Luang Prabang to Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) (Part 1)
 |
| Leaving Luang Prabang |
And so the next part of my trip took me from Luang Prabang to Si Phan Don.
 |
| Don Det, Si Phan Don |
Si Phan Don is a group of islands in Southern Laos on the mighty Mekong River. Don Khon, Don Det and Don Khong are the main draw to the islands.
To get to Si Phan Don, you'll need to take a bus/minivan from Pakse, then a boat from the jetty at Ban Nakasan.
There are no buses from Luang Prabang that goes straight to Pakse, as they are too far apart (the bus journey will probably kill you anyway). So the first leg of the journey was to take a bus from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
 |
| Luang Prabang Bus Terminal |
 |
| Bus Schedules |
 |
| Ticket Fares |
From Luang Prabang bus terminal, which you'll be able to reach from town via a songthaew, you will be able to get tickets to Vientiane via either an express bus or a VIP bus at different prices. Don't worry about catching the bus though, as there are plenty of buses that ply this route.
You'll also be able to find tickets littered over the travel agents in town and although the prices are a little bit higher, they'll arrange for a pickup at your guesthouse and make sure you don't miss your buses, should you be on a tight schedule (like I was). And so I paid 160,000 kips (S$20), which wasn't too alarming, for my tickets with one of the travel agents, choosing the express bus instead of the VIP one.
 |
| Express Bus to Vientiane |
If you're opting for comfort though, DO NOT choose the express bus. The air conditioner wasn't working on mine and the leg space was practically non-existent. The journey is around 10h and comfort isn't really something worth sacrificing. The view was on the way was stunning, so if you can keep yourself awake throughout the whole ride, do it. It's not worth missing the picturesque views of greens and mountains for sleep.
 |
| En route from Luang Prabang to Vientiane |
10 hours later, you'll reach Vientiane's Northern Bus Station. There are 3 bus stations in Vientiane so make sure you don't get it wrong. I didn't stay in Vientiane though, since I've been here like 5 times? For those who hasn't been here before, don't miss this place though, as it has its own charm, a little like Thailand, but a little more rustic.
Stay tuned for the leg from Vientiane to Si Phan Don ...
Sign up here with your email