Best Way To Travel From Chiang Mai To Hanoi?

[Jenniferita]

Hey guys. I have a 2 1/2 week break from teaching in October. I'm about an hour outside of Chiang Mai. My plan is to go to Luang Prabang for a few days, then head over to northern Vietnam for the rest of my holiday. I want to see Hanoi and Halong Bay. Any suggestions or recommendations on how I should travel to these places would be appreciated. Was thinking maybe I should skip Laos and just fly to Hanoi from Bangkok instead, but am not sure.

Thanks for your help!

Jenny

[oxymoron]

Check out Lao Airlines, CNX- Luang Prabang 293USD Return.

LP- CNX 276USD Return.

We use Lao Airlines CNX - LP and to VTE often clean good aircraft nice people.

[JeffreyMcCollum]

The times I've gone I have flown. Just over an hour.

Do take an over night cruse in Halong bay one of my all time favorites

[Sydebolle]

Two weeks is possibly a little tight. Leave Chiang Mai towards Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai province), cross into Laos (Houay Xay/Boten province) and then either take the slow boat via Pakbeng to Luang Prabang (2 days); after 2-3 days Luang Prabang overland via Nong Khiaw, Viengthong to Vieng Xay/Houaphanh province (via Sam Neua) = one long day trip OR alternatively Luang Prabang to Phonsavan (via Phoukhoun) to see the plain of jars (stop two nights/one day). Then via Muang Kham, Sam Neau to Vieng Xay (Pathet Lao caves - one day). From Vieng Xay onto Nameo (border Laos/Vietnam) onto Thanh Hoa and onto Hanoï. From Hanoi you can fly back on Air Asia HAN-BKK-CNX or on Lao Airlines HAN-LPQ-CNX (latter involving one night stop in Luang Prabang, visa fee). Ensure you have a Vietnam visa prior to entering Vietnam (in Luang Prabang there is a consulate, costs approx. USD 50). Tell me how things went! Cheers and happy trails!

[ThunderDuck]

Had a good flight from Saigon to Hanoi on newly arrived airline VietJet (Air Asia associate) approx. $65 usd.

Easy booking on the website. Really hot and sticky in Hanoi at the moment. Agree that Halong Bay not to be missed.