to all members, im currently in luang prabang its a very nice place & people are very friendly, also cheaper. im on a tourist visa so i come here to re new it, was supposed to go back to thailand a few days ago but im enjoying myself here so, im staying longer even tho my accomodation in udon is already payed for..... think that says it all really, come & give it a try before going back home, regards...GORDON

Let me know if you visit Viang Vieng in your travels.

Maybe we'll get a trip report in the Laos Forum, upon your return.

In the meantime, enjoy, as they say!!

Actually I have thought about Lao a lot over the years. Everyone is saying it is Thailand 20 years ago. That one I missed.

I would rather have Udon eight years ago compared to what I see today. I can't say why but I seem to always be on edge in a Communist Country

biscuitz wrote:to all members, im currently in luang prabang its a very nice place & people are very friendly, also cheaper. im on a tourist visa so i come here to re new it, was supposed to go back to thailand a few days ago but im enjoying myself here so, im staying longer even tho my accomodation in udon is already payed for..... think that says it all really, come & give it a try before going back home, regards...GORDON

Gordon,did you meet a girl there or are we talking about the flow of life and the community?Looking forward to more details ?

been to vang vieng, 9 months ago ok for a short trip but mainly lots of young backpackers. luang prabang is better its currently 11.550 kip - pound, ive just bought a sim card for 20.000 with 10.000 credit inc in the price.. to phone the uk its 2.000 kip per min, the food is great lots ov restaurants & theirs loads of freshly baked baguettes on every corner, with meat or cheese filling & salad 5.000 - 8.000 kip, the bars charge beer lao or tiger ( large bottle ). 8.000 - 10.000 kip, also the guest houses here are good value $15 per night ensuite, hot shower, air con, ubc satlelite, free tea or coffee, big bed with cotton sheets & its a more relaxing place with lots of genuine smiles, (not just when you get your walet out, like in thailand) if anyone wants to know anything while im here just ask........GORDON

Git - you would have to be careful going to Laos. You can take a "big bike", on a "passport" for a visit, but I am reliably informed that anything over a 750 is not allowed in Laos on a more permanent basis

www.lonelyplanet\forum\laos

I'm ok it's a 400. There is a ride section on Gtriders that deal with going to Laos, Cambodia, Malayasia and Vietnem, but the Vietnam seems to be night mare. Malayasia the easiest go for street bike. Laos and Cambodia dirt bikes really, because of the roads. I did see that there were some problems crossing into Lao at one time. Don''t know if has been cleared up,

Each country has a specific process, but just like Thailand one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. So in Lao that have been incidents where the prope rpemits were obtained in advance and they still were not allowed to cross.

My belief is you can ride 2 all the way to China but you got to get through Vietnam to do that. Now that would be a ride to remember. Anyone thinking about traveling to another country remember you have to have a propely registered bike to so it.

If anyone caught the TV series recently of riding fom the UJ throughn Africa. Those gusy had all kinds of assistance and still had problems crossing borders. For an Amature like me I would say next to impossible.

Worse comes to worse you can rent 250 CC dirt Bikes in Vientene, with road conditions as they are might be the best idea.

Soemn great pics on some of the threads showing guys dragging their bikes thorugh streams. With my back those days are over. Need Tarmac.

Sure would like to see the Plain of Jars though

Does anybody have the names and locations of budget guest houses in Vientiane ???

Try this one.
Right in centre of the city, recommended.


http://www.lakeo.laopdr.com/

More to add to Prenders link on this link below keith555...

Accomodation-Laos

How much do you want to spend Keith? I live here.
I can suggest 4 in varying price ranges and have had friends stay at all 4.
Laos Orchid Hotel - about $45
Villa Manoly - about $30 - a beautiful restored French Mansion and it even has a small pool.
Laos Paris Hotel - about $25
Vayakorn Hotel - about $15-20

Only Villa Manoly has a pool of those mentioned. There are cheaper places of course, but I like ,y comforts these days.

Thanks for the info RUFUS,will try the vayakorn end of this month as only for Visa run i normally stay about 2 nights so cheap and cheerful is ok for me. Is it near the fountain??

And thanks for the link BEERMONKEY.

just checked out the hotel you sent the link to Prenders88,looks very good for $20 a night,thanks.