Laos Chronicle Summary

Laos Photo Summary

Laos records, tickets, items travel summary

Sabaidee! Khawp jai lai lai for taking time to join me on this journey through Laos. While it may have taken me months to finish the whole Laos Chronicles, the actual trip lasted only 14-days including transit from February 5-18 2009. I would have wanted to wraps thing up quickly but there are so many details to write about the place and I want it written in a way people are traveling with me as well. So here’s the summary of the trip with itinerary details and budget.

Laos Route Map

My Route for two weeks in Laos

Route: Initially I wanted to do a Thailand-Laos route but decided to do only a Laos trip. I figured I’d see more of Laos since Thailand is a lot easier to go to. I did enter through Bangkok,Thailand coming from Manila, then caught another flight to Ubon Ratchathani where I border-crossed to Southern Laos going to Pakse. After going around Pakse I took an overnight VIP bus to Vientiane. Staying there a couple of days then took another overnight bus to Luang Prabang. After staying a few days, I headed down to Vang Vieng where I only stayed for a night then back to Vientiane. From Vientiane I flew in to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Stayed there a few hours until my connecting flight to Manila.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11-12

Day 13-14

Food post at Happyfoodies.com
Street Eats, Lao Style

Budget: Originally, my target budget was US$ 400. But at the end of the trip I ended up spending up to US$ 550 which is about P 26,700. That includes everything from transport, airfare, accommodation, food, admission/entrance fees, souvenirs and travel taxes. This would have gone more than P30,000 but I was lucky enough to get promo fares on my flights. My average spending per day for food and transpo ranges from US$ 20-30 while accommodations ranges from US$ 10-15 for mid-range types with en suite bath rooms.

Quick Tips:
On Currency: Years ago, Laos accepts US dollar currency, but recently they encourage tourist to use their local currency which is Kip. Some establishments still accept dollars but very few. As of this writing US$ 1 = 8,500 kip. Be careful with US$ 100 bills some money changers are meticulous with the condition of the bills and marks on it. Shop around as well for the best rates.

On Tuk-Tuks: Beware of tourist tuk-tuks. If you see a laminated price list walk away. If you can’t, haggle for a good price. Preferably start at 60% of the price stated on the price list.