Kristina

lincasanova- Guess what? The Mekong Express is both a boat and a bus! I always knew it as the boat route, bus the bus has the same name. If cost is an issue, then go with the bus (but avoid the boat!).

VAE

First, enjoy your trip Second, I believe nowadays with Internet we can plan almost any trip. It's almost sure that if you do all by yourself, you can get a better price. However, using a travel agent/DMC it's a safer choice, if you get the right one. Unless you are a great adventurer, for your first trip (especially a complex one like this one), I would suggest for you to go with a local company.On the previous replied, you got some good companies. I would add just two more:
http://www.exotissimo.com/travel/multi-country/tours/ and http://www.buffalotours.com/

Send an inquiry to them, even if is just to get some ideas and more info.

Cheers!

lincasanova

Re: boat. Cost is not the issue. It just seems it would be nice to avoid an airport or two when possible, although once this starts coming together with some actual dates I may change my mind!

VAE. thanks for the additional companies.

sf7307

FWIW, we didn't end up using them, but when we were in VN we stopped in at the offices of both of the companies VAE mentions, and both looked like high-quality operations!

lincasanova

thanks, everybody!

Kathie

I know Kristina already mentioned it, but let me also put in a plug for www.theplf.org for your volunteering. One of our very own Fodorites started this charity and many of us are contributors.

lincasanova

already in contact with her...!!