Will be in Laos for a couple of weeks and would like to work my way to N. Vietnam-Hanoi and the Sapa area etc. WOndered about the route any of you have taken. Seems there is not a lot of info regarding planes, trains, and ox carts to get there. Can anyone recommend any must see areas between there? How about a road route towards Sapa? Diem ben Phu(sp?)...area?
Just dont really want to spend a lot of time on a terrible bus at this point since I'll HAVE done plenty prior.
I know of the flights to Hanoi from Vientienne which is an option, but would like to see the culture between the two areas.
Thanks for any help,
N

You can travel from Luang Praband to the border by bus crossing near Dien Bien Phu then on to Sa Pa.

VietNam requires you get a visa BEFORE heading for the border.

Check out Fodors.com there was a posting there about this a couple of weeks ago that had great detailed info on this trip.

If I see it again I will mention it in this post.

thanks--will try and find it on foders.
Yes i already have a multi entry vietnam visa.
thanks
norm

from vientiane you can either go to Sam Neau directly or through PhonSavan. I would suggest check out Plain of Jars and Vieng Xai (near Sam Neau)
there are not too many tourists crossing into Vietnam from here but from what I heard its pretty easy.