Hello!

I know this is a long shot, but I need to go down to Laos to get a new visa in a week. If anyone knows anyone who happens to be driving down anywhere south of here within the next 7 days, I would love to tag along. I can offer money to pay for gas, etc.

Thanks!
Kasey
18787151422

Last year, I went from Phnom Penh, through Laos and ended up in Jinghong. I was knackered, tired and wanted to go home, but I did not really like Jinghong that much, especially the taxi drivers who wanted to take advantage of foreigners who refused to run their meters. Besides the Burmese (who were not that friendly), there is not much of interest there.

I would fly to Vientiane, because this is where you are getting your visa (right?) then go to Vang Vieng, Laung Prabang, Laung Namtha (which is just south of the border.) and then the border and Jinghong (and back to Kunming). You should fly one way, or frankly, you are going to have a sore ass with all the bus travel going to Vientiane and then back to China.

Lastly, when you cross the border from Laos into China, do not bring anything back that you shouldn't take back. Plenty of that in Yunnan. The border people were soldiers who barked orders and they went through everyone's bag, digging around looking for contraband. The people inside were not much better. On the way out the door, there is a woman (or women) who will exchange Lao Kip for RMB.

I'd skip Jinhong and the fake Chinese Thai crap and enter the real SE Asia. My opinion.

that's all very helpful but the reason i'm not flying is because i don't have enough money, hence starting this thread, not for travel advice, but to solicit strangers for ride shares.

To bad you did not want to leave last week ...just got back to kunming from driving to laos, ended up hanging out in luang prabang for a few days..Anyways we (me and my gf) do a lot of trips, I can let you know the next time if you like? maybe it would work out with your visa?

just fly.. it's only like 180us plus the bus.. takes 8 hours tops..(whole trip)

there's a car share thing on www.58.com but i can't find it right now.

The cheapest flight I can find on ctrip is about 1700 yuan

I have 3,500 yuan with which to make this trip, when I subtract the laos entry visa (about 200) and the cost of my Chinese visa (940, I'm American) that leaves about 2400.

If I buy a flight one way I have about 700 yuan left.
The bust costs about 600 yuan, so including the return bus trip I'll have 100kuai for food and lodging for a week.
I didn't start this thread so people could tell me to take a flight, I started it to find a ride south. Please do not respond to this ad unless you or someone you know is driving south in the next 3 days and I can come.

Thanks

Hey Kasey

Maybe not exactly what you wanted either, but hitchhiking gets you a fairly long way in Yunnan. I would suggest getting to Yuxi first, though.

Another suggestion to save you money:

Two-way train (hard sleeper) to Shenzhen will set you back around 800 RMB. Hop into Hong Kong, there are travel agencies with same-day service for a new visa (mine cost 2000 HKD = 1600 RMB at Japan Travel Agency (consult them first what the deal for Americans is)). Worst case scenario you have to stay one night in HK, at Hakkas House you get a private ensuite room for 230 RMB. Add in some food and drinks and that makes way less than 3000 RMB for your new visa. Cheaper than your trip to Vientiane and it'll take you about as much time. Better even: you can get some work done and you will actually be able to sleep.

Thanks Sander,
This is actually helpful. I am considering hitchhiking! I've never done it in China, I'm not sure quite how to go about it (signs?) but it would be fun to try, maybe. Yong Fang up there gave some good stops along the way in Laos, don't know if they're also good hitchhiking stops?

I am still considering HK too, and when you lay it out like that I think you're right, it may even be cheaper than Viantienne. The only reason I was leaning toward Laos is the cheaper lodging and food costs, but if I have to take 30+ hours of bus to get down there it's hardly worth it. Since it seems my wishful thinking for a ride down there isn't coming to fruition, I reckon I will re-focus on HK, and I really don't mind the trains, you're right, I could actually get some work done.

I'll look into travel agencies with same-day service.

"The cheapest flight I can find on ctrip is about 1700 yuan. I have 3,500 yuan with which to make this trip, when I subtract the laos entry visa (about 200) and the cost of my Chinese visa (940, I'm American) that leaves about 2400."

I just checked elong.net. The flight from Kunming to Jinghong is about 550 all incl. one way.

Then maybe take a bus the rest of the way?