Mini Asian train adventure advice.
Discussion
I’d planned the following train trip for September this year, about 6 weeks of travel. The problem was how to structure it.
This year we are planning on Yunan → Myanmar (situation dependent) → Laos → Thailand → Cambodia → Vietnam → Guangxi (not necessarily in that order).
All this changed yesterday, when I learnt of a route, I didn’t know existed.
This has suddenly made route planning a lot easier.
The route will be as above (excluding Myanmar), may pull forward the date to mid May.
Our main interests are; cuisine, we like a long breakfast, relaxing over a coffee or a simple/indulgent dinner; it’s very much a part of the holiday for us. We enjoy leisurely sightseeing, taking in the local atmosphere. We’re not particularly cultural, but will take in the odd museum.
Hotels, basic are OK, if it has a pool, that’s a bonus.
Rather than post the whole trip, I will post it in sections as I develop the route, asking specific questions. I’ve added pictures just to break it up a bit.
Kunming, this is set in stone, we know it well, and we also are in China, so it makes sense.
Anyone have experience of the Kunming to Vientiane train?
Luang Prabang; looks interesting, although it’s said to be very touristy, we do like small rural towns/cities, any opinions?
Vang Vieng; appears very picturesque, right up our street, will appeal to Mrs. DG, I think I can find some extreme activities for her.
Vientiane, sightseeing and food, this is a definite stop.
Anything along the way I’ve missed?
What’s the overall situation with regards to power supply in Laos?
Internet connectivity any advice?
Any other suggestions gratefully received.
Will post up the next leg, in a couple of days.
This year we are planning on Yunan → Myanmar (situation dependent) → Laos → Thailand → Cambodia → Vietnam → Guangxi (not necessarily in that order).
All this changed yesterday, when I learnt of a route, I didn’t know existed.
This has suddenly made route planning a lot easier.
The route will be as above (excluding Myanmar), may pull forward the date to mid May.
Our main interests are; cuisine, we like a long breakfast, relaxing over a coffee or a simple/indulgent dinner; it’s very much a part of the holiday for us. We enjoy leisurely sightseeing, taking in the local atmosphere. We’re not particularly cultural, but will take in the odd museum.
Hotels, basic are OK, if it has a pool, that’s a bonus.
Rather than post the whole trip, I will post it in sections as I develop the route, asking specific questions. I’ve added pictures just to break it up a bit.
Kunming, this is set in stone, we know it well, and we also are in China, so it makes sense.
Anyone have experience of the Kunming to Vientiane train?
Luang Prabang; looks interesting, although it’s said to be very touristy, we do like small rural towns/cities, any opinions?
Vang Vieng; appears very picturesque, right up our street, will appeal to Mrs. DG, I think I can find some extreme activities for her.
Vientiane, sightseeing and food, this is a definite stop.
Anything along the way I’ve missed?
What’s the overall situation with regards to power supply in Laos?
Internet connectivity any advice?
Any other suggestions gratefully received.
Will post up the next leg, in a couple of days.
Smiffymoto
Thought that would be the case. Can you ask her about power supply, I’m partial to a cold beer of an evening?
RichFN2
Floating down a river on a tube, sounds great fun, minus the off your face part.
We’re expecting things to be slow and inconvenient; it’s just the way it is.
Griffith4ever
Good to hear about Luang Prebang, that will definitely be a stop for a few days, sounds ideal for us.
Vang Vieng, will give it try, Mrs. DG likes to try new things, but I will keep an eye on the safety aspects; if that sounds patronizing, it’s not, Mrs. DG is an extremely fit (physically), but has little concept of risk awareness.
The next part to plan is Vientiane on to Thailand; although, I will plan that over the coming days, then post with specific questions.
Griffith4ever, it will include the train from 'Bangkok to Poipet' as you recommended in the Sapa thread.
All of these plans are very fluid as there are no particular time constrains.
I’m aware, I can search all of this on the internet, but it’s good to hear peoples experience, thank you all for posting.
Thought that would be the case. Can you ask her about power supply, I’m partial to a cold beer of an evening?
RichFN2
Floating down a river on a tube, sounds great fun, minus the off your face part.
We’re expecting things to be slow and inconvenient; it’s just the way it is.
Griffith4ever
Good to hear about Luang Prebang, that will definitely be a stop for a few days, sounds ideal for us.
Vang Vieng, will give it try, Mrs. DG likes to try new things, but I will keep an eye on the safety aspects; if that sounds patronizing, it’s not, Mrs. DG is an extremely fit (physically), but has little concept of risk awareness.
The next part to plan is Vientiane on to Thailand; although, I will plan that over the coming days, then post with specific questions.
Griffith4ever, it will include the train from 'Bangkok to Poipet' as you recommended in the Sapa thread.
All of these plans are very fluid as there are no particular time constrains.
I’m aware, I can search all of this on the internet, but it’s good to hear peoples experience, thank you all for posting.
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