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 Laos travel tales
Our customers share their travelling experiences in Laos.
Read about first hand stories on travel tips and guides, events, entertainment,shopping, food, business and transportation.
Also, you might want to read our
Luang Prabang city guide,
and Vientiane city guide.
Pages (3 of 14):
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| A Leblanc |
10 December 2003 |
Stayed at Asian Pavilion Hotel - Vientiane, Laos.
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Vientiane is a small city and I walked everywhere. My main interests were food, wine, and getting a visa for Thailand, all within easy walking distance. There is a large square with a fountain in the center about 150 meters from the hotel. This square is surrounded with various kinds of European restaurants and delis and there are Laos restaurants and street stalls everywhere, plus seafood restaurants and bars down by the Mekong River.
The Thai consular section is just across the street from the morning market, which is known by everybody, and can be seen by people queueing up for visas. Some locals have set up desks on the street and for a fee which can be negotiated down to 700 baht (in addition to the 1000 baht for the visa), they will take care of everything for you and you don't have to stand in line. This service is in fact reliable. Your hotel or many travel agents could do it for you but it costs 1000 baht or more.
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| A Feinstein |
16 November 2003 |
Stayed at Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane - Vientiane, Laos.
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Vientiane lacks the charm of Luang Prabang--hot and dusty, river less scenic here than other Mekong towns. Prices relatively expensive for the region, too. But, friendly people, beautiful textiles, etc. The National Museum is appalling--one of the worst I've seen in Southeast Asia.
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| K Teo |
15 November 2003 |
Stayed at Calao Inn, Le - Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Till Dec, evening cultural performances at the Theatre located next to the Royal Museum. Some of the restaurants mentioned in Lonely Planet have closed down, eg. Lao Vegetarian, Soukarna, Malee Lao Food. Double check with hotel staff.
Please refrain from purchasing any religious statues etc, even though they are not antiques. You may face inconvenience at the airport security counter.
Travellers should also make a trip to Plain of Jars (Phonsavan). You can take a 35 min flight journey there. US$70 return. We stayed at Maly Hotel where they served delicious dinner. Weather at Phonsavan/Xieng Kuang could be a bit chilly.
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| J Rubin |
12 August 2003 |
Stayed at Novotel Vientiane - Vientiane, Laos.
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Took tuk-tuk round the town. Bargain with the drivers. Also there is boat trip along Mekong River, from pier leaving at 5.30pm. It's free and you only pay for drinks. Vientiane is a very pleasant town. For those who like Indian food, there are some very good, cheap Indian restaurants. Everyone in Laos prefers payment in $US or Thai baht to the local currency (Kip). Take lots of $US or Thai baht in small denominations ($1, $5, 10 or 20 baht) to avoid getting change in Kip (that can't be changed when you leave the country). Whatever you do DON'T stay in a 'resort' called DANSAVANH, 1.5 hours by road outside Vientiane. The facilities promised there don't exist and it is just a place for Malaysians to go gambling.
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| S Mendis |
17 July 2003 |
Stayed at Asian Pavilion Hotel - Vientiane, Laos.
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I went into Laos by land from Thailand. You can catch a domestic Thai Airways flight to Udon Thani from Bangkok for less than half the cost of a flight to Wattay airport in Vientiane, as well as more frequent flight availability. Thai Airways operates a shuttle bus (100 Baht) from the airport to the border at Nong Khai - the drive takes about 45 minutes. You can get a visa-on-arrival at the border for US$31. Vientiane city is about 20 minutes by tuk-tuk (150 Baht) on the other side. A cheaper and more flexible option than flying directly.
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| A Ho |
11 July 2003 |
Stayed at Calao Inn, Le - Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Luang Prabang may not be everyone's cup of tea. But worth a visit if you're sick of Bangkok, and want to avoid the filthy Bangkok or the money-squeezing Vietnam.
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| J Deacon |
06 July 2003 |
Stayed at Calao Inn, Le - Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Good base for a few days. Great temples and nearby countryside. People honest and friendly. Checkout the Royal Palace dance troop and tours by bike.
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| P Quigley |
01 July 2003 |
Stayed at Villa Santi Hotel, The - Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Luang Prabang is a great walking city...very picturesque. The old temples greatly revered and in excellent condition. This pristine place is a must see on your tour of world heritage sites in Southeast Asia.
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| W Worthy |
02 June 2003 |
Stayed at Calao Inn, Le - Luang Prabang, Laos.
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Luang Prabang is undergoing extensive and tasteful restoration. This included both the temples and the city's infrastructure. I am certain Luang Prabang will be the prettiest small city in Asia. Some of the temples are already stunning, in five years they will be magnificient!
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| R Pors |
26 May 2003 |
Stayed at Asian Pavilion Hotel - Vientiane, Laos.
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Vientiane is a small provicial town, nice for a stop over of a day or two. Be a bit careful when walking on the side walks, as there are many potholes etc. I would not recommend to spend a few days in a hospital to get with your leg in plaster, or walk around with crutches!
But for the rest, the distances are not too long to do everything on foot.
Before going up country, this is the place to buy a bottle of wine and drink some fresh milk (pasturised).
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