Readme before you journey
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Hello. For this trip to northern Laos, I originally planned to visit only Vientiane and Vang Vieng during the Songkran festival this year. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to go. I eagerly awaited this trip, which ultimately took place during the long weekend of May 16-20 (although for this trip, I took an additional day off on May 21). With six days at my disposal, I decided to add Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, to my itinerary.
At the end, there will be a small tip, a summary of the trip, and a summary of all expenses. : )
This is my old work.
- Backpack on a free train to Ratchaprapha Dam (without staying overnight on a raft) + Full moon party (which I didn't go to) with a budget of 4000 baht.
http://pantip.com/topic/35376237
- Backpack solo trip to Lipe, diving in the paradise at the end of the southern peninsula, with a budget of 4,000 baht
http://pantip.com/topic/35172219
- Backpack and hitchhike to Koh Tao solo with a budget of 2800 baht.
http://pantip.com/topic/34871539
The End of Leg Muscles at Phu Kradueng (A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip to Phu Kradueng)
http://pantip.com/topic/34784230For my trip from Bangkok to Laos, I plan to travel to Nong Khai province first and enter Laos via Vientiane. Then I will go up to Luang Prabang before returning to Vang Vieng, respectively. As for returning to Thailand from Laos, it is from Vang Vieng to Vientiane > Nong Khai > Bangkok, respectively.
To save money for other expenses, we opted for the third-class carriage on train number 77, which cost 253 baht and traveled from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
Day 1 (From Bangkok to Nong Khai)
4:30 PM.
After work, I rushed from the office to Hua Lamphong Railway Station, where I met the other participants in our trip.
6:30 PM.
We departed from Hua Lamphong Railway Station by the 3rd class train on route 77, heading to Nong Khai Province. The train is expected to arrive at Nong Khai Station around 5:00 AM the next day.
Summary of expenses on Day 1
July 15, 2016
The fare for the third-class train on route 77 is 253 baht.
Total budget summary
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 (Nong Khai - Vientiane - Luang Prabang)
5.00 a.m. (5:00 a.m. sharp)
After a long journey, we arrived at Nong Khai Railway Station. We got off the train, washed our faces, and used the restroom. Then, we continued our journey to the Thai-Lao border.
The Thai-Lao border crossing in Nong Khai province is only 1 kilometer from the train station. So, if you're not lazy, you can walk there. But since there were several of us, we decided to take it easy and hired a car for 120 baht (which came out to 20 baht per person when we split it six ways). Then we waited for the border to open at 8:00 AM.
* Some taxi drivers may offer to drive you to the Lao border or even to Vientiane city. Feel free to negotiate, but if they tell you there are no public buses (buses) running from the Thai border to the Lao border, don't believe them.
8:00 AM
Upon clearing immigration, we proceeded to complete the necessary formalities for exiting Thailand. This involved filling out arrival and departure cards, which were then submitted to immigration officials along with our passports for verification.
Exiting the departure hall, I purchased a 20 baht bus ticket to cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and proceed to the Laotian border checkpoint.
The bus will pick up passengers from both the Thai and Lao checkpoints. Once the bus is full, it will cross the Friendship Bridge to drop off passengers arriving in the other country.
Upon arrival at the Laotian border, immigration procedures were completed (entry and exit forms were filled out, and passports were submitted to officials for stamping).
Additionally, a border crossing fee is required. On the day of my visit, the fee was 55 baht due to it being outside of regular business hours. After paying the fee, officials will provide a border pass card, which must be used with a card reader, similar to the BTS ticketing system in Bangkok.
We decided to take a one-day trip to Vientiane. Since there were six of us, we rented a Hyundai Van (similar to a Toyota Avanza in Thailand) for 1,700 baht, which came out to 280 baht per person. I paid in kip, which was 58,000 kip per person.
Many people may find the price of 1,700 baht to be expensive. This is because we asked the driver to take us to book a sleeper bus ticket to Luang Prabang at the Northern Bus Terminal this evening. The Northern Bus Terminal is located on the outskirts of Vientiane, about as far from the tourist attractions of Vientiane as Don Mueang Airport is from Victory Monument in Bangkok. We booked the bus tickets in advance because we were traveling during a long weekend in Thailand and were worried that the bus would be full. If we had asked an agent in Vientiane to book the tickets for us, they would have cost between 180,000 and 190,000 kip for a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang. However, if we bought the tickets ourselves at the Northern Bus Terminal, they cost 150,000 kip.
For those who want to take the bus to Talat Sao, Vientiane (take the bus to Vientiane city center to continue to other places), there will be a bus like this waiting at the checkpoint. However, to be sure, ask the driver again.
After securing transportation, I proceeded to exchange currency at a nearby money exchange booth close to the border. The exchange rate on that day was 1 Thai Baht = 234 Lao Kip. For this trip to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng, I exchanged 5,000 Thai Baht (it is advisable to estimate your expenses beforehand, as exchanging leftover currency back is not cost-effective).
After exchanging money, we set off for Vientiane.
Our first stop was the Northern Bus Terminal, where we booked a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang.
Please provide the schedule and price of each round.
After purchasing our tickets, the driver took us to have breakfast. We expressed our desire to try pho, so he brought us to a restaurant he frequently takes tourists to (I can't recall the name). We ordered beef pho, which was delicious (or maybe we were just hungry!). The restaurant was kind enough to offer us a complimentary dessert of banana in coconut milk.
After breakfast, it's time to visit the iconic landmarks of Vientiane. Our first stop is the Pha That Luang.
Admission to the interior of the That Luang stupa requires a 5,000 kip entrance fee.
Near the Great Stupa, there is also a reclining Buddha.
After visiting the Phra That Luang, we took a short ride to the Patuxai, which is not far away.
An entrance fee of 3,000 kip is required to enter the Patuxai. Inside, each level of the monument houses souvenir shops, while the top floor offers panoramic views.
After descending from Victory Monument, we headed towards the Emerald Buddha Temple, but it seemed to be closed (or perhaps it is always closed, I'm not sure). We could only walk around the outside and were unable to enter.
Our final stop in Vientiane today is Wat Si Muang.
After visiting Wat Si Muang, we asked our driver to take us to buy a SIM card and internet package. We chose a Lao Telecom SIM card, which cost 20,000 kip. The 1.5 GB / 7-day package cost 10,000 kip. We then had lunch at a roadside restaurant and asked the driver to take us to the Northern Bus Terminal around 2:30 PM. Our sleeper bus to Luang Prabang departed at 8:00 PM, so we had a long wait.
For those who want to take a shower, the Northern Bus Terminal offers shower rooms for a fee of 5,000 baht per shower. We decided to take advantage of this service, as our last shower was the previous morning.
Note: As the provided text is empty, there is nothing to translate.
At 8 pm, it's time to board the bus. Before boarding, plastic bags will be provided for storing shoes.
The interior of the sleeper car is truly a sleeper car. If you are taller than 175 cm, you may have some trouble stretching your legs. I am 175 cm tall and I can just barely stretch out.
Summary of expenses for Day 1
The fare for a three-wheeled taxi from Nong Khai Railway Station to the Thai-Lao border is 20 baht.
The bus fare across the Friendship Bridge to the Lao border is 20 baht.
Border pass fee (stepping on Lao soil) = 55 baht
The cost of a sleeper bus ticket from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is 150,000 kip (approximately $640).
The cost of a beef pho (meal) for breakfast is 28,500 kip (approximately 120 baht). This may seem expensive, but the restaurant we visited was more like a restaurant with air conditioning. If you eat outside, it will cost between 15,000 and 18,000 kip.
Entrance fee to Wat Pha That Luang = 5,000 kip (approximately 20 baht)
SIM card + internet package = 20,000 + 10,000 kip (approximately $8 and $4 respectively).
The entrance fee to the Chai Gate is 3,000 kip (approximately 10 baht).
The cost of a beef stir-fried noodles with fried egg is 28,000 kip (approximately 120 baht).
The cost of a one-day trip to Vientiane is 58,000 kip (approximately 250 baht).
A large can of Lao beer costs 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht).
Shower fee = 5,000 kip (approximately 20 baht)
Total: 1,455 Baht
Total Budget Summary
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 baht
**Total 1,708 Baht**
Day 3 (Luang Prabang)
I woke up around six in the morning and found that the car was already running. I was still half asleep, but when I looked out the window, I couldn't help but grab my camera. It was a beautiful scene. The side of the road was filled with a sea of fog, with the sun rising in the middle. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to capture the sun.
At approximately 7:00 AM, we arrived at Luang Prabang Bus Station. My first order of business was to inquire about the bus schedule to Vang Vieng for the following day. After careful consideration, we decided to book tickets for the 2:00 PM bus to Vang Vieng. (The journey from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng takes approximately 6-7 hours by bus and 3-4 hours by van. We opted for the earlier departure to avoid arriving in Vang Vieng too late in the evening.)
After booking our tickets, we hired a tuk-tuk to take us to our accommodation, which we had booked through Agoda. Our accommodation was Soutikorn Guest House 1 (in Thai, สุทธิกร เกสต์เฮ้าส์). It's important to note that there are two Soutikorn Guest Houses, so be sure to specify which one you're going to when speaking with the driver. Unlike many other accommodations with similar names, these two guesthouses are not located next to each other. Our guesthouse was in a prime location, close to various landmarks in Luang Prabang, including the Night Market, Mount Phousi, Wat Xieng Thong, and the Luang Prabang Museum. The price was very reasonable, at just over 500 baht per night.
However, if you have time, you can walk in to find cheap accommodation in Luang Prabang. The reason we booked in advance is because we have limited time in Luang Prabang and today we have plans to visit Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Falls, so we don't want to waste time walking in.
We arrived at our accommodation around 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at Suthikhorn, we met another Pantip member who had been staying there the night before and was waiting for us. We had arranged to join a trip to Luang Prabang together, bringing the total number of members in our group to seven. After leaving our luggage with the guesthouse owner (it was still early and we couldn't check in yet because our room was occupied),
We hired a songthaew to visit Tad Kwang Si Waterfall and Kuang Si Falls for 325,000 kip (approximately 46,000-47,000 kip per person after dividing among 7 people). This price was very reasonable, as most join trips to Tad Kwang Si Waterfall alone cost 50,000-55,000 kip.
Before heading to Kuang Si Falls, we decided to grab some breakfast. We opted for a sandwich (French bread stuffed with various fillings, similar to Subway in Laos), which is a popular choice. However, I must warn you that the bread was served cold, as they did not toast it for us (or perhaps it was my fault for not asking?). I recommend trying something else instead. If you're really craving a sandwich, head to Vang Vieng instead, where every shop toasts their bread fresh (based on personal experience).
After packing our bags, we set off for Tat Kuang Si Falls, which took about 40 minutes to reach. Before reaching the entrance of Tat Kuang Si Falls, there are restaurants and souvenir shops. The entrance fee for Tat Kuang Si Falls is 20,000 kip.
The trail to Tad Kwang Si Waterfall offers two options: a direct route to the waterfall and a route that passes through the Bear Rescue Center. We chose the second option to see the bears.
Note: The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
After passing the Bear Conservation Center, you will encounter Tat Kuang Si Waterfall, which has approximately 4-5 tiers. Visitors are not permitted to swim in the uppermost tier; instead, they must swim in the lower tiers.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
We spent time at Tad Kwang Si until noon, then we returned and continued our journey to Tad Sae Waterfall. It took about 40-50 minutes, and we arrived at the entrance of Tad Sae Waterfall.
To reach Tad Sae Waterfall, visitors must take a boat across the river. The round-trip boat fare is 10,000 kip per person.
To access Tad Sae Waterfall, a 15,000 kip entrance fee is required. The waterfall offers activities such as ziplining and elephant riding.
Upon entering from the ticket booth, we encountered a restaurant, where we decided to have lunch. We ordered various papaya salads, but I refrained from eating as I wasn't particularly hungry. Instead, I opted to admire the waterfall and take photographs.
Beyond the restaurant, there is a large pool of water at Tad Sae. Most people come to play in the water here. You can actually walk further up, but I went up and didn't find anything interesting, so I came back down to jump in the water here instead.
After playing in the water for two hours, we returned to the shore. For the return trip, you can board any boat (but keep the ticket you paid for on the way there, just in case). Once the boat is full, it will depart.
On our way back, we asked the driver to drop us off at the foot of the Phousi Hill so that we could climb up to watch the sunset and admire the view of Luang Prabang from the top of the hill.
At Phousi Mountain, you can walk up for free. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of Luang Prabang and see many Buddha statues.
However, there is an entrance fee of 20,000 kip to access the area before the summit. We decided to pay the fee to watch the sunset, and we found that there were quite a few people waiting to watch the sunset on the summit.
The summit of Phra That Phu Si features a rocky outcrop, offering a scenic spot for capturing stunning photographs.
We then waited for the sunset together.
After the sun had set, we walked back down the path, but this time we took the other side, which was where the black market was located.
The black market offers a variety of souvenirs, including clothing, coffee beans, various handicrafts, and general handmade items.
Upon arriving at the black market, I decided to try the legendary 10,000 kip buffet (although this particular restaurant charges 15,000 kip). The rules are as follows: the restaurant provides one plate, and you can only take food from the trays once (no refills after they're empty). As for the taste, well, it was what you'd expect... I'd recommend spending your 15,000 kip on something else.
After finishing our meal, we strolled through the night market for a while before heading back to our accommodation.
Financial statement summary for date 2
The cost of a tuk-tuk ride to the accommodation was 70,000 kip for 6 people, which is approximately 12,000 kip per person, or about 50 baht.
The cost of a sandwich (breakfast) is 20,000 kip (approximately 80 baht).
The cost of a shared taxi to Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Waterfall is 325,000 kip, which is approximately 200 baht per person when divided among 7 people.
The net accommodation cost for Suthat Guesthouse is 500 baht for one person and 250 baht for two people.
Entrance fee to Tad Kwang Si: 20,000 kip (approximately 80 baht)
The fare for the "Tad Sae" boat is 10,000 kip (approximately 40 baht).
The cost to climb Mount Phousi is 20,000 kip (approximately 80 baht).
The buffet price (dinner) is 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht).
A large Beerlao costs 10,000 kip (approximately $4 USD).
**Total 940 Baht**
Total Budget Summary
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 baht
Day 3 = 940 Baht
**Total: 2,648 Baht**
Day 4 (Luang Prabang)
This morning, we had an appointment to offer sticky rice to the monks. However, I was the only one in the group who didn't wake up. I had told the others the night before that if I didn't wake up, they shouldn't wake me up. So, I don't have any pictures of this event to share.
After taking a shower, I joined the group at Pracha Niyom Restaurant. As the name suggests, it was very popular and crowded. However, my friend had already ordered something for me, so I didn't have to wait long for my food. I can't remember if it was porridge or rice soup, but it tasted good.
The menu also includes a variety of other dishes and drinks.
Today's plan is to explore Luang Prabang, starting with the morning market and then visiting the temples and architecture of the city. Around noon, we will take a bus to Vang Vieng, departing at 2:30 PM.
The morning market is located near the Prachaniyom restaurant. It is similar to a traditional Thai fresh market, offering a variety of fresh produce, fruits, fish, and poultry. A 30-minute walk is sufficient to explore the entire market.
We strolled through the morning market and continued to visit various temples in Luang Prabang located along the main road. While I cannot identify the specific temples pictured, I can confirm that they are situated on the main thoroughfare of Luang Prabang.
Translation:
Translation:
Translation:
The true highlight among the temples is undoubtedly Wat Xieng Thong. However, entry costs an additional 20,000 kip. To be honest, at the time, I felt it wasn't worth the price, so I didn't go in. This photo of the temple was taken from the ticket booth.
Translation:
This section is the Luang Prabang Museum. Nearby, there is a royal palace and a theater. However, I did not go inside because it was almost noon.
We arrived at Luang Prabang Transportation at 13:00. We waited with a fellow traveler who was also joining our Luang Prabang tour for the 14:30 bus. After waiting for a while, we noticed that our bus was not arriving at the platform. When we inquired at the ticket counter, we were informed that there would be no bus service at 14:30 that day. The next available bus would be at 17:30.
A Thai person who had been trekking in China was returning to Thailand via Laos and intended to travel to Vang Vieng. They planned to take the 2:30 PM bus, and we decided to share a van, which was arranged by a restaurant at the transport hub. The cost was 1,050,000 kip (which divided by 7 came to 150,000 kip per person). It was a good deal considering the speed.
One thing I want everyone to do is not to fall asleep on the bus between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. The scenery along the way is truly beautiful, and my photos may not do it justice. It's best to see it with your own eyes.
Translation:
Around 8 pm, we arrived in Vang Vieng. We had the driver drop us off at our pre-booked accommodation, Malany Villa, which is located directly opposite the legendary Sakura Bar. Coincidentally, our arrival coincided with Sakura Bar's free liquor hour (8 pm - 9 pm). Naturally, I took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some complimentary drinks.
Despite his rumbling stomach, he insisted on putting away the groceries before grabbing a bite to eat. We ended up at a sandwich shop, drawn in by the enticing aroma. As I had mentioned in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng's sandwiches are freshly grilled and incredibly affordable (10,000-20,000 kip). They were indeed delicious, and I found myself indulging in them almost every meal.
At around 9 pm, a group of colleagues from my workplace in Vientiane joined us, bringing the total number of people in our group to 11. We decided to book a one-day trip to Vang Vieng with our accommodation for 520 kip per person (our kip was running low). The program will start tomorrow and includes tubing through Tham Nam, Tham Chang cave, kayaking on the Song River, and visiting the Blue Lagoon (including one lunch).
After booking the trip, we sat down and enjoyed some beers in the living room of Malany Villa. Around 12:30 AM, we all went to bed.
Summary of expenses on the 3rd
The price of popular rice porridge is 8,000 kip (approximately 35 baht).
The sandwich costs 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht).
The fare for a chartered car to Luang Prabang Bus Station is 8,400 kip per person (approximately 40 baht).
The cost of a van to Vang Vieng is 150,000 kip (approximately 650 baht).
The price of a sandwich is 10,000 kip (approximately 40 baht).
Total 825 Baht
Summary of all budgets
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 Baht
Day 3 = 940 Baht
Day 4 = 825 Baht
Total 3,473 Baht
Day 5 (Vang Vieng)
As mentioned earlier, today we have a one-day trip planned. After waking up early, we had breakfast at a local restaurant near our accommodation. Around 9:30 AM, our transportation arrived to begin our scheduled itinerary.
The Journey Begins: A Trek to the Water Cave
Our adventure commences at the water cave, a hidden gem nestled approximately 30 minutes outside the city. A scenic drive transports us to the trailhead, where a suspension bridge awaits, beckoning us across a tranquil rice paddy. As we traverse the bridge, the anticipation of the cave's wonders builds.
Following the path, we venture deeper into the verdant landscape, the lush greenery providing a refreshing respite from the urban bustle. The trail leads us to the starting point of our aquatic exploration, where inflatable rings await, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of the water cave.
The cave was dark, so I didn't bring a camera because I wouldn't be able to see anything anyway. The staff provided headlamps for everyone. To enter, we had to float on inner tubes, holding onto ropes that the staff had strung up. We went about 10-20 minutes from the mouth of the cave before reaching a dead end. We then turned around and came back out the same way.
After exiting the cave, we played in the water pool in front of the cave while waiting for the team to prepare lunch. There is also a zipline at the cave, but you need to purchase a separate package if you want to play.
Our lunch consisted of fried rice, French toast, bananas, and a bottle of water. (Whoever finishes this is a god!)
After lunch, we walked back to the car, retracing our steps. However, we made a detour to the Elephant Cave, which is located between the path to the Water Cave. It is a small cave with a rock formation resembling an elephant.
After visiting the Elephant Cave, we got back on the bus and headed to the starting point for our kayaking adventure.
The team will demonstrate paddling and braking techniques before the actual paddling session. Experienced paddlers will steer from the back, and those who do not wish to paddle can ride with the team.
The heavy rain during my trip caused the water in the Mae Wang River to flow quite strongly. My kayak capsized twice (due to my lack of recent paddling experience), and unfortunately, my Xiaomi Yi camera was lost in the process. (It was attached to a selfie stick and tied to the kayak's rope, but the strong current swept it away when the kayak overturned.) Therefore, if you plan to bring an action camera on your kayaking trip, I highly recommend using a chest or head strap for better security. I've seen cases where people lost even more expensive equipment, like GoPro cameras (worth over 14,000 baht), compared to my Xiaomi Yi with a waterproof case (costing 2,500 baht). As a result, I have very few photos to share from my kayaking experience.
After paddling for an hour, we will reach Vang Vieng town, which marks the end of our kayaking journey.
Upon disembarking, a vehicle will transport us to the Blue Lagoon. Admission is 10,000 kip, which is included in the tour price.
The Blue Lagoon is a small pool. When I visited, the water wasn't very blue because it had started to rain. What makes this place interesting is that there is a large tree growing on the edge of the pool, which allows people to climb up and jump into the water. Some people climb up and don't dare to jump, while others jump in groups or perform impressive jumps, which are met with applause from the crowd. Some people only jump from the lower level. I personally jumped about 7-8 times.
After playing in the water to our heart's content (although in reality, we were running out of time), we returned to Vang Vieng by car at 4 pm. We checked into our accommodation, took a shower, and then went to rent bicycles for our trip to Pha Ngern the next day.
Translation:
For dinner tonight, I chose the Lao-style Khao Soi at a restaurant near Sakura Bar and Malany Villa. After dinner, we bought some beers and sat down to chat in the lounge area of Malany Villa, soaking up the atmosphere of Sakura Bar (although some of our friends were dancing inside Sakura Bar). Around 1am, Sakura Bar closed and we all went to bed.
Financial Summary for November 4th
The cost of a one-day trip to Vang Vieng is 520 baht.
The cost of rice porridge (breakfast) is 10,000 kip (approximately 40 baht).
The price of a bowl of red pork noodles with tom yum at the "Chai Si Mee Kiew" restaurant is 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht).
Bicycle rental fee = 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht)
Total 680 Baht
Budget Summary
Note: This translation assumes the original text is in Thai and aims to provide a concise and accurate English equivalent.
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 Baht
Day 3 = 940 Baht
Day 4 = 825 Baht
Day 5 = 680 baht
Total: 4,153 Baht
Day 6 (Vang Vieng)
Today, the group of friends from work who had just arrived in Vang Vieng to join us returned to Thailand, leaving our group with only 6 people remaining.
This morning, there was some rain, but not too heavy. However, today we have a mission to go up to the Pha Ngern viewpoint and then to Tham Jang Cave. Pha Ngern is located on the same road that leads to the Blue Lagoon, but if you start your journey from Vang Vieng town, you will reach Pha Ngern first.
At 7:00 AM, we picked up our bicycles. The shop provided us with a map and a bicycle lock. As we cycled along, we came across a landmark of Vang Vieng: the twin coconut trees.
Continue along the path and you will have to cross the bridge over the Song River. There is a crossing fee, which I believe is 5,000 kip per person.
As I continued cycling, the rain became increasingly heavy, rendering my raincoat ineffective. I sought refuge in a nearby restaurant for breakfast, opting for a delicious bowl of beef pho.
After about half an hour, the rain stopped and we continued cycling according to the map. However, along the way, we encountered some beautiful scenery, so I stopped cycling and got off to take some photos.
Continue cycling for a short while, keeping an eye on the right-hand side. If you see a yellow sign like this, turn right into it.
After a while, we will encounter a ticket booth that looks like this, along with a sign indicating that it takes 20 minutes to reach the summit (they probably forgot to mention that this is only for superhuman athletes). Don't forget to lock your bikes.
After that, I started walking. The initial part was flat, but as soon as the steep path began, it was nothing but a steep climb. (The number 5 contains hidden tears.)
After about half an hour, we arrived at the first viewpoint, where there was a pavilion to rest. We sat there for about 30 minutes.
From this point, it takes another 5 minutes to reach the top of Pha Ngern, where there is a pavilion for sitting and enjoying the view. On the right side of the pavilion, there is a ramp leading down to a spot where you can take photos with the view below. We spent time here until noon.
Translation:
At noon, we walked down the mountain, which took about 30 minutes. Then we cycled back to Vang Vieng town for lunch. On the way, we saw a cow walking, so we took a picture of it.
This playful creature eagerly approached me, licking my shin with its rough tongue.
For lunch today, the children on the trip ate papaya salad with grilled chicken, while I chose a sandwich. I don't remember how much the grilled chicken cost, but I can tell you that it was very expensive. (I also forgot to take a picture of it.) It's probably better to be patient and eat it in Thailand instead.
After finishing our meal, we cycled to Tham Jang Cave. The entrance fee is two-tiered. The first tier is due to the cave's location within the grounds of a resort (name not recalled). The resort charges an entrance fee of 2,000 kip and a fee for bringing vehicles into the premises (prices vary depending on the vehicle). Bicycles, for example, cost 2,000 kip each.
Before reaching the entrance to Tham Jang Cave, we will encounter another landmark of Vang Vieng, the legendary orange bridge.
After crossing the orange bridge, there were shops selling snacks. I saw a strange green coconut pancake, so I ordered a set to try... I think our coconut pancakes are more delicious.
After passing by some shops, we arrived at the foot of the cave entrance. There was a stream of water flowing out of the mountain in front of it (I think the water here is even more beautiful than the Blue Lagoon). There were also some foreigners swimming against the current into the hole where the water was flowing out. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a swimsuit, so I couldn't swim in to see it.
At this point, if you want to go up to Tham Jang, you have to pay another 15,000 kip. Having come this far, I had to pay. After paying for the ticket, it was time to exercise a bit, because the cave entrance was higher up.
Upon entering the cave, you will find yourself in the central chamber. The main path splits into two directions, one leading to the left and the other to the right.
We chose to walk to the left first. It didn't take long, about 5 minutes, to reach the end of the path, where there was a viewpoint.
Turning back to the right side of the road, I walked for a while and found that there was water flooding the area. Feeling that there was nothing more to see, I did not go any further.
As the closing time of the cave approached (the cave closes at 4:30 PM), we decided to head back. We cycled back to our accommodation and asked the reception at Malany Villa to arrange a bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane for our return to Thailand. However, the bus was already full, so we had to take a van instead. The van cost 80,000 kip per person.
For the evening, there was nothing planned. We had dinner at a local restaurant near our accommodation and then went our separate ways to relax.
Financial Summary as of November 5th
Breakfast Pho Price (Approximately 60 Baht)
The cost of a beef pho (breakfast) is 15,000 kip (approximately 60 baht).
Mineral water = 3,000 kip (approximately 12 baht)
The entrance fee to Pha Ngeun is 10,000 kip (approximately 40 baht).
The cost of a sandwich (lunch) is 10,000 kip (approximately 40 baht).
A large bottle of water costs 4,000 kip (approximately 17 baht).
Entrance fee to Tham Jang Cave: 2,000 kip per person, 2,000 kip per bicycle (approximately 17 baht).
Cave Entrance Fee: 15,000 Kip (Approximately $6 USD)
The cost of chicken basil rice with fried egg (dinner) is 25,000 kip (approximately 100 baht).
Total 696 Baht
Total Budget Summary
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 baht
Day 3 = 940 Baht
Day 4 = 825 Baht
Day 5 = 680 baht
Day 6 = 696 Baht
Total: 4,849 Baht
**Day 7 Vang Vieng > Vientiane > Nong Khai > Bangkok**
Translation:
The day was dedicated solely to travel. At approximately 8:30 AM, a van picked up my group directly from our accommodation. We then picked up other passengers heading to Vientiane until the van was full. We then set off for Vientiane. Along the way, we stopped at a rest stop, similar to those for tour buses or vans, where people could eat (we had breakfast here). In total, it took us about 3 hours from Vang Vieng to reach the Lao border.
Crossing the Lao Border: A Smooth Journey
The process of crossing the Lao border mirrored my experience entering from Thailand. At the Lao checkpoint, I completed the departure immigration form, presented it for stamping, and purchased a border pass (resembling a BTS card in appearance and usage). Next, I bought a bus ticket for the return trip across the Friendship Bridge to Thailand (costing 4,000 kip). Upon arrival at the Thai checkpoint, I filled out the arrival immigration form and presented it for stamping, completing the border crossing process.
For the journey from Nong Khai back to Bangkok, we still chose the train. However, since there were only trains from Nong Khai after 6:00 PM, we opted for the 6:20 PM train from Nong Khai to Hua Lamphong, arriving at 5:00 AM the next day. This allowed us to get some rest before continuing on to work.
After completing the border crossing procedures at Nong Khai checkpoint, we arrived at Nong Khai Railway Station around 13:30. This left us with a significant wait for our train.
At 6:00 PM, the air-conditioned train with reclining seats and blankets arrived at the platform. We boarded the train and enjoyed a comfortable 10-hour journey, sleeping and relaxing. We arrived at Hua Lamphong Station at 5:00 AM and dispersed to continue our work. This marked the end of our trip to northern Laos.
Financial Summary for July 7th
The cost of the beef pho is 80 baht. Please pay in Thai baht as I am out of Lao kip.
The bus fare across the Friendship Bridge is 4,000 kip (approximately 20 baht).
The fare from the checkpoint to Nong Khai train station is 100 baht for 4 people, which is 25 baht per person.
The cost of a second-class train ticket on route 78 from Nong Khai to Bangkok is 498 baht.
The cost of accommodation at Malany Villa 2 is 674 Baht.
The cost of stir-fried minced pork with basil and a fried egg is 50 baht.
Iced Coffee Price: 20 Baht
Total Budget Summary
Translation:
Day 1 = 253 Baht
Day 2 = 1,455 Baht
Day 3 = 940 Baht
Day 4 = 825 Baht
Translation:
Date 5 = 680 Baht
Day 6 = 696 Baht
Day 7 = 1,397 Baht
Total: 6,246 Baht
Anywhere For You
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:00 PM
