Help with itinerary and flights, please!

Hello every one.

We are planning on flying- at the beginning of November- from Bangkok to Laos, visiting Vientiane, XK (the plain of jars), Luang Prabang,. We hope to fly from L.P. or Vientiane to Kun Ming-China without having to go back to Bangkok.

I have also read the warnings re: Laos Airlines web site (in Paris) vs the real

Lao Airlines although I have to say Laos replied very quickly to my inquiry whereas I am still awaiting news from Lao Airlines.

1) We shall arrive in Bangkok on November 1st. Would it be too risky to wait until then to buy tickets on Lao or Thai Airways as there does not seem to be many flights between each point. We are planning to spend 2 days in BKK to search for flights. Any suggestions re: reliable travel agencies, please?

2) It looks like there is only one (1) flight a week, on Sunday, from Vientiane or L.P to the Plain of Jars? Any suggestions please for an alternative mean of transportation and the time this would take?

3) Is it easier/shorter flight/cheaper to fly from L. Prabang or from Vientiane to Kun Ming?

4) which is the best option to go between Kun Ming back to BKK? I realize this is a L. Prabang forum, but all suggestions are welcome!

Thank you for your help.

Help with itinerary and flights, please!

I believe both Thai Air and Bangkok Airways offer flights between Kunming and BKK.

Re Luang Prabang to Plain of Jars. When I was reasearching this a few years back I%26#39;m sure I read that there is a public bus that takes 10-12 hours. I can%26#39;t remember more, and decided to spend my time in the south instead so didn%26#39;t make the jounrey.

You could try asking on the Thorn Tree forum:

www.lonelyplanet.com

Help with itinerary and flights, please!

Nitarudi,

Thanks for your input.

Our objective is to fly from Laos directly to Kunming without having to go back to Bangkok!

I followed your advice and posted 2 questions on the LP forum

Have a great day.

I just got back from SE Asia,spend 6 days in Luang Prabang. I flew from Chiang Mai to LP.I did not arrange the flight before I left but it was very easy and cheaper to book once I got to CM. I saw a lot of travelers arranging trips and flights in LP. I had a same concern like you have before I left. But everything worked out. I saw the billboard near the LP bus station that advertising direct flight to LP to Kun Ming. I do not remember the airline. Hope this help.

sip308,

Thank you!

It%26#39;s reassuring to know we can wait until we get to BKK and or Chiengmai to arrange for flights to LP or Vientiane; and also to know we can fly directly from Laos to Kunming.

As we shall have more time than originally planned, we might just take the boat from Chiangrai to L.Prabang!

I am sending you a PM for more info on LPrabang if you don%26#39;t mind.

Have a great day!

Anytime rieu

We loved LP and lao people. My daughter(17 yr) and I visited many beautiful wats and I made an effort to talk to monks and novices. They are so friendly and smart. Everyone goes to school and learn English.They are very good at it too. You%26#39;ll have very good time knowing them as my daughter puts it as her favourite time in LP. We did overnight trekking and kayaking with Greendiscovery. Had a fabulous time. Let me know if I can help you with anything.

In terms of going to phonsovan there were many signs in LP and in Van Vieng asking for people to join minibus trips. this would be a more comfortable trip. You might also consider going to Van Vieng instead of the slow boat down the Mekong. While the town itself is not stunnining the surrounding countryside and activities are awesome.

Google Van Vieng for info. ther are even travel videos to give u an idea. My daughter 23 and I both loved it.

You can get from Phonsovan to Van Vieng and stopover on the way to Vientiane. We did it the reverse order and had a great time. the Kayaking and tubing down the Nam Song River is great. Limestone Karsts fabulous and the town itself is an experience. You can also do an overnight flight trip to Phonsovan from Vientiane then go to Van Vieng and on to Phonsovan. Depends on your budget and endurance.

Sorry. just reread my post. I meant you can flt BKK to Vientiane stay a couple of nights then do a return flight to plain of jars, phonsovan. From Vientiane then catch bus (3hrs) to Van Vieng as a stopover on the way to LP.

The bus from VV to LP is about 6-7hrs but u can also join or arrange minibus which takes a comfortable 5hrs

Enjoy Laos. It%26#39;s great.

clarins