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The Patuxai, an arch of triumph in Vientiane, is shown on postcards, brochures etc...But it's really a piece of kitsch, built recently with cement left behind by Americans building an airbase during the Vietnam war (the locals call it the vertical runway).Just drive by, take a snapshot and move on.
We arrived in Thathek bus station which is situated on the main highway. We asked for prices to get a ride to Mahaxai one way as we were going to follow the road north from there to Lak Sao.We were offered a ride for 10,000 kip each (There are 2 of us) this was agreed by all.We did think it was cheap but were unsure of distances so....Once arriving in Mahaxai, The price was now 10$ each and because it is just the Tuk Tuk man and your word and you are completely out of the tourist map there is no going backWe had the opportunity of bartering and the price does drop. Connviently there is a guesthouse in this town, is it a regular scam? Stay the night, visit the beach and then leave the following day, but make sure you either catch the bus or that they write down the price of the return journey.Or don't go
Just skip this city as it has nothing to do with Laos. You sill die of heat and have to sleep in an auful place for the same price you where sleeping at a beautifull place in LP. Try to fly directly to LP after landing in Vientiane.
I can't decide if this is a tourist trap or not. Buddha Park is a few km past the Friendship Bridge coming from Vientiane Laos. The small park houses many strange Buddha statues. All were built since the 1950's. It is a nice setting to walk around. It is along the Mekong with Thailand on the other side. I only spent about an hour there. I probably wouldn't visit again but am glad I saw it. While there make sure you climb inside the mouth of the large piece on the right as you enter the park. From inside you can climb to the top and look out over the park. There really isn't an alternative as if you end up here there is not much else around.
A local told me that some where in May 2002, few portial of the waterfall structure was collapse. So, now the waterfall do not look a like what we see like the postcard but still worth to visit. Rent a taxi from LP cost around US10.
The market in Luang Prabang. This isn't so much a tourist trap as a non-event, unless you're into paying too much for frayed textiles. Or unless you'd like to buy pot or opium, both of which will likely be offered to you.
The caves near Wat Chom Phet (across the Mekong from Wat Xieng Thong). There's no lighting so unless you bring your own flashlight, you won't be able to see much. A much, much better bet is a half day trip to the Pak Ou Caves.
For backpackers, in Savannakhet it is not so easy to find cheap hotels. You have to spend more time looking around, and surely you'll find some very nice family-hold hostels. This is a tank left in the war near the Mekong River.
If you want to do a trip from Luang Prabang into the Country side to the Watherfalls 'Kuang Si' or to Pak Ou, be carefull, Guides tend to overcharge most of the pax. For a trip to Pak Ou, don't pay more than USD 15, the same for the trip to the Watherfalls. Near the market at Luang Prabang there is a big sign with prices for different trips, this can help you to negotiate a price for a trip.Especially carefull you should be at Phonsavene (Xieng Khouang), there are a few guids who really want to overcharge you for trips to different Plain of Jars and trips to Caves and Hot Springs. If you negotiate a price they will tell you sometimes that they had to rent another car which cost 20USD more and they even if you paid for you self they just will put you in a group.During all my trips to Lao this was my single bad experience I made there, with a guy more fixed to his business than show you...
We stayed at the Lane Xang Hotel in Vientiane.We wanted to take a TukTuk to Tha Deua for the Friendship Bridge. The bell man informed us that we would have to pay 300 Baht. Well, I walked outside of the hotel and asked a guy, he told me he will do it for 200 Baht. Then the bell man from the Hotel walked to us and spoke Lao to the driver which asked then for 300 Baht. It was logical that 100 Baht would be for the hotel boy. So I complained and the driver agreed for 200 Baht.He had his little daughter on the tuk tuk and when we arrived at the Friendship Bridge I gave him 200 Baht and told him that he can buy with the extra 100 Baht something nice for his daugher.The little girl folded her hands in typical lao style and said with a very happy smile thank u.good investment
La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang
4 Reviews and 281 Opinions TOUGH MANAGEMENT While this facility may be nice, I know the management is tough and does not have...
Settha Palace Hotel Vientiane
5 Reviews and 132 Opinions Settha Palace is a small luxury family owned hotel.It has its importance as a historical example of...
Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow Vang Vieng
84 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.
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Q: do any VT have any experience with the VIP overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang??? is it reasonably...
A: I took the VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vientienne in 2010. There is a toilet on the bus. I was on the upper deck and the airconditioner was very weak. So it was a VHB...
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