Date: 29th or 30th December (monday or tuesday)
Time: Undecided
Venue: Undecided
Heres whats' happening at the moment:
Zhan Liang is leaving for Malaysia on the 30th of December night till early January, so we have to hold the meeting before his departure. Seth is leaving for Desaru from the 26th to 29th afternoon (~3pm arive back) so we have to hold it when he comes back. Edmund is down with a parasitic infection from some spores and hasn't recovered since the trip ended. So that leaves us with the 29th and 30th half-days, which concurs with our unit's UTC. We can decide to have the meeting in VS as well, up to you guys. Pls give me an answer after reading this post.
JW
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Accounts for 08' Trip
Just a brief account of our accounts for this 08' trip(all amounts are in per pax):
China
Bus from Hekou to Yuanyang: 45rmb
Tourguide and transportation for rice terraces: 30rmb
Minivan from Yuanyang to Jianshui: 40rmb
Bus from Jianshui to Jinghong: 155rmb
Bus from Jinghong to Luang Nam Tha: 70rmb
Accommodation: 35-40rmb( 2 star hotel rates)
Food: 10-20rmb
Total spent from Communal: 3435rmb(Per Pax: 572.5rmb=130Sing)
Laos
Bike rentals in Luang Nam Tha: 10000kip
Bus from Luang Nam Tha to Luang Prabang: 85000kip
Tuktuks in Laos: approx. 5000-10000kip(subject to your bargaining skills)
Bus tickets from Luang Prabang to Phonsavanh: 45000kip
Minivan from Phonsavanh to Sam Neu: 90000kip
Transportation, tour guide & entrance fees to Plain of Jars(Site 1): 60000kip
Songthaew from Sam Neu to Vieng Xai: 10000kip
Tuktuk to escape from “ghost hotel”: 4000kip
Caves exploration & bike rentals: 40000kip
Songthaew from Vieng Xai to Na Meo( Lao-Vietnam border): 20000kip
Coffee money at the customs: 2000kip
Accommodation: 18000kip- 20000kip(guesthouses)
Total Spent from Communal: 6,211,000kip( per pax: 1,035,100=200Sing)
Vietnam
Taxis: 68000VND (Don’t get duped from bogey ones, only take the ones that are “Hanoi Taxis”)
Accommodation: 12-16USD per night
Train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai: 88000VND
Total Spent from Communal: 2,188,000VND(per pax: 365,000VND=30 Sing)
In USD: per pax: 16.5USD=25Sing
Total Spent per pax: 385Sing
China
Bus from Hekou to Yuanyang: 45rmb
Tourguide and transportation for rice terraces: 30rmb
Minivan from Yuanyang to Jianshui: 40rmb
Bus from Jianshui to Jinghong: 155rmb
Bus from Jinghong to Luang Nam Tha: 70rmb
Accommodation: 35-40rmb( 2 star hotel rates)
Food: 10-20rmb
Total spent from Communal: 3435rmb(Per Pax: 572.5rmb=130Sing)
Laos
Bike rentals in Luang Nam Tha: 10000kip
Bus from Luang Nam Tha to Luang Prabang: 85000kip
Tuktuks in Laos: approx. 5000-10000kip(subject to your bargaining skills)
Bus tickets from Luang Prabang to Phonsavanh: 45000kip
Minivan from Phonsavanh to Sam Neu: 90000kip
Transportation, tour guide & entrance fees to Plain of Jars(Site 1): 60000kip
Songthaew from Sam Neu to Vieng Xai: 10000kip
Tuktuk to escape from “ghost hotel”: 4000kip
Caves exploration & bike rentals: 40000kip
Songthaew from Vieng Xai to Na Meo( Lao-Vietnam border): 20000kip
Coffee money at the customs: 2000kip
Accommodation: 18000kip- 20000kip(guesthouses)
Total Spent from Communal: 6,211,000kip( per pax: 1,035,100=200Sing)
Vietnam
Taxis: 68000VND (Don’t get duped from bogey ones, only take the ones that are “Hanoi Taxis”)
Accommodation: 12-16USD per night
Train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai: 88000VND
Total Spent from Communal: 2,188,000VND(per pax: 365,000VND=30 Sing)
In USD: per pax: 16.5USD=25Sing
Total Spent per pax: 385Sing
Fast Facts
CHINA
Most frequently used word: Melamine
Most frequently heard sound: imagine jw do it (dunnoe how to type but its the sound of spitting)
Composition of passive smoke inhaled: 60% or more
Best dish: Fried spicy eels (in yuangyang)
Cost per meal: S$4
Number of choked toilets: me+jw=2
Hours on bus: 6+3+15+6=27
Number of guesthouses stayed in: yuangyang+jinghong=2
Amount spent: 1100 Yuan=S$250
LAOS
Most frequently used word: Shit
most frequently used phrase: go play with yourself! (Washi Kor!)
Number of 'ghost' guesthouses: phonsanvanh+viengxai=2
Best Whisky: Laos Whisky
Hours on Bus/Tuk-Tuk: 1+8+6+1+4=20
Weather: Lynette cold
Common food: sitimer rice (in portions for chickens)
Accomadation: Geh house
OTHERS
Best seth moment: SMARTIES!
Man of the trip: Thomas! (except for snoring!)
Shittiest person: Edmund :P
Monster seen: Lochness Monster! (Splat!)
Long service award: MR KHOO!!!
Best item bought: Crumpler bags!
Animals heard: Loch Ness Monster (in toilet)
Most thought about local food: Kway Chap Set A/Ter Bak and Ter Kar
* There will be a debrief session by the Great Expedition Leader on the 27 th of Dec, 10am as ZL flies off on the 29th to Burma. If no one sms-es me by the 25th I would assume everyone is ok with the date and time and finalise everything. Khooky may have something for us too, and is a good time to settle all our trip 'business' too so attendance is compulsory. Latecomers go stay in Phonsavanh guesthouse or Tha Vi Se Hotel for 1 night, courtesy of Fusionoize 09.
Most frequently used word: Melamine
Most frequently heard sound: imagine jw do it (dunnoe how to type but its the sound of spitting)
Composition of passive smoke inhaled: 60% or more
Best dish: Fried spicy eels (in yuangyang)
Cost per meal: S$4
Number of choked toilets: me+jw=2
Hours on bus: 6+3+15+6=27
Number of guesthouses stayed in: yuangyang+jinghong=2
Amount spent: 1100 Yuan=S$250
LAOS
Most frequently used word: Shit
most frequently used phrase: go play with yourself! (Washi Kor!)
Number of 'ghost' guesthouses: phonsanvanh+viengxai=2
Best Whisky: Laos Whisky
Hours on Bus/Tuk-Tuk: 1+8+6+1+4=20
Weather: Lynette cold
Common food: sitimer rice (in portions for chickens)
Accomadation: Geh house
OTHERS
Best seth moment: SMARTIES!
Man of the trip: Thomas! (except for snoring!)
Shittiest person: Edmund :P
Monster seen: Lochness Monster! (Splat!)
Long service award: MR KHOO!!!
Best item bought: Crumpler bags!
Animals heard: Loch Ness Monster (in toilet)
Most thought about local food: Kway Chap Set A/Ter Bak and Ter Kar
* There will be a debrief session by the Great Expedition Leader on the 27 th of Dec, 10am as ZL flies off on the 29th to Burma. If no one sms-es me by the 25th I would assume everyone is ok with the date and time and finalise everything. Khooky may have something for us too, and is a good time to settle all our trip 'business' too so attendance is compulsory. Latecomers go stay in Phonsavanh guesthouse or Tha Vi Se Hotel for 1 night, courtesy of Fusionoize 09.
Monday, December 22, 2008
PICTURES! (at Changi airport, Hekou-Lao Cai, Yuanyang, Nam Xoi-Na Meo, Phonsavanh)
THANK YOU GUYS.
YOU ARE THE BEST.
Closure?
Hey guys once again,
its' time to settle some things that need to be done after the trip. Here are some reminders:
1) Have you gotten back all your belongings from the communal luggage?
I just realised I left my cigs and mulberry envelopes in Seth's Ikea bag! Do check once again all your belongings and the additional purchases you made on the trip.
2) Photographs uploaded/developed?
Pls do contribute the moments you have captured on camera as not everyone brought one with them (myself included). Ask around for those who want photos of themselves or group photos by taking the initiative, thanks!
3) Post trip activities
In case you have forgotten, the Great Expedition Leader is supposed to give a debrief which he has meticulously prepared on the last day but did not get the chance to present it. As such, pls arrange a date for us to meet up and get it over and done with before your enlistments in January!
PS: Seth is supposed to do a Language Project report, pls don't forget!
JW
its' time to settle some things that need to be done after the trip. Here are some reminders:
1) Have you gotten back all your belongings from the communal luggage?
I just realised I left my cigs and mulberry envelopes in Seth's Ikea bag! Do check once again all your belongings and the additional purchases you made on the trip.
2) Photographs uploaded/developed?
Pls do contribute the moments you have captured on camera as not everyone brought one with them (myself included). Ask around for those who want photos of themselves or group photos by taking the initiative, thanks!
3) Post trip activities
In case you have forgotten, the Great Expedition Leader is supposed to give a debrief which he has meticulously prepared on the last day but did not get the chance to present it. As such, pls arrange a date for us to meet up and get it over and done with before your enlistments in January!
PS: Seth is supposed to do a Language Project report, pls don't forget!
JW
Friday, December 19, 2008
Fusionoize Update III
Hi everyone again,
heres another update from the six of us in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is rather warm and we are living in the old quaters of the city. For those who don't know, things in Hanoi have really changed since 2006. The inflation rate is at 25 %; a decent meal now costs 4-5 SGD while we got ripped off on a taxi by paying around 22SGD for a 15 mins ride. So far, Dog is down with fever and has no appetite (he had a banana desert for dinner only) and Seth is feeling unwell too (he just plays PSP all day on bed) while Edmund is having diahorrea since morning. So far, only myself, tommy and Khooky is fine (don't you see a common similarity between the sick and the strong?!) But those who are worried by that (you know who you are!) don't worry, they will be in my caring hands till the end of the trip.
JW
heres another update from the six of us in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is rather warm and we are living in the old quaters of the city. For those who don't know, things in Hanoi have really changed since 2006. The inflation rate is at 25 %; a decent meal now costs 4-5 SGD while we got ripped off on a taxi by paying around 22SGD for a 15 mins ride. So far, Dog is down with fever and has no appetite (he had a banana desert for dinner only) and Seth is feeling unwell too (he just plays PSP all day on bed) while Edmund is having diahorrea since morning. So far, only myself, tommy and Khooky is fine (don't you see a common similarity between the sick and the strong?!) But those who are worried by that (you know who you are!) don't worry, they will be in my caring hands till the end of the trip.
JW
Fusionoize Update II
Hi to anyone whos reading.
This is our second and final update for our trip so far. Today is Day 15 and we reached Hanoi from Vieng Xai (Laos) after a 12-hour bus ride, so here I am. We will be staying here in Hanoi till this Sunday (21st Dec) where we will take the 8pm flight; do note that there is a mistake in our itinerary, our ETA is 0050 on Monday morning (1am!) and not 4am as stated previously.
As it is rather late now and we have not showered for 4 days since Phonsavanh (its' 10 degC, not that we were lazy or anything), I will briefly run through our journey in days so far:
Day 7: Luang Nam Tha
Day 8: Luang Nam Tha - Luang Prabang
Day 9,10: Luang Prabang
Day 11: Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh
Day 12: Phonsavanh
Day 13: Phonsavanh - Vieng Xai
Day 14: Vieng Xai
Day 15: Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi/Na Meo(international borders) - Thanh Hoa - Hanoi
To be honest, Laos was not as cheap as we expected due to the global inflation; meals cost about 3 USD per person per meal while bus tickets are rather expensive compared to last year. The border guards at the Vietnam side receives a 'special mention' prize from us for their efficiency in stamping our passports while talking about the 1st leg of the Singapore-Vietnam AFF match the day before. Alcohol seems to make things easier after one of them asked us to give them one of our chinese liquor bottles (we bought as gifts) too, so no one's complaining.
JW
This is our second and final update for our trip so far. Today is Day 15 and we reached Hanoi from Vieng Xai (Laos) after a 12-hour bus ride, so here I am. We will be staying here in Hanoi till this Sunday (21st Dec) where we will take the 8pm flight; do note that there is a mistake in our itinerary, our ETA is 0050 on Monday morning (1am!) and not 4am as stated previously.
As it is rather late now and we have not showered for 4 days since Phonsavanh (its' 10 degC, not that we were lazy or anything), I will briefly run through our journey in days so far:
Day 7: Luang Nam Tha
Day 8: Luang Nam Tha - Luang Prabang
Day 9,10: Luang Prabang
Day 11: Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh
Day 12: Phonsavanh
Day 13: Phonsavanh - Vieng Xai
Day 14: Vieng Xai
Day 15: Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi/Na Meo(international borders) - Thanh Hoa - Hanoi
To be honest, Laos was not as cheap as we expected due to the global inflation; meals cost about 3 USD per person per meal while bus tickets are rather expensive compared to last year. The border guards at the Vietnam side receives a 'special mention' prize from us for their efficiency in stamping our passports while talking about the 1st leg of the Singapore-Vietnam AFF match the day before. Alcohol seems to make things easier after one of them asked us to give them one of our chinese liquor bottles (we bought as gifts) too, so no one's complaining.
JW
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fusionoize Update!!
Hi guys,
JW here giving an update on the trip so far. Today is Day 7 and we are in Luang Nam Tha town, Laos which is approx. 10km from the border (Boten) with China which we left on Day 6.
Day 1: Singapore-Hanoi-Lao Cai
By the time we arrived, it was already 2200 and we could only purchase the 3rd class seats on the train to Lao Cai. In short, we didn't sleep well or eat well through the whole night......
*apparently no-smoking signs are meant for display purposes only, people DO smoke in enclosed train cabins!
Day 2: Lao Cai-Hekou-Yuanyang
Finally, stepping into China was a breeze as we spoke a common tongue and the people were very friendly. Except for the part where everyone spits and the horror stories about the Chinese public toilets are 100% true, with a few details that we can add onto.
Day 3:Yuanyang
Day 4: Yuanyang-Jianshui-Jinghong
Day 5: Jinghong
China was pretty much the same; big cities, spitting people, smokers everywhere, spicy and salty food but we survived it. We have travelled at least 1000km so far through China getting from one place to another in Yunan Province, China. Yuanyang was the coldest place we visited (8 deg C at night) but the worst is behind us. I just worry how to adjust to Laos given how relatively comfortable our travel in Yunan has been so far.
Day 6: Jinghong-Boten-Luang Nam Tha
Laos was a totally different experience, given that we don't know howto speak Lao in the first place. The prices of food have gone up (1 meal = approx. 3-4USD) but other than that the weather is less cold and the hotels have HBO, Star Movies and so on so we should be just fine! Apparently due to the economic crisis, there are lesser Whites around in town now which is the same for China tourism as well.
In closure, the six of us are generally fine with no illnessesor injury thus far and we are on track for the itinerary, just that we changed some destinations. Our money will definitely last us the whole trip and we have access to computers from this part onwards of the journey.
PS: To the person who thinks I should be dead by now, sorry to disappoint you! Lol do take care of my stuff I passed to you though, I need it till April!
JW here giving an update on the trip so far. Today is Day 7 and we are in Luang Nam Tha town, Laos which is approx. 10km from the border (Boten) with China which we left on Day 6.
Day 1: Singapore-Hanoi-Lao Cai
By the time we arrived, it was already 2200 and we could only purchase the 3rd class seats on the train to Lao Cai. In short, we didn't sleep well or eat well through the whole night......
*apparently no-smoking signs are meant for display purposes only, people DO smoke in enclosed train cabins!
Day 2: Lao Cai-Hekou-Yuanyang
Finally, stepping into China was a breeze as we spoke a common tongue and the people were very friendly. Except for the part where everyone spits and the horror stories about the Chinese public toilets are 100% true, with a few details that we can add onto.
Day 3:Yuanyang
Day 4: Yuanyang-Jianshui-Jinghong
Day 5: Jinghong
China was pretty much the same; big cities, spitting people, smokers everywhere, spicy and salty food but we survived it. We have travelled at least 1000km so far through China getting from one place to another in Yunan Province, China. Yuanyang was the coldest place we visited (8 deg C at night) but the worst is behind us. I just worry how to adjust to Laos given how relatively comfortable our travel in Yunan has been so far.
Day 6: Jinghong-Boten-Luang Nam Tha
Laos was a totally different experience, given that we don't know howto speak Lao in the first place. The prices of food have gone up (1 meal = approx. 3-4USD) but other than that the weather is less cold and the hotels have HBO, Star Movies and so on so we should be just fine! Apparently due to the economic crisis, there are lesser Whites around in town now which is the same for China tourism as well.
In closure, the six of us are generally fine with no illnessesor injury thus far and we are on track for the itinerary, just that we changed some destinations. Our money will definitely last us the whole trip and we have access to computers from this part onwards of the journey.
PS: To the person who thinks I should be dead by now, sorry to disappoint you! Lol do take care of my stuff I passed to you though, I need it till April!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Final Itinerary
Note: We all need Renminbi (RMB) since we are passing thru
In my case: SGD500 to USD330 approx, SGD250 to RMB (haven’t changed), plus extra SGD 250.
*MPFSC gave us some handy thermos bottles meant for travelling on Tuesday; if you don’t wanna bring along with you on the trip pls SMS me to remind me not to bring it for you on departure date, thanks.
In case you are still blur, we are meeting @ 1500(3pm) tml at the budget terminal.| Day /Time | Morning | Afternoon | Night | Comments |
| Day 1 – 04/12/08 | - | SIN-HANOI (1735 ETD, Meet at 1615 budget terminal!) | HANOI-LAO CAI (2000 ETA in | From Noi Bai airport we go directly to the train station and buy the tickets immediately. |
| Day 2 – 05/12/08 | LAO CAI-HEKOU-YUANYANG HoursH | YUANYANG | | |
| Day 3 – 06/12/08 | YUANYANG AND/OR SURROUNDING AREAS | | ||
| Day 4 – 07/12/08 | YUANYANG-SIMAO | SIMAO | | |
| Day 5 – 08/12/08 | SIMAO-MENGLA-MUANG SING | MUANG SING | | |
| Day 6 – 09/12/08 | MUANG SING AND/OR SURROUNDING AREAS | | ||
| Day 7 – 10/12/08 | MUANG | LUANG | | |
| Day 8 – 11/12/08 | LUANG | LUANG PRABANG | | |
| Day 9 – 12/12/08 | LUANG PRABANG AND/OR SURROUNDING AREAS | | ||
| Day 10 – | LUANG PRABANG-SAM NEUA | SAM NEUA | We can skip Phonsavanh totally by backtracking up north and taking a smaller road seen in thr google map on our blog! | |
| Day 11 – | SAM NEUA AND/OR SURROUNDING AREAS (e.g. Vieng Xai) OCIP Section! | We can base ourselves in Sam Neua to access Vieng Xai (1 hour) | ||
| Day 12 – | ||||
| Day 13 – | ||||
| Day 14 – | Buffer Day | | ||
| Day 15 – | SAM NEUA-VIENG XAI-NA MEO | NA MEO | | |
| Day 16 - | NA MEO-MAI CHAU or NA MEO-THANH HOA | MAI CHAU/THANH HOA | At Na Meo buses are irregular, so we cannot decide which route back to | |
| Day 17 – | MAI CHAU-HANOI or THANH HOA-HANOI | | | |
| Day 18 – | | SIN-HANOI (0400 ETA) | | |
| Day 19 – | SIN (home sweet home, after almost 3 weeks! ) | | | |
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Getting around Vietnam-Laos-Yunnan
Lao-Vietnam border at Nam Xoi-Na Meo
Xam Neua - Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi
One Sangthaw to the border leaves at 7.10 in the morning and should be 25.000 kip. 3 hours of beutiful landscape included!
Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi
We never sorted this out, but the locals advice us to be at the big road at 6.45 to catch the ride to the border. They say its the one from Xam Neua but that kinda brakes the rules of physics.. But at 7 we actually found 2 rides to the border, one truck and one sangthaw, both coming from Vieng xai. We took the Truck and payed 25.000 (21.000 is the advertised price for the one from XN). Sangthaw from Xam Neua passed by later (the day we went it didnt leave Nathong until 8.00)
Nam Xoi - Na Meo
No problems at the Lao side of the border, they seems to be helpful.
Walk a few hundred meters and arrive at the vietnamese side. Pay 2000 dong (1.500 kip) and have your bag "searched".
Na Meo-Thanh Hoa/Mai Chau
unless you're in Na Meo on a tuesday, thursday or saturday, don't expect leaving the town.
-A few other options, including minivan to Mai Chau ($35/person!, no further discussion) and some motos willing to go 50km at $15-20.
-A local bus at the worst, the first hours are really bad. Leaves at 12.00 (12.40 in our case).
-In Na Meo - little to eat, we managed to buy some rice (worst rice we had in the whole trip) and vegetables. Everyone in town accept KIP at 1.6 rate.
Xam Neua - Thanh Hoa (vietnam).
Leaves at 7.40 (according the time tables we saw, time unconfirmed) and goes straight to Thanh Hoa. A bargain at 100.000 kip ($12) for the 11 hour trip. You can flag down the bus from Vieng Xai, just hang around the main road in the morning.
Luang Prabang to Sam Neua
07:30 departure, standard bus, 120,000 kip, approx 24 hours.
Goes via Vieng Thong, Nong Kiaow, Pak Mong, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Prices vary accordingly.
Xam Neua - Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi
One Sangthaw to the border leaves at 7.10 in the morning and should be 25.000 kip. 3 hours of beutiful landscape included!
Vieng Xai - Nam Xoi
We never sorted this out, but the locals advice us to be at the big road at 6.45 to catch the ride to the border. They say its the one from Xam Neua but that kinda brakes the rules of physics.. But at 7 we actually found 2 rides to the border, one truck and one sangthaw, both coming from Vieng xai. We took the Truck and payed 25.000 (21.000 is the advertised price for the one from XN). Sangthaw from Xam Neua passed by later (the day we went it didnt leave Nathong until 8.00)
Nam Xoi - Na Meo
No problems at the Lao side of the border, they seems to be helpful.
Walk a few hundred meters and arrive at the vietnamese side. Pay 2000 dong (1.500 kip) and have your bag "searched".
Na Meo-Thanh Hoa/Mai Chau
unless you're in Na Meo on a tuesday, thursday or saturday, don't expect leaving the town.
-A few other options, including minivan to Mai Chau ($35/person!, no further discussion) and some motos willing to go 50km at $15-20.
-A local bus at the worst, the first hours are really bad. Leaves at 12.00 (12.40 in our case).
-In Na Meo - little to eat, we managed to buy some rice (worst rice we had in the whole trip) and vegetables. Everyone in town accept KIP at 1.6 rate.
Xam Neua - Thanh Hoa (vietnam).
Leaves at 7.40 (according the time tables we saw, time unconfirmed) and goes straight to Thanh Hoa. A bargain at 100.000 kip ($12) for the 11 hour trip. You can flag down the bus from Vieng Xai, just hang around the main road in the morning.
Luang Prabang to Sam Neua
07:30 departure, standard bus, 120,000 kip, approx 24 hours.
Goes via Vieng Thong, Nong Kiaow, Pak Mong, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Prices vary accordingly.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Hekou-Yuanyang-Jinghong!
''Buses from Hekou to Yuanyang''
There are 2 buses destinated to Yuanyang元阳 from Hekou河口 each day, depart at 06:00 and 09:50, which take no more than 5 hours depend on the road condition.
and one bus go the Luchun绿春 from Hekou at 10:20 will also drop you at Yuanyang on the same road.
your last chance will be the Hekou - Honghe红河 bus which depart at 11:40. you get off at Nansha(the new Yuanyang township), and switch to the fill-&-run mini-bus from Nansha to Yuanyang, only another 45 minutes away.
Last updated : March 2008
''Transportation from Yuanyang to Jinghong direction or to cross the Chinese border into Laos''
1. Take the first bus from Yuanyang to Luchun绿春(07:30) if you are in a hurry. 121km trip and take more than 4 hours. Travel on praved road but be aware during rainy season, as road surface always collapsed. there are also buses to Luchun at around 09:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30, which is coming from Jianshui and passing through Yuanyang. just wait by the carpark near the Chen's guesthouse.
2. there are 3 buses per day from Luchun to Jiangcheng江城(06:10, 09:30 and 12:00). Sometimes they do have extra bus running in the afternoon by 2, but don't count on that. 264km trip and take about 6 hours on mostly praved road. And same problem as the Luchun road during rainy season, so don't try this if you have a tight schedule. There are also buses to other destination from Luchun everyday, a 313km trip to Simao(06:40), and 411km trip to Mengla(07:20). Boths buses passing through Jiangcheng as well.
3. You need to stay the night either in Luchun or in Jiangcheng to be able to catch the carry on transportation. From Jiangcheng there are direct buses to Jinghong景洪(06:30, 09:40), a 264km trip and it go through unpraved winding mountain road. It goes the same direction as the Mengla bus, but turn right after the town Mengsing勐醒. If you are short of time and want to get to Jinghong quick, better take the much frequent depart bus from Jiangcheng to Simao思茅, then switch to Jinghong bus that run all through the day from Simao, it will be far more quicker by this route. If you are heading to Laos direction, from Jiangcheng take the bus trip to mengla勐腊(07:10, 13:40), a 240km trip take about 8 hours.
4. Every morning there are international buses depart from Mengla to Louang Namtha(09:00), and Luang Prabang(07:30) through the small border town Mohang磨憨 into Laos, and even a bus all the way to Vientiane on every even-number day at 08:00am.
last updated March,2008
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