maxjay

Thanks for all the info!

When I am in Vientiane, I will go by the Riverine, check it out and get their contact details for next time.

Another question. What would be a fair price for a car & driver, say for, 4-6 hours?

Any recommendations?

There is many a nice small hotel parallel with the Mekong - Riverine and InterHotel are just 2 which are nice. Or there is the Beau Riverage...

Do you have the contact details for the Riverine Hotel?

It is not listed in the Lao National Tourism Administration website.

I saw a photo of the front of the building, it looks like a quaint place with some character.

If it were a choice between the Riverine, Inter City & Beau Rivage. What would your choice be?

Thanks.

I'm not sure of the legality of it. In my 18 years of arrivals, I've never had my baggage checked.

I think the best way to do it would be to take the plants out of the pots. Wrap the roots in a wet/moist paper towel or towelette and then put the whole plant in a plastic bag.

But, wouldn't it be easier just to bring the seeds with you or buy them here? I know there is fresh mint here at most markets, not sure about Italian basil or rosemary.

Thanks for the reply Technocracy.

I'll be entering Laos at the Friendship Bridge (I live in Udon), going straight to the airport and flying out to Hanoi the same day. Returning, it will be the same itinerary, only in reverse.

When I add up the cost plus the hassle factor. It is a lot easier to fly from Vientiane to Hanoi. If I flew out of Udon to Don Muang Airport, taxi, overnight in Bkk, taxi, new airport to Hanoi, return same thing...I figure it's two days travel, plus the hassle.

Technocracy, I plan on flying from Vientiane to Hanoi and back to Vientiane.

A travel agent in Vientiane gave me this advice: "If you make return-flight to Vientiane you have to ask double-visa on first arrival." Is this correct? Is the price less expensive than two single entry visas? Is there a "official" name for this "double-visa"? I will only be transiting through Vientiane.

Thanks in advance.

This link shows most hotels in Laos, plus their direct telephone numbers and in some cases their websites:

http://www.tourismlaos.gov.la/hotel.htm

Gusthouses:

http://www.tourismlaos.gov.la/guesthouse.htm

Restaurants:

http://www.tourismlaos.gov.la/restaurant.htm