mrireland Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 (edited) Ive read taking a bus is taking youre lives into your own hands in Thailand but i always thought that it was a bit of an exaggeration. I guess not after my trip........ so i wanted to know what are my options for alternative trip home as im not going back with them even though its already paid for. What are the VIP buses like, i understand theyll still be a bit mad but i presume they wont be going as fast considering this bus got here from Chiang Mai in 8-9 hours and i understand the VIP buses are around 12-13 hours. Im not expecting miracles and i know well still get thai style driving but are they really nuts like this on the VIP bus or just regular thai style driving? I really dont want to get a plane but i might just do so after that trip, but if there is a Vientiane to Chiang Mai or udon Thani to Chiang Mai i might as a last resort. Since im staying in Vientiane i guess my best option is to get the VIP bus either directly from Nong Ghi or Udon Thani. Is there VIP buses available for both or just Udon Thani? Can i book the buses anywhere in Vientiane or do i need to go to Udon Thani or Nong Ghi (probably not correct spelling) and if so whats the best way to get to either one of those, is there a local bus or should i do tuk tuk. I really appreciate a quick reply as i had only planned a 1 day stay and now it looks like im stranded here longer as i believe there is usually a 1-3 day wait for the VIP bus. And to save me another nightmare if you suggest a good bus company to use for the trip. On a good note im still alive and i think i got a triple entry, i applied for a triple entry and when i was paying she handed back 1k, i thought she was undercharging me and i kept saying no the other girl said 2k, but after a while i realized she just didnt want to give me 2 entries, she said why 2, i said i wanted to travel aned see more of Thailand, she got into a huff and shouted something about 5k or something but i might have misheard her, she then put my application on another window and told me to sit down, left me waiting a while and just charged me 2k in the end so i presume im getting a double entry, maybe ill get a red stamp for my troubles and maybe theyll just give me 1 entry and still take my 2k but hopefully all goes well and at least the trip ends better than it started. Edited February 15, 2012 by lopburi3 edit details per poster request Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tafia Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 (edited) Try Chan Tours not sure if they go from Laos but do go from Udon. S Class superb, includes individual tv for movies music etc, small meal + snack inc, reclining seats etc etc...oh and don't drive like lunatics!! Chan Tour Co. Hours and Phone Numbers : Travel & Transport Edited February 14, 2012 by Tafia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Or any of the Transport Company government registered bus services. Much better for long distance than vans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Or any of the Transport Company government registered bus services. Much better for long distance than vans. +1 Big ones from bus stations not travel agents, often blue and white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelaos Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Get the International bus from Vientiane bus station to Udon Thani. From there get a bus to Chang Mai or go to Udon airport and get a flight with Nok Air 2-3000 Baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Flame and response removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller22 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Get the International bus from Vientiane bus station to Udon Thani. From there get a bus to Chang Mai or go to Udon airport and get a flight with Nok Air 2-3000 Baht. air asia around 1000-1500 from either chaing mai or udon thani to bangkok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris1970 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 there's 2 bus stations in udon thani an inner city and one on the outskirts, the bus to chiang mai leaves from the outer one at around 7 pm but you'll want to get there earlier to buy a ticket. you can get a direct bus from vientiane to udon but it goes to the inner bus station and you'll need to get a tuk tuk to the outer one. or you could goto nong khai bus station and get a bus to udon outer station, but ask them which it goes to, say you want to goto chiang mai and they maybe helpful. the bus back to chiang mai is ok if you get there early and buy a ticket for the better bus, if not you'll end up on teh second class bus which will be difficult to sleep on. i think there's several companies crackaporn and sombat ring a bell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrireland Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 Thanks guys, rather than waiting around can i make my way to Udon Thani outer bus station and book a ticket today for the Bus tomorrow or can you only get it on the day? Are these the VIP buses with a small shop and toilet and comfortable seating or just a standard 1st class bus? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrireland Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 Also i presume this is 12-13 hours which is fine, just checking though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KKvampire Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 If the guy was so crazy why did you stay in the van? It's easy to just say stop and get off. It would have prevented stress and can save your life, I know travellers who have asked to get off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moe666 Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 People continue to take these dangerous vans then complain about it later. Take a airplane for a few baht more and much safer. Sombat tours very safe and professional also if they have the orange and white buses this company operates out of chiang mai not sure of name. Why not revel name of company you may save someones life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Because of libel laws in Thailand such name posts will be removed to protect the poster. Do not name and shame on this forum for your own safety. Suspect poster will respond to a PM request if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello2you Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 I really would suggest the over-night train. Had a great visa extension trip to Vientiane a few months ago. went on the over-night train from BKK to Laos border (booked ticket at train station) there are taxis there that get you through immigration and over the border to Vientiane for very little money. It takes less than an hour to get from the train station to Vientiane. did my business at the embassy and went back the same way. Taxis to border, through immigration, taxis to train station (10 mins). Really easy, great train ride with sleeper, nice simple meal on the train, went to sleep and woke-up back in BKK. Would recommend it to anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Hello2you The OP is going to Chiang Mai not BKK. You might want to re-read the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello2you Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 OK -well I am sure there will be trains to Chiang Mai too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Unfortunately there is no train line between Northern Isaan and the North of Thailand. It's road or plane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieH Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Get the International bus from Vientiane bus station to Udon Thani. From there get a bus to Chang Mai or go to Udon airport and get a flight with Nok Air 2-3000 Baht. after a number of hair-raising VIP bus rides from udon to chiang mai i thoroughly endorse paying the extra and flying nok air from udon to cnx. even the VIP buses feel like you are taking your life into your hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobraSnakeNecktie Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 flying the CNX to UTH is a good idea. At least you arrive on time and feeling fresh.. Going back with one of the bus companies at Arcade bus station has worked well for me. That way one can save some money and when you come back can sleep off the ordeal of the bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DowntownAl Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Travelling mini-bus is nerve wracking at best that is for sure. I spotted a small bus company in downtown Vientiane. It is located next door to the Riverside Hotel and just down the street from the Douang Deuane Hotel on Norkeokoummane Rd. Their prices from Vientiane to Chiang Mai were 900 baht for mini-bus and 1,300 baht for a VIP bus. I was told a Thai company used to have that spot but it is now operated by a Laos company. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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