Louang Namtha Transportation

New bus station means new location: inconveniently far from the city centre - the Lao way of keeping tuk-tuk drivers in business. That one is 9 km far from the town and it takes about 20 min by tuk-tuk to get there. Tuk tuk charged 15 000 KIP per person for that ride. If you head to LPB or VTE direction, there are/is bus in the morning only and if you want good seat, you have to be there very early. You cannot stop those buses from somewhere near centre because they completely bypass it.

Bus to LPB leaves between 9:30 - 10:30 am (according to schedule at 9:30), depends when it gets full enough. Be ready for a long ride through mountainous countryside and note that many locals do not stand the trip well - with lots of vomiting left and right to your ears you will not enjoy sitting in the back of the bus - front seats are much better. There's lunch stop in Oudomxay bus station. It takes 9 - 12 hrs to LPB - so take plenty of snacks. If you prefer alternative to local bus, take mini bus or vans (arrange with your GH or agency) which cost few 10 000 KIP more. Price (in 2009): 65 000 KIP/per if you buy directly at the station.