Luang Prabang and Chaing Mai
Jul 7th, 2012, 10:19 AM
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Luang Prabang and Chaing Mai
We have 2.5 weeks to travel in the Fall...can we see both? If so, in which order and what is the best way to travel between the two, starting from the northeast US?
Much thanks!
Much thanks!
Jul 7th, 2012, 10:47 AM
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Certainly you can visit Chaing Mai and Luang Prabang in two and a half weeks. If you an wait until November, the weather will be better than October.
From the NE US, you can fly either east or west to get to Bangkok. You have lots of options for airlines and routings. You'll want to consider which airlines you have mileage on.
From Bangkok (where you should spend some time), it's a quick flight to Chiang Mai. If Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang were my two destinations, I would consider the two-day cruise from northern Thailand to Chaing Mai on the Luangsay. For a time there was a Lao Air flight from CM to LP. I don't if it still exists. Otherwise, you would need to fly back to Bangkok to fly to Luang Prabang. You will need to return to Bangkok to catch your international flight home.
From the NE US, you can fly either east or west to get to Bangkok. You have lots of options for airlines and routings. You'll want to consider which airlines you have mileage on.
From Bangkok (where you should spend some time), it's a quick flight to Chiang Mai. If Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang were my two destinations, I would consider the two-day cruise from northern Thailand to Chaing Mai on the Luangsay. For a time there was a Lao Air flight from CM to LP. I don't if it still exists. Otherwise, you would need to fly back to Bangkok to fly to Luang Prabang. You will need to return to Bangkok to catch your international flight home.
Jul 7th, 2012, 11:05 AM
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thanks! so it would be best perhaps to fly to Bangkok...cruise to CM, flY back to Bangkok, fly to LP, then back to Bangkok for the flight home? We have spent time in Bangkok and liked it very much, but only a few days at a time....the cruise is a really good idea...How many nights is it? Again, thanks!
Jul 7th, 2012, 12:26 PM
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Here is the website: http://luangsay.com/
Jul 11th, 2012, 12:23 AM
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Yes you can incorporate both in a 2.5 week trip. I would fly into Bangkok, spend a few days there (more if it is your first time) and either fly or get the overnight train to CM spending a couple of days seeing the city before transferring to a hotel close to Chiang Khong before getting the ferry accross to Houei Say for the ferry down river . Luangsay is the most famous & luxurious (and expensive) option but there are many operators who will charter a private boat for you for less money (or get one of the public boats if you are up for seeing how the local people travel.
Boats generally stop for an overnight in Pakbeng, not because there is anything much to see but simply because of the length of the journey. We did do the trip by speedboat in one day many years ago but it is not an experience I would care to repeat!
Luang Prabang is a pretty town which, unfortunately has got very busy over the years. It is the sort of place where it is just nice to wander around watching the people, exploring the many Wats and sampling the excellent food. October should be a good time to go as there will be less people around to get in teh way of the many photos you will surely take..
Boats generally stop for an overnight in Pakbeng, not because there is anything much to see but simply because of the length of the journey. We did do the trip by speedboat in one day many years ago but it is not an experience I would care to repeat!
Luang Prabang is a pretty town which, unfortunately has got very busy over the years. It is the sort of place where it is just nice to wander around watching the people, exploring the many Wats and sampling the excellent food. October should be a good time to go as there will be less people around to get in teh way of the many photos you will surely take..
