Thailand-Lao Open Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang Bus Route

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Thailand-Lao open Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang bus route

CHIANG MAI, Jan 20 – A second class air-conditioned bus route opened Thursday from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang as the 8th route linking Thailand with the Lao PDR.

The route opening ceremony was presided over at this northern province's 3rd Chiang Mai bus terminal (Arcade 2) by Silpachai Jarukasemratana, Transport Ministry's Deputy Permanent-Secretary acting as permanent-secretary.

The journey takes 18 hours and the fare is Bt1,200.

Once the fourth bridge across the Mekong River from Thailand, linking Chiang Khong with the Lao PDR's Huay Xai, is finished next year, first class air-conditioned buses will replace the second services with a fare of Bt1,500.

The new route is intended to boost tourism, investment and economy between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Mr Silpachai said the high-speed train project from Bangkok-Chiang Mai, as earlier approved by the cabinet, should be ready for service in 2017.

He said currently it is the study process which must be done within one year in order to indicate which route is to start first. Apart from the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, two other preliminary routes are in the project --Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok-Hua Hin-- according to the deputy permanent-secretary.

The transport ministry official added that the main obstacle for such a project is the construction of new railroads, and that its impact on the environment needs to be studied thoroughly.

The high-speed rail journeys are expected to link the entire country within 3-4 hours, Mr Silpacha said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-01-20

[yumidesign]

"The transport ministry official added that the main obstacle for such a project is the construction of new railroads, and that its impact on the environment needs to be studied thoroughly."

god bless them u gotta laugh

[Dap]

Wow! That's pretty cool but, think I'll wait for the 1st class route. The 18 hr, trip will be nasty enough.

[Dorkers]

Luang Prabang fantastic place, very tranquil. I went there in a mini bus - the road is lethal. Not so much the crazy traffic here in Thailand, but mountainous terrain and a single lane road with, trucks, cars, bikes and the odd animal or two - life in your hands stuff. Our top speed would have been about 40 - 50km the whole way. Even had Laotian people getting car sick with the rattle and hum of the journey. Part of the adventure I suppose. Sleeping not really an option, be like sleeping on the back of a camel. An 18 hour trip would be a nightmare.

[flap48]

I will believe high speed rail in Thailand when i see it. With the pay offs to build it, the total cost would be enormous, but then again with payoffs like that they may drag it out to see HSR in 10 yrs.

[mogoso]

We did the slow boat from Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang. A two day journey that I enjoyed throughly, not so the Mrs. The backpackers partied all day and made it a fun trip, but in our guesthouse once they came after dinner it was the quietest place I've ever been.Kudos to them.

Guesthouse in Chiang Khong night before journey was bad. But Pacban you chose your place. Don't change money as dollars or Baht are accepted. Luang Prabang's waterfront with it's French Colonial buildings and it's cleaniness are charming. The food is generally good where ever you dine. Our guesthouse was 500 baht first night and 400 each additional night. The food service area was across the street on a balconey overlooking the Mekong and their food was good and spicy. No tv but they had wifi. Stream wasn't good enough to watch movies, but great for surfin and email. Waterfall outside of town is nice and a short walk from parking.(maybe 8 dollars per person in a group tuk tuk) The Bamboo bridge over the Hahn river is pricey 5000 kip (8000 kip per dollar) but its a good place to take in a sunset, enjoying a cold Beer Lao served right there. Really laid back place but closes up early for the night. I'm not sure but I think bars close at 11pm, very quiet at night. $150 dollars for return flight to Chiang Mai. For a place just to chillax I'd recommend it. For a single person take the slow boats. (not so much that they are cheap, but fun)

Their night bazaar is almost entirely Lao hand crafted products, its not a Tchiclek type market. Oh I forgot to mention the Wats, thirty three in a small area. The one on top of the hill has some steps to it, not just the long one you see from the street. I found the museum to be a waste of money, but to each his own.

Edited February 1, 2012 by mogoso