Bkk To Chiang Rai And Luang Prabang

[sundevil]

I am hoping to combine a trip from BKK to Chiang Rai for a few days and then on to Luang Prabang for a few more days. I think we will have about a week to make the trip, possible a few days more if needed. What I want to do is fly from BKK to Chiang Rai, spend a few days around the area, and then move on to Luang Prabang. What is the best way to get from Chiang Rai to LP? Also, I wouldn't mind going from BKK-LP-Chiang Rai-BKK either, if that would make it easier. At first I wanted to use the Bangkok Airways discovery pass, but there are no flights from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to LP. If anyone could give me some ideas as to how to make this happen, without to much travelling time (flights preferred as time is limited), I would appreciate the input. Also, does 7 days seem like enough time for this trip? SO, the questions are:

1. Does it make a difference if I fly to LP from BKK directly and go to Chiang Rai afterwards...or is it basically the same either way?

2. If Ifly to Chiang Rai...is there any flights from there to LP or is it easy to get to Vientienne and fly from there? Maybe Chiang Mai?

3. Any good recommendations on unique, interesting, boutiquey places to stay in the mentioned areas?

4. CAn I rent a car or Jeep in LP and/or Chiang Rai?

5. The mountain bike tours...are they OK for everyone? It seems like fun, but I don't want to work to hard on my much needed time off.

Thanks for any help...Sundevil

[Ricardo]

Thai or Lao-Aviation fly 6-days-out-of-7 , CM to LP & vice-versa. Both use a little wind-up plane - but it gets you there.