Flyscoot flies directly to both Luang Prabang and Vientiane every few days. We started our trip to Luang Prabang going up north to Oudomxay-Nongkiaw back to Luang Prabang then down to Vang Vieng and finally to Vientiane.
In Oudomxay, we stayed with Namkat YorlaPa - An eco-resort located in the protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River. Getting here is not easy though. We initially wanted to do a self-drive but the car we rented from Avis broke down on its way to pick us at the airport and we were told there was no spare car available and the Avis representative recommended us to rent from his friend and it was all too shady so we decided to give self drive a pass and took on an expensive 150USD taxi to the resort. Time was running short and there was no bus heading up north. So careful when you book with Avis. We stayed for two nights and explore the NamKat waterfall and hike up to Phu Toh Hin.
From Oudomxay bus terminal, there is a direct bus that leaves at about 9 am and directly goes to Nongkhiaw. Nongkhiaw is one of our favorite stops but unfortunately, I caught a fever and we were unable to proceed with our plans to hike up Pha Daeng peak. We stayed at Nam Ou River lodged for SGD20 and had to leave the next morning to head back to Luang Prabang.
In Luang Prabang is where we finally get to have halal food. Here is where we met Aisyah (+856 20 28 666 202) who is the owner of Wat That Restaurant that serves delicious Malaysian style cuisine. High recommend getting the green curry. Aisyah helps us arrange our transport to Vanvisa at the falls. Stay here if you want to conveniently be the first to reach the famous KuangSi waterfalls. It located just beside the main entrance of the falls and has a private mini version of the falls where only local kids come out to play.
Personally, Luang Prabang night market is way better than those of Vang Vieng or Vientiane. Here is where you get to purchase local craft and hand-loomed fabrics for a reasonable price. The night market in Vang Vieng and Vientiane mostly sells fake branded goods.
We left Luang Prabang and took a minivan to Vang Vieng where we spent three nights. One in Vieng Tara Villa and two nights in Lisha Grand. We rented a scooter and explored the city and hike up Nam Xay viewpoint. It was a nice hike with some rock climbing to get to the top and it was amazing. We then rode our scooter to the blue lagoon 3 and it wasn't quite how we expect it to be. It took us a good 30min bumpy ride to reach the lagoon and once we reached the entrance, we decided we going to head back to our hotel. Overhyped and meh. Lisha Grand pool had an amazing view of the mountainous region and we spent the whole afternoon there.
We left Vang Vieng and took another minivan down to Vientiane and end our Laos trip there.