively at night! But for now, I’m going to bed early. I caught a nasty cold, which didn’t stop me from walking 12 km this morning. But I came back to my accommodation by 3 PM (gorgeous and luxurious with top-notch service for 800 baht—even a cute local welcome gift this morning, plus other unexpected touches like a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum flowers for tea. The lady must’ve guessed I was coming down with something yesterday). I thought about going out for dinner but didn’t have the energy. I think I’ve got at least 39°C fever...

Anyway, I’m sending you this message, Thierry, because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into it. But now it’s a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis. At least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one! I’ll check the bus station directly tomorrow. Online, it’s all taxis, no buses. I’d like to explore the countryside/mountains if I can find an affordable driver. Any ideas for destinations or itineraries? Thanks.

Hi everyone, We’re planning to return to Cambodia in July 2026, as a family, for the third time. Since we’ve already visited Siem Reap and Battambang, we’re not considering going back this time. Instead, we’d like to travel more slowly and take the time to settle in. We’re thinking of an itinerary around Mondulkiri, Kampot, and Koh Kong (Tatai waterfalls, mangroves, etc.). For those who know the Koh Kong province and Mondulkiri well: are these areas still accessible and enjoyable during the rainy season? We’d also like to spend 2 or 3 days on an island, but we’re not sure if it’s really feasible at this time of year (sea conditions, boat crossings…). If it’s doable, which one would you recommend? We’re planning to spend only a short time in Phnom Penh, then a few days with family near Koh Thom. If you have any other ideas, firsthand experiences, or suggestions for stops that work well for a trip in July, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance !

Hello,

After a successful first trip in 2025, with the help of forum members, we’d love to return to this amazing cultural melting pot in 2026 for three weeks (2 adults, 2 kids aged 13 and 16).

We’d like to explore new places in the Northeast: fly into Khon Kaen and explore the region—Loei, Nong Khai, perhaps? A detour to the center to visit Sukhothai would be a great addition.

I’ll admit, planning this itinerary is a bit trickier for me since I’m less familiar with these areas and what they have to offer. The distances also seem longer than our previous transfers (BKK-Kanchanaburi-Kaeng Krachan-Sam Roi Yot...).

Do you have any suggestions or hidden gems to explore in the Northeast and Central regions that keep travel time between stops reasonable (3-4 hours)?

Thanks for your input!

Dear VoyageForum members,

For the past two months, I’ve been checking flight ticket prices to spend 4.5 weeks in Thailand from early July to early August. I’m traveling from Brussels with a young child, so I want to avoid layovers. That’s why I’m only looking at Thai Airways’ website and only choosing direct flights.

At the end of August, I saw tickets for 955 € per person. On October 1st, they were 1,225 €. Today (October 22nd), the price is the same as on October 1st. (Same dates: Departure: July 4th, Return: August 7th.)

My question is: Is it possible these prices will drop significantly in the coming months?

Note: I clear my browser cache before every search, which I always do during the week and in the evening. This time, I also checked with my work computer, which has a VPN. So, the price isn’t influenced by cookies.

Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips.

Damien

Hey everyone,

I’m planning a road trip through Southeast Asia with my girlfriend starting in mid-January 2026, and I’m torn between two possible itineraries.

The goal of the trip is to explore the region before catching a flight to Tokyo at the end. The main difference between my two options is the order in which I’d visit Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.

👉 Itinerary A: Paris > Thailand (Chiang Mai) > Southern Thailand > Malaysia > Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap in Cambodia > Cambodia > Southern to Northern Vietnam > Flight to Tokyo



👉 Itinerary B: Paris > Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) > Southern Thailand and Bangkok > Cambodia > Southern to Northern Vietnam > Flight from Hanoi to Vientiane (Laos) > Laos > Northern Thailand > Flight from Bangkok to Tokyo



Initially, I thought about doing Malaysia > Thailand > Laos > Vietnam > Cambodia, but after looking into it, it’s tricky to get to Tokyo from Cambodia—there’s no direct flight.

My questions: - Which of these itineraries seems the most logical/smooth in terms of transportation? - Which one do you think offers the best overall experience? - Do you have any other route suggestions or visit orders?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! 🙏

Hello everyone, we’re planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of June 2026 for at least two weeks. Our goal is to avoid rushing around too much and take our time, focusing on nature, hiking, and getting to know the locals. Here’s my first draft itinerary: Arrival and departure from Hanoi Sapa and its surrounding area Tam Coc – the "land Halong Bay" and Ninh Binh... Halong Bay (maritime) Cat Ba Island... I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice, and feedback. Looking forward to reading your replies. Cédric

Hi there, what do you think of this itinerary, please? Do you think it’s doable? We’re two adults—it’s our honeymoon trip! 🙂 Our main interests lean more toward nature and landscapes than cultural visits (though we won’t rule out one or two temple visits).

01/10/2025 W 10:30 AM – Departure from CDG (overnight flight) 02/10/2025 Th 11:25 AM – Arrival in Denpasar -> Ubud (south of the city) – overnight in Ubud 03/10/2025 F – Excursions around Ubud – overnight in Ubud 04/10/2025 Sa – Excursions around Ubud (Jatiluwih) – overnight in Ubud 05/10/2025 Su – Excursions around Ubud – overnight in Ubud 06/10/2025 M – Ubud -> Amed – overnight in Amed 07/10/2025 Tu – Amed – overnight in Amed 08/10/2025 W – Amed -> Padangbai – overnight in Padangbai 09/10/2025 Th – Padangbai -> Gili Air (first morning boat) – overnight on Gili Air 10/10/2025 F – Gili Air – overnight on Gili Air 11/10/2025 Sa – Gili Air – overnight on Gili Air 12/10/2025 Su – Gili Air -> Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 13/10/2025 M – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 14/10/2025 Tu – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 15/10/2025 W – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan (or return to Bali depending on sea conditions) 16/10/2025 Th – Jimbaran or Seminyak – overnight in Jimbaran or Seminyak 17/10/2025 F – Jimbaran -> Denpasar – departure at 6:45 PM (overnight flight) 18/10/2025 Sa 8:00 AM – Arrival at CDG – overnight at home

Thanks in advance for your feedback! [;]

Hi there,

I’ve planned to visit Koh Chang during my trip in November. I booked the Bangkok to Koh Chang route on 12go Asia with the company: Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, departing from the "Boonsiri Khao San office." Has anyone tried this company before?

Then, on Koh Chang, do you have any tips for keeping busy for 3–4 days?

Finally, I’ll need to return from Koh Chang to Bangkok to catch my flight back to France. What’s the best option?

Thanks in advance! Florent

Hello, I’m traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids for the Christmas 2025 holidays. Here’s my plan: - 2 nights in Bangkok - 1 night in Ayutthaya (then an overnight train) - 3 nights in Chiang Mai (flight to Krabi) - 4 nights on Koh Lanta - 2 nights in Railay (flight back to Bangkok) - 1 night in Bangkok I have a few questions: 1) For Bangkok: how do you organize a visit to the klongs? Can I easily find an agency on the spot? 2) Do I need to book the bus or train to Ayutthaya in advance? 3) Chiang Mai. I’m planning one day for temple sightseeing + Doi Suthep, and I’m debating between two options for the other two days: - Option 1: Day 1: Doi Inthanon day trip + Day 2: elephant experience for the kids. - Option 2: 2 days/1 night for a trek, staying in a village, and seeing elephants. Whichever I choose, should I book in advance? Any tips or suggestions for good, affordable activities? What do you think of Get Your Guide excursions? Thanks for your advice!

Hi everyone, we’ll be in Thailand from August 2nd to 21st, arriving in Bangkok on the 2nd for a visit. From the 5th to the 8th: Angkor temples. Then, starting on the 9th, we’re planning to head to Chiang Mai, and by the 14th or 15th, we’d like to be on an island until the 19th, when we return to Bangkok. Five days in Chiang Mai seems a bit long to us. What do you recommend between the 9th and 15th, and which island? We’re not big fans of sunbathing—we’d love to snorkel and explore the island. Ideally, I’d have liked to find a house to rent, but every time, I end up with places far from the beach, whereas we’d really like to be able to walk to the beach for strolls. By the way, are there a lot of shells? Can we collect them? It seems that in August, swimming can sometimes be tricky due to tides—is that true? Thanks to all the contributors! 😊

Hi there, I’m so glad the VoyageForum is back up. Reading 'Montagnard74’s' Laos trip report (which I read yesterday) made me want to share my own (which I already posted a year ago on another forum). Here’s a little recap of our 3 weeks in northern Laos, plus a few days in Vientiane. By the way, we could easily go back to the north—there’s so much to see and do; probably in a few years.

This was our 3rd trip to Laos after having already done:

1st trip in 2012 (3 weeks), a quick overview: Vientiane Vang Vieng Luang Prabang Plain of Jars

2nd trip in 2017 (1 month): Vientiane all the way to the 4,000 Islands via Thakhek, Kong Lor, the Bolaven Plateau, Savannakhet, Pakse...

Our 2023 itinerary (1 month): Vientiane Luang Prabang Muang Ngoi Nong Khiew Luang Namtha Muang Sing Boten Vang Vieng Vientiane

Some general info (2023): For those who’ve already been to Laos: everything has gone up a lot—I think prices have almost doubled for transport, accommodation, meals... everything. But Laos is still a budget-friendly country for us. As a couple, we spent 1,100 € for a month, all included (and we definitely didn’t skimp on massages :)).

Don’t trust the transport signs posted everywhere—at travel agencies, bus terminals, hotels... THEY’RE ALL WRONG (especially the schedules). They haven’t been updated since before Covid.

There are hardly any bikes for rent anymore, but scooters are easy to find everywhere. We switched our mode of transport toward the end of our stay: from bikes to scooters, which let us go farther. In Vientiane, we only saw one bike rental place, near Ong Teu Pagoda.

BCEL bank doesn’t charge a commission on foreign currency exchanges. Using ATMs is expensive due to fees. Outside Laos, Lao kip are basically worthless. There’s so much inflation that I couldn’t find a single bank or exchange office willing to swap the kip we had left. So, don’t exchange too much toward the end of your trip.

Some little tips from our experience (2023): The Muang Koua to Muang Ngoi boat still runs daily. At the dam, you have to get off and take a bus, then get back on the boat.

The boat from Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiew only leaves at 9:30 AM (don’t miss it or you’ll pay a lot for a private boat). From Nong Khiew to Muang Ngoi, there are at least two boats a day.

From Luang Namtha to Muang Sing: 4 to 5 buses a day, the last one leaves around 3:30 PM.

From Luang Namtha or Muang Sing to Nateuy or Boten (to catch the new train): 3 to 5 buses a day.

The new train is really hard to book—it’s often fully booked 48 hours in advance, even the local train (5 hours from Boten to Vientiane instead of 3 hours on the high-speed train). (That makes it tough to travel day by day, which we love... too bad.) For baggage checks: don’t bring anything flammable (sprays...) or sharp. My mosquito repellent (flammable but in a small plastic bottle) got through. Water bottles and a tiny pocketknife are okay. But it seems to depend on the station.

Some guesthouses prefer to be paid in dollars, otherwise the price is much higher.

If you’re entering Laos from Vietnam via Dien Bien Phu, you have to get your visa at the embassy in Hanoi—otherwise, you’ll be refused at the border (no e-visa or visa on arrival).

Apart from Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Muang Ngoi/Nong Khiew, there are very few tourists.

Some bus prices (in addition to those mentioned in my trip report) (with pick-up) 2023: Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha: 320,000 kip per person, 9h LP to Phonesavan: 250,000 kip per person, 7h LP to Phongsaly: 450,000 kip per person, 13h LP to Huay Xai: 420,000 kip per person, 14h Train Nateuy to Vientiane: 400,000 kip per person LP to Chiang Rai: 780,000 kip per person, 18h LP to Hanoi: 900,000 kip per person, 24h LP to train station: 50,000 kip per person LP to airport: 100,000 kip per person Vientiane from train station: 180,000 kip by taxi

Boats: LP to Pak Beng: 300,000 kip per person, 1 day LP to Houay Xai: 500,000 kip per person, 2 days LP to Pak Ou: 180,000 kip per person, 5h