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Getting Around Laos
Huoay Xai to Luang Prabang
There is the option here to take the slow boat to Luang Prabang along the Mekong which takes 2 days. It is a highly recommended trip, but we simply don't have time. More information on the slow boat can be found here.
As for getting a bus you can get one at Champa bus terminal in Huoay Xai. Buses for Luang Prabang leave at 10am and 4pm, and the journey takes 12 hours. 130,000kip.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Get a mini bus. You can book this through a travel agent or at the Bus station (45min walk). The journey takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, depending on conditions and costs 130,000kip. You could pay more for a VIP bus, which includes a meal and a toilet that works sometimes. It's a 30 minute walk from the bus station to Vang Vieng, or a tuk tuk ride for 10,000kip.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane
So, there a three options here, a local bus, a private company bus, or a songthaew. Details of all three are discussed below.
The local bus leaves from the Northern Bus Station, you can either catch the bus from there or by the side of the road next to the old air field. They leave at 5.30am, 6am, 6.30am, 7am, 12.30 pm and 2pm. It takes about 4 to 5 hours for the journey and costs 40, 000 kip. There are also Songthaews available from the bus station or the airfield which leave for Vientiane every 20 mins or so, the cost is 40, 000 kip.
The Thavonsouk Bus Company and Malany Bus Company leave at 10am and 1.30pm. They have a free pick up service from the guesthouse. The journey for both these companies takes about 3 and a half hours. Tickets can be booked through many of the guesthouses or tour operators in Vang Vieng and cost 60,000 kip.
*paragraph emulated from Vangvieng
Vientiane to Savannakhet
The buses are fairly frequent in the morning, though I can find actual times. You may need to catch a bus to Pakse that stops in Savannakhet. There are two bus options, the cheapest is the local bus which takes 9 hours and costs 75,000kip. Alternatively, for a more comfortable ride, catch a VIP bus. These are less frequent, but only take 8 hours and travel overnight. Travel in pairs or buy the soace next to you as you'll be sharing your bed. For a night bus with a bed its 120,000kip or for a seated bus it is 110,000kip.
The buses are fairly frequent in the morning, though I can find actual times. You may need to catch a bus to Pakse that stops in Savannakhet. There are two bus options, the cheapest is the local bus which takes 9 hours and costs 75,000kip. Alternatively, for a more comfortable ride, catch a VIP bus. These are less frequent, but only take 8 hours and travel overnight. Travel in pairs or buy the soace next to you as you'll be sharing your bed. For a night bus with a bed its 120,000kip or for a seated bus it is 110,000kip.
Savannakhet to Thakek & Back
The local bus to Thakhek costs 30,000kip and takes 3 hours. Of course, you can catch a VIP bus for more if you wish. Same for the return journey.
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