Chiang Mai > Vientiane

[psylocke6]

Hi all,

I need to go to Vientiane next month to apply for a new visa. I heard some terrible things about bus drivers falling asleep on nightime trips...

I would like to have recommendations from people who already made this trip: do you know any serious companies? I would like to make this trip with a minibus or a van because flights are too expensive.

I apologize if this question had already been answered!

Thank you!

[MisterTee]

Fly.

Beg, borrow, or steal to get the money, but don't go by bus or van. It's a long circuitious route, nice if you drive yourself and want to see the countryside, but slow and possibly dangerous by public transportation.

[naboo]

A bus crashed on that route a few weeks back, a few injured/dead.

Fly to Udon and bus from there, life is worth more than the money you'll save.

edit: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/driver-killed-bus-plunged-ravine

[MisterTee]

A bus crashed on that route a few weeks back, a few injured/dead.

Fly to Udon and bus from there, life is worth more than the money you'll save.

edit: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/driver-killed-bus-plunged-ravine

Yes, that's the latest incident.

There has been carnage on the CM-KK and the CM-Loei parts of that route for years.

[jamhar]

Went there a few times via bus from Lampang.

No issues. Do NOT go by minivan. That is a cramped, white knuckling ride.

I'm told flights are better. If the cost and schedule are to your budget and time, sure.

else go by the big bus.

Be sure to check the trip reports to Vientaine for the recommended procedure first!

just my 2 cents

[JulieM]

Flights to Udon Thani are a lot cheaper than flights to Vientiane. When you land you can take a minibus to the border. The ride takes 45 minutes and costs maybe 200 baht.

[philw]

Done it by bus many times.

No probs except booze not allowed.

Fill an oishi black tea bottle with scotch and you'll be alright.

(use a straw )

Only about 0.5% of them crash.

Wear the seat belt and sit at the back.

[psylocke6]

Thank you very much for your responses. I finally found some flights not really expensive to Udon Thani, so I think I will choose this option!

[MisterTee]

Thank you very much for your responses. I finally found some flights not really expensive to Udon Thani, so I think I will choose this option!

A good decision and a safe choice.

Bon Voyage!

[mat999]

You have made a wise choice.

[puukao]

Definitely wear a seat belt, our driver came to an abrupt stop after he handled a turn wrong and I went flying into some metal bar. After an hour or two, I was fine, but man that stung. Who knows what the bus drivers are on, if they will fall asleep, and good luck getting any sleep or staying warm. If they crash, don't be surprised if we on TV are critical. I hope I never take one again.

[shiout]

sleeper train x 2, get off in nong khai. then walk to the bridge bus over then bus again.