Dien Bien Phu Vietnam tough bus trip to Muong Khoua and to OudomXay Laos (Sept 2009)-Part 3

1 USD = 18000 VND (Vietnam Dong)
1 USD = 8500 LAK (Laos Kip)
1 USD = 3.5 RM (Ringgit Malaysia)
1 USD = 6.5 MMK (Myanmar Kyat)
1 USD = 4250 KHR (Cambodia Riel)

Bus ticket DBP Vietnam to Muong Khoua Laos is at 80000 VND each (100km), which is extremely cheap considering the distance and the experience we are going to get. :)

DBP to Tay Trang Vietnam border gate is 38km. Previuosly there is only 3 trips like this in a week but now there is daily trip for this DBP to Muong Khoua. So if you missed the 5.30am bus, just get another one the next morning. There are few G.H which is walking distance near to the bus station. Price range between 6 to 10 USD.

Spectaculous view along the road from DBP to Muong Khoua and hell of experience being pack into the bus with the locals and natives and the goods. The minibus is a twelve seater but there are nearly 30 of us in it once and with those boxes and bags. It is unbeleivable but I like it :), so do the locals and they thought as a Malaysian I would never take this bus the second time, well they are wrong. I would certainly come back for this anytime :).

Tay Trang Vietnam border gate is in the middle of the wood. A distance of 3km away is the Phongsaly Laos border gate also in the middle of the wood. Malaysian do not need visa to enter Laos anymore, previously we are required. We got our 30days as a tourist and that's normal. At the border gate you can see the note that requires us to pay 1 USD for the service fee or overtime sometime it stated, but just ignore it unless they officer ask for it then only you pay the 1 USD. I would like to include in here seeing both Vietnam's and Lao's border officers in duty, they are ok. I think all of them are polite and some even more polite then the officer I pass thru at the airport custom.

If you see from the clip, this minibus we are in, is incredible, apart from being able to fit in many peoples and goods, the driver is one incredible man whom are skillfull enough to drive us passing through all those rough roads, rivers, hardcore muddy roads. He really know how to drive. :)

The tough bus ride end at Muong Khoua and we bought the new ticket for the bus ride to OudomXay or MuongXay (maybe it has new name?). Ticket cost 30000 LAK each (100km) and this time a little bit comfortable compare to the previous same size minibus. OudomXay is called the Heart of Northern Laos. The video clip Part 4 is showing the area around Oudom Xay, quite small town actually but I like it, peacefull. :) You can find few activities here in OudomXay. cycling, trekking, waterfall, cave exploring. If you are looking for place to relax/rest and discover the natural attractions, this is the place. We manage to reach here by 4.00pm.

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