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Three GREAT Journeys: From Bangkok to Hanoi

"It's not about the destination, it's the journey"... Or is it? People rarely think of the actual TRAVEL involved in travelling! The reason for this is probably because backpacker-style travelling is unglamorous and hardly instagram-able. Yes, getting from A to B can be tricky, slow and uncomfortable... On the plus side there are definitely some rewarding moments when on the road! You get to see beautiful scenery and meet new and interesting people. Over the past few weeks Ed and I have been particularly nomadic. We have been travelling across Thailand, Laos and Vietnam via train, slowboat and bus. We're here to give you some information/ tips for any budding travellers reading !

1. Bangkok → Chiang Mai


Mode of transport: Overnight sleeper train Journey time: 12 hours. Distance: 680 km. Thoughts: the journey was honestly very comfortable! The sleeper bunks (the beds were made up for us by the train staff when we were ready to hit the hay) were actually softer than some hostel bunks we've slept in! The majority of the journey was in the dark, meaning we didn't get to see much of the Thailand countryside. However, we did wake up to the sun rising lazily over Chiang Mai's mountainous landscape. Top tip: opt for the 2nd class sleeper option for affordable comfort! Also if you're taller choose the lower berth as there's more space. Info: tickets can be purchased easily from Bangkok train station. Price: ~800 Baht/person, 2nd class sleeper (~£18).

(LOTS of useful info at: https://www.seat61.com/)

Train snaking its way through the Chiang Mai hills in the early morning

2. Chiang Rai → Luang Prabang

Mode of transport: Slow boat

Journey time: 72 hours (door to door). Distance: 445 km. Thoughts: The slow boat departs from the small town of Huay Xai which boarders Thailand, meaning our journey began with a bus/tuk-tuk journey across the Thai-Laos border. The following day, 11am, we set off on the slow boat. The boat isn't particularly comfortable, but we've got seats and snacks (always essential) so we're pretty much happy. We make our SLOOOW journey down the silky, flat, still Mekong water. The journey is undoubtably beautiful: surrounded by mountains shrouded in a mysterious cloak of mist, with jagged jurassic-park-style rocks jutting out of the water sporadically. After an overnight stay at Pakbeng (a town dominated by slow boat travellers) we embarked on day two. The second day resembled the first day entirely, although it was somehow longer... All in all? An interesting experience! We would only recommend doing it once, and if you can afford to fly it might be worth taking that option so you can get an extra day in lovely Luang Prabang. Top tip: book your overnight accommodation in Pakbeng in advance. There's a scramble of locals waiting for the slow boat trying to persuade you to come to their hostel/homestay. It's just easier to have it all booked ! Info: tickets can be purchased from Huay Xai at the slow boat pier. Price: 240,000 Kip/person (~£20).

Slowboat on the Mekong

Rainforest surrounding the Mekong

Mekong river

Slow boats at the pier in Huay Xai

3. Vientiane, Laos → Hanoi, Viet Nam


Mode of transport: Sleeper bus.

Journey time: 24 hours. Distance: 752 km. Thoughts: Having read up online about this journey, I have to admit I was slightly nervous to embark upon the 'journey from hell' (as its frequently referred to online). Guess what? It really wasn't so bad! We found our individual seat/bed compartments and settled in. I managed to fit okay, but Ed, predictably, did have a bit of trouble with his legs (Thai people just don't come in 6'2" size). We were given blankets before setting off. Although the journey was very long, we managed to pass most of the time sleeping. The border crossing gave us a chaqnce to stretch our legs and we made stops every four hours. We arrived in Hanoi precisely 24 hours after leaving Vientiane looking a bit worse for wear (and perhaps in need of a long, hot shower) but definitely in one piece. Top tip: bring snacks, loo roll and your toothbrush! Info: bus tickets are easy to buy online: www.baolau.com. Price: 700,000 VTM Dong/person (~£21).

Home for the next 24 hours

Amy looking happy with her Oreos (a staple for the vegan snacker)

Ed settling into the bus journey

Thanks for reading and Happy Easter! Our next blog post will be a photography special (woo!) - Ed has been taking lots of beautiful photos recently, so all will be revealed then. Muchos love xxx


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