i have a flight into HCMC and want to get to Laos, any city, to travel for 2 weeks and go home via HCMC. at the moment any directly connecting flight between Vietnam and Laos is >$200 US. Any suggestions for getting to Laos more cheaply??

Laos is still 'off the map' as far as airlines go. There's not enough people going there to attract the budget carriers, or make the major carriers more competitive.

How much time to you have in HCMC? If you're staying there a few days before you want to move on, you *might* get a better deal booking there than from the US.

Also, how are you getting to HCMC? If by VN airlines, then they will usually discount onward travel.

Try flying via Bangkok. Or, fly into BKK and take the night train to Vientiane.

http://bangkokair.com/discoveryairpass/?id=4

Check out the Bangkok Airways Discovery Pass. You would have a stop in BKK, but it may make sense depending on your route. They partner with Laos Airlines. Vietnam Airlines has sort of a monopoly on flights in Vietnam. Do you have to fly in and out of HCMC? Like someone else said, flying into Bangkok might make more sense in terms of airfare costs and routes.

Or flight to HUe, then take the bus to Laos.
Anyway, I did it, it's not a good experience, so better to go via BKK, it's easy and more comfortable.
I've check with Vietnam airline, the price is 190USD + 35USD tax, it's quite high. Seems like go through BKK is the best way.

thanks v much for all your help. ive made the mistake of buying the cheapest flight into south east asia (into saigon).

Hi Lozsfootprint,

I'm just curios, how much is the ticket and what is the itinerary??