I am going to Laos 2000 tomorrow(21. of June), with the VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani. I was thinking to go back already at the night of the 23th. But that day they only have a normal bus. I would have to wait one more day to get the VIP. So I wonder if anyone know if the normal bus is OK, or whether it is better to wait for the next day. If there is really a claustrophobic feel to the bus, hot like a sauna etc, it is perhaps better to wait. Has anyone tried it? And in either case, do you know if I should buy tickets for the return in advance, or should it not be a problem to buy it just before departure?

And can anyone recommend a good place to stay in Vientiane?

Also, if I understand correctly - from Udon Thani I take a tuk-tuk to the other bus station, and from there a bus to the border. From the border I take a new bus to Vien Tiane. And it should be easy, right?

Highly appreciated if someone can answer this! (Before I leave :-)

Have a look at the last few pages of this topic for recent reports there are some from people that took the bus.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Vientiane-La...sa-t158561.html

You will also find some info for hotels also.