HHTel wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2024 4:16 am
I'm not sure this is at all relevant as Muay Xai appears to be an intrinsic part of your vist.
I'm sure you're aware of the high speed train in Laos now. Vientienne to Luang Prabang in 2 hours! That used to be a 10 hour journey by road.
The road trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai is 475Km and would take at least 11 hours. It was during my initial investigations that the road trip became apparent. A very uncomfortable road trip as well if you believe reports.
I originally thought I would use the new train to Vientiane until I saw the road travel travel that would be involved. I HAVE TO START at Huay Xai, so other suggestions, whilst appreciated are not an option.
Big Boy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 09, 2024 8:38 pm
The road trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai is 475Km and would take at least 11 hours. Chiang Rai is only 1/5th of the distance.
If you are not in a rush there is a ferry from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang
I did Luang Prabang to Huay Xai by river (hitched a ride on a cargo boat with a local family delivering motorcycles to the villages) in the late 1990s. It was a journey I'll always remember, and I saw a lot of the country that you wouldn't normally see by road (which wasn't an option back then).
There may be more comfortable options today, though, and going downriver will be much easier.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Yes, that is what I will be doing in the opposite direction. I don't understand why, but the boats in the direction you went are very hard to book (backpacker routes?). Basically, I'd have to book now to be sure of the North bound trip, but I can't book until the 2nd week in September. This is why I have to start from Huay Xai.
It is a trip I saw on a travel programme when living in the UK, and I wanted to do it right away. I enquired on here at the time, and was assured it had to be an old programme because the trip was impossible. I put it out of my mind until a friend did the trip a couple of months back. I am really looking forward to it.
Yes, I asked the operator about expected temperatures, and they came back with 10-12C. I've been on AliExpress this morning ordering some warmer clothes (a great source of outsize clothes and footwear that won't break the bank). At least I will be prepared this time. It won't be another 'frozen in Hanoi' experience, with absolutely no chance of buying warmer outsize clothes in Vietnam.
I'll never forget getting off the plane in Hanoi and commenting how efficient the aircon was. I must have looked a right dick walking around Hanoi wearing half a dozen short sleeved t-shirts, whilst trying to stay warm.
I'll never forget getting off the plane in Hanoi and commenting how efficient the aircon was.
A friend of mine told me that his first Thai wife said something very similar when arriving in Manchester in February!
There are a couple of places in the basement of MV selling outdoor clothes but I don't know if they would have anything in you size.
Damn, Damn, Damn! I postponed last year's visit to Laos because of my wife's knee operation. I was planning to go December this year. Now I read this:
Holidaymakers were warned that "armed groups carry out employment scams and drug trafficking in this area".
Xaisomboun Province
The FCDO advised against "all but essential travel" to Xaisomboun Province. It highlighted reports in 2021 of attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups in the province.
"There could be more skirmishes," the FCDO told those travelling to Laos.
Monsoon transport disruption
The monsoon season in Laos coincides with the typhoon season in Southeast Asia, running from May to October.
During this period, mountain areas become vulnerable to landslides while the Mekong's river basins face likely flooding.
Meteorologists warn that tropical storms could become "more forceful and more frequent", potentially amplifying monsoon storms and rainfall.
The FCDO warned of "high risk of flash flooding causing falling trees, damage to buildings and transport infrastructure" away from river basins.
Landslides may expose undiscovered unexploded ordnance (UXO). Travellers should prepare for significant travel disruptions, with local road transport "often disrupted" and journeys taking "substantially longer than posted schedules".
The FCDO advised carrying "extra water and food supplies" when travelling.
Laos is known for its immense natural beauty, cultural richness and mesmerising temples.
While it may not be as popular as neighbouring tourist hotspots such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, it is certainly a destination worth visiting.
Indeed, this "quieter side of Asia" was named by Lonely Planet as "one of the best countries to visit" in 2025.
But before visiting the enchanting country, it's important to be aware of the FCDO's latest travel advice.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warning and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
