Please some tips for travelling to Vietiane

We have just come back from Vietnam and want to plan a trip to Laos but need some information. From Australia which is the best way to fly eg via Singapore or Vietnam or Thailand. Also accom in Vientiane - what do you suggest, would like a pool. One last question is June a good time to travel for weather etc - we don%26#39;t mind the heat and humidity

Please some tips for travelling to Vietiane

Hi Millsie,

We are looking at staying in the Lao-Orchid Hotel in Vientiane.

We will be flying in from HCMC , staying for 3 nights and then on to Luang Prabang for 5 nights and then fly to Chiang Mai.

If you want some info on Vientiane, try e-mailing Lao Lady who is on this forum sometimes.

Her name is Nok and e-mail is nok662002@yahoo.com

Cheers,

Stewie.

Please some tips for travelling to Vietiane

Best way to fly is with Thai Airlines via Bangkok and then with Thai or Laos to Wattay Airport here in Vientiane.

There are not too many hotels with pools which are not in the premium prcie bracket. The Lao Orchid, mentioned by previous poster does not have a pool, so I don%26#39;t know why he mentioned it, though it is a nice hotel; neither do any of the mid range hotels.

Setha Palace, Don Chan Palace, Novotel, Lao Plaza all do, but you will pay premium prices.

I would stay in the Villa Manoly. Its about 30US a night and has a small pool. It is an old French colonial mansion, with large rooms. The gardens are very nice. You will probably need to phone as they are not too goog at answering emails.

June is in the wet season. Bouts of rain, humidity etc. Not too bad, but not the best time of the year to come to Laos.

As I drove home today, I dorove past another hotel I had forgotten. The Vansana. This is a chain - Vientiane, Plain of Jars, VV etc. They have a lovely saltwater pool, are nicer than Lao Orchid and cheaper as well. The only disadvantage is that it is not walking distance to restaurants etc; it is a shor tuk tuk ride if that is not a problem for you. Look up their web site.

Worth clicking on the left hand bar link on Vientiane Hotels for all the reviews.

We stayed at the Green Park and were very happy with the experience.

Also recommend you use Thai as your luggage can be sent straight through.

Also worth checking this forum posting(which I think is still valid) on Visas%26#39;

Jan 18, 2008

Vientiane

The definitive ';Visa on arrival at Vientiane'; report.

Luggage can also be sent through directly with the Thai/Lao Airlines combination. Price is similar as well. Choose the one that suits your connection best. Souvanaphoum airport is an awful place to hang around. One of the worst ';new'; airports I have seen.

Green Park is very nice, but far too expensive for ordinary people like me. I can%26#39;t afford $165 US a night. Even if I could, I think it is crazy to spend this much on a place where you sleep. Vansana is about 40.

Rufuscat.

Prices must have shot up this year-in January it was $110 per night,and that was peak season!

I got those prices from their web site yesterday. Bt even at 11o I couldn%26#39;t afford to stay there. I can%26#39;t even afford to drink a beer in their restaurant lol. Nice hotel though, I agree.

Stew, are you flying Vietnam Airlines to Vientiane from HCMC? We thought we might go to Cambodia first but not sure, jut trying to work out which is the best way to go.

Rufuscat - thanks for your recommendations, some of the hotels look good especially the Vansana. Travelling with my 10 year old son it is good to have a pool to cool off at the end of the day.

Hi Millsie,

yes, Flying Vietnamese Airlines , HCMc to Vientiane.

Cheers,

Stewie.