Joel Estonia
Laos
Couple
Some misunderstandings with locals because of their accent, which we are not used to, although they can nicely write English is the only thing that we had trouble with at times.
Guides and their drivers :
Mostly fine to super fine all of the time, may it be Sandy in Thailand, Khamman and Super Girl Souchitta as well as Vong and the boat’s owners on the Shompoo Cruise. All have done their best. An overall mark of 9/10
All in all, highly recommended is what we can say about LaosMood and Evaneos.
Thanks again so much!
Best parts:
Let me thank you for the marvellous trip you made us live through. It overall was sensational.
No need to say that with all these activities, we got back home very tired but it all was worth it. We never had the time to deal with anything of our own during our stay in Laos / Thailand, and so we had quite a lot to do once we arrive.
Everything went well from start to finish and we learnt through the places we visited and the commentaries of our super guides quite an awful lot about these countries that were totally unknown to us before this trip.
Worst parts:
Hotels were mostly fine to very fine, the worst one being the one in Pakbeng with a very summary room and some porters just waiting inside the room for their tips. But, here again, I rather do think that you are unable to change this Pakbeng one as it could be the only one. Its site is magnificent, it only is a pity that the people are not.
Excursions :
The Shaman near Luang Prabang is totally out. Nothing to learn, nothing to do, nothing to look at, a waste of time. It doesn’t even look real, it probably isn’t anyway.
Our best one : The Mandalao elephants’ trek, but most others also were greatly appreciated.
Trent and Seb
Laos
Couple
The destinations visited (Laos, Cambodia) were different but very welcoming. We saw a variety of landscapes and people, and feel we were given a good insight to these countries. Makes us want to return to explore further.
Best parts:
The landscapes, the contact with local people, the variety of activities and destinations, the food
Worst parts:
Certain accommodations left a lot to be desired, the poor overall value of the trip
Daniela
Laos
Solo
I started my trip through Laos in the North at the border to Thailand (near Chiang Rai) and travelled by boat down the Mekong River, then overland to Oudomxay and further to Luang Prabang where I stayed a few days. From Luang Prabang I travelled overland to Plain of Jars, and then further to Vang Vieng and Vientiane. The first part of my trip from the Thai border to Vang Vieng was the most spectacular and I would highly recommend doing some of the boat and overland travelling through the mountains of Northern Laos. Plain of Jars was nice and very interesting, but not an absolute must for people with less time. From Vientiane I travelled further overland to Kong Lor cave, another highlight for me, and then on to Champasak (near Pakse) where I stayed for the last few days. From there I did day trips to Vat Phou, the Bolaven plateau and 4000 islands. Generally I think that the South of Laos is much less spectacular than the North, but it’s a nice place to relax.
Best parts:
Very good communication and planning of the entire tour by Vithaya our local agent, plus perfect organization of all activities throughout the entire trip. Everything ended up being exactly as originally planned and always on time. Every day was slightly different and I saw a lot of different parts of Laos, including some of the bigger cities but also small villages in the mountain regions. Generally good accommodation, good guides and good vehicles. I really enjoyed my time and got exactly what I was looking for.
Worst parts:
The guide and driver in the Southern part of Laos around Pakse/Champasak were significantly worse than any of the guides and drivers I had during the rest of the trip. It might be worth working with a different local agency in the South of Laos.
Living the dream
Laos
Couple
We flew into Pakse and spent a week in the South exploring the 4000 islands and the Bolaven Plateau. We then travelled overland to Kong Lor cave, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, the Plain of Jars and the caves at Vieng Xai. Next we took a night safari into the jungle followed by a cruise on the Nam Ou River through amazing karst scenery. Finally we explored some of the minority villages around Luang Namtha before crossing into Thailand at Houay Xia.
Best parts:
Vithaya at Laos Mood Travel was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for him and we would highly recommend this agency for those interested in travelling to Laos. Every day of our trip was different with spectacular scenery coupled with amazing sites and cultural experiences.
Worst parts:
There wasn't anything that we disliked about this trip.
toto
Laos
Friends
We had a very memorable trip. Starting off with kickboxing lesson was amazing. We thought this was a demonstration and loved the actual lesson. The orchid hike was nice, we had a dance off with village kids at the homestay, loved kong lor cave and the hotel we stayed there. We gad a blast taking pictures of the trees in the lake. Mystic coffee was awesome, and appreciated making us a special roast just for us. 4000 islands was good at first. I had hoped to buy from the village rice paper and a sticky rice pot. That could have been shorter dye to the heat. There were a lot of temples which we had not requested. Luang Praban was of course wonderful being a UNESCO site. Good it was last. The cooking class was also great fun!
Best parts:
We loved the coffee farm and jeep tour! The farmer was very knowledgeable, his wife cooked a great meal, and we felt the jeep tour was adventurous with the ending at a waterfall amazing. We enjoyed all of the additional guides, from the orchid trek to 4000 islands - they were very knowledgeable and helpful. The hotel owners at Sinouk Coffee Resort and Nakon Cafe Guesthouse were very attentive to my shellfish allergy.
Worst parts:
Le Bouton D'or Boutique hotel had very poor service. The power went out, which was not their fault. But they were unhelpful, non communicative, treated all customers poorly, and started breakfast late so we missed it. The owner was rude and the employee literally walked out.
4000 islands was very hot, which we are not used to. My friend overheated and showed signs of heat exhaustion. Our village guide understood and took us back early. This was nobody's fault, but maybe more breaks and fewer islands.
