Romantic tour of NE Thailand during 15-27 Jan 2013, now changed to start Sat 19 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani and end Tue 22 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani

In early 2013, we will organise a romantic tour to North East Thailand during the period 19 – 27 Jan 2013. This is about three weeks before Chinese New Year.

Trip now confirmed to start Sat 19 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani province airport and end Tue 22 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani airport.  Travel between Bangkok and Udon Thani can be via a domestic 1 hr flight (Nok Air) between Bangkok and Udon Thani or a coach bus ride of about 6 hours.  More details soon.

The trip starts at Udon Thani airport or Khon Khaen landing up in Nong Khai, with a cross-over to Vietianne in Laos, and then back to Nong Khai.

Why is it romantic?  The most romantic part of this trip is the Friendship bridge between Laos and Thailand. Looking at it at 11pm gives one the impression that life is sweet and still, with the Mekong river glittering under the moon, and if you get up at dawn, the mist over the river will just make you wonder.  LIFE is romantic. Weather is dry, and temperature is likely to be 10 – 20C.

Nong Khai was the US R&R site during and after the Vietnam war.  Today, the place is the gateway to Laos and China.  It is beautiful, and if you are thinking of a place to retire, hmm, maybe this is the place. http://www.thaismile.jp/FotoGallary/ThaiPics/e_ThaiPhoto_NongKhai.html

I have not thought of how to get there, short of taking a connecting bus from Bangkok to Udon Thani.  More details will be given later.  There will be some adjustments, but this is the general direction.

If you are interested, do stick your name here.  Please make your final decision by 30 Nov 2012.

Terence Seah

Registration:

  1. Gingko Tay
  2. Jane Chua
  3. Yatsing
  4. Pauline Chew
  5. Neo Sock Cheng
  6. Melissa Khng – Can cancelled
  7. Terence Seah – DMK/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan DD9202 1015-11.20
  8. Peri Liew – DMK/Udon Thani, Sat19 Jan, DD9202 1015-1120.  Udon Thani/DMK Tue 22Jan, DD9217 6.35 – 735
  9. Eyvonne Chew – 19/1/13 – DD9202 & back on 22/1/13 – DD9211
  10. John Howe
  11. Thomas Loh – DMK/Udon Thani, Sat19 Jan, DD9202 1015-1120.  Udon Thani/DMK Tue 22Jan, DD9217 6.35 – 735
  12. Lilian Teo – 19/1/13 – DD9202 & back on 22/1/13 – DD9211
  13. Ivan Lim
  14. Janie Leong
  15. Morris Ng
  16. Sekaran
  17. Annie Tan
  18. Eilean Thean
  19. Lawrence Lee – cancelled
  20. Margaret Tian
  21. Daisy Yeo
  22. Pow Teck Koon – 19/1/13 – DD9202 & back on 22/1/13 – DD9211
  23. Helen Wong – 19/1/13 – DD9202 & back on 22/1/13 – DD9211
  24. ChristinaCL Chan
  25. KC Lau
  26. Alice Seah
  27. Mike Tay
  28. Ann Lim
  29. Pearl Kwan
  30. Simon Lee
  31. Molly Chua – DMK/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan DD9202 1015-11.20, DD9211 1355- 1455
  32. Norlinda M Ali – DMK/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan DD9202 1015-11.20, DD9211 1355- 1455
  33. Mega Abdullah – DMK/Udon Thani, Sat19 Jan, DD9202 1015-1120.  Udon Thani/DMK Tue 22Jan, DD9217 6.35 – 735
  34. Richard Wong – DMK/Udon Thani, Sat19 Jan, DD9202 1015-1120.  Udon Thani/DMK Tue 22Jan, DD9217 6.35 – 735
  35. Jane Tan – DMK/Udon Thani, Sat19 Jan, DD9202 1015-1120.  Udon Thani/DMK Tue 22Jan, DD9217 6.35 – 735
  36. Bessie Lam
  37. Linda Chan – cancelled
  38. Jenny Lee – DMK/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan DD9202 1015-11.20, DD9211 1355- 1455
  39. Choy Kum Weng – DMK/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan DD9202 1015-11.20, DD9211 1355- 1455
  40. Raymond Ho – cancelled
  41. CJ Ang
  42. Oi Cheng
  43. Jimmy Tsin – cancelled
  44. Steven Chan
  45. Esther Mok
  46. Pearl Wong – cancelled
  48. You may withdraw from this list, by end Nov 2012.  I am imagining things.  Couples will get invited to a special event in Nongkhai.  The target for this Romantic trip is 32 pax, and this will be decided by the last day of Nov 2012.  Strictly for SHC members only.
  49. Forward leg as follows:
  50. Sat 19 Jan 2013 – meet morning at Udon Thani airport, overnight in Nongkhai.  Take Nok air from Don Muang airport DD9202 10:15-11:20.  The official pick up is here.  You may come earlier and stay in Udon Thani city.  If you do, I will join you.
  51. Mon 21 Jan – Cross over the friendship bridge from NongKhai to Vientiane. Overnight in Vientianne.
  52. Tues 22 Jan – leave Vientiane, around 1000 hrs. Some may carry on to Luang Krabang, others will move on to Udon Thani. Tue 22 Jan Nok Air DD 9211 Udon Thani/Donmuang Bkk 1355 hrs – 1455 hrs.
  53. Tue 22 Jan Airasia DonMuang/Singapore 1850 hrs – 2215 hrs.
  54. Your other option is Nongkhai to Bangkok via train (both ways).  Will drop you at the train station.

     

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

132 thoughts on “Romantic tour of NE Thailand during 15-27 Jan 2013, now changed to start Sat 19 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani and end Tue 22 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani”

  1. :-) Yes, life is sweet (sometimes), and still makes me wonder.
    One may say to me, “You don’t have to go far to see how life is romantic; it is right here at your backyard (the Little Red Dot). Still, I am interested to be charmed by the glittering moon in the chill, and the mist over the Mekong at dawn. :-)
    Let me stick my name here.

  6. Hi Terence,

    You can fly from Bkk to Udon Thani by budget airline, Nok Air. From Udon Thani to Nong Khai is only half hhour by taxi/car.

    Those interested in retiring in Thailand can also choose Udon Thani. They have many rtirement houses for sale thee, and the brochures are in English. There are also a lot of US Army vets in Udon Thani. I believe Singapore also has some training facilities there and so you nmay meet some Singaporeans there too.

  7. Hi Charles #6,

    Thank you for the tip. I remembered you and Tian Soo once took this route. I had been thinking of another way of getting there. Singapore has some facilities there, and I understand they do cargo drops every week, over a big grass field in Nong Khai. For a fee, they can also drop human beings and cattle.

    For those who like to know what is Nong Khai, please see this map. http://www.thaismile.jp/FotoGallary/ThaiPics/e_ThaiPhoto_NongKhai.html. There is also a picture of the romantic friendship bridge across the Mekong river.

    Sawatdee Krap.

    Terence Seah

  13. Hi Terence,

    Yes, I’m sticking my name here first while awaiting your further details. I just hope I don’t have to choose between a rock and a hard place.

    Kob kun krab!

  24. Hi Terence,

    would lurve to parachute then land with a gentle thud! definitely not dropped hehe

    GluStik my name here…whilst await more details, date? from you, soon I hope.

    Thanks!
    ChristinaCL Chan

  32. Hi Lawrence #27, JamesK #28,

    I know we are all eager to know the details of the NE Thailand trip, I shall set the date of trip during first week of October.

    Basically, we have to explore the options of Sin/Bkk?UdonThani and back or via another city.

    And, James, one bus load of 30 pax would be fun. The rest are luggages.

    Terence Seah

  33. Dear Terence

    Ref my #23 didnt see my husband name Pow TK on list which was registered for tis trip.

    Appreciate if you can include him please.

    Thanks n Regards
    Helen

  34. For those who are planning to join me on this “Romantic trip to North East Thailand”, I have something to share with you. There are many among us who have seen Thailand and have a feel of its culture and people. Not many Singaporeans have good impressions. To many, Thailand may be a backward country and sometimes, our reactions may be errhh.

    I tend to see the world, including Thailand, in a very positive light. Even a buffalo can look sweet and cute. There are many poor people in Thailand, yet they are happy and go about their day to day life, just like we see the birds and the bees. The roads may not be paved, the food stalls may look dark and street lights may be dimmed. The tables may be shaky and the chairs may have half broken legs.

    Thais eat a variety of food which we may not find acceptable. They love green vegetables, eaten with chilly paste. The North easterns eat buffalo meat, with parts boiled in a hot pot during the winter. This is tasty. During the old days, there were no fridges, and food is not stored for many days. So, there are evening markets where thais can buy food for dinner.

    Street markets are very romantic. This is where young boys and girls get to meet one another, face to face, as they walk along the narrow paths between stalls. The girls ponied tail their hair, while the guys put on their most manly behaviour. We had similar days too in Singapore.

    Before you decide to join me, please see this trip as one of travelling as a group, getting to know one another, and seeing another part of Thailand, the romantic part of the North East. The friendship bridge is just one of them.

    What I will do is to fix a date for the trip proper. It is likely to start from Udon Thani, up to Nong Khai, then to Laos and back to Nong Khai and Udon Thani.

    Participants will make their flight to Bangkok anytime before the start of trip, and can go back to Singapore from Bangkok, anytime after the trip.

    Let’s say trip starts Sat 19 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani and end Tue 22 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani.

    You can come earlier to Bangkok before 19 Jan and you can also go back after 22 Jan to Bangkok and Singapore. So you can plan your shopping before or after.

    No worries, you will be guided how to get to Udon Thani. More details soon. Date proper will be fixed by this weekend.

    Terence Seah

  35. Terence,
    Initially i read your date as 15-27Jan then 19-27Jan,apa macam la..kept me wondering..why so many days ah?..then i think again,u must be a confused man?…ooppss..sori..keke

    Just few mins ago,Molly asked me whether im interested to join this trip :)
    Since u hv set a more firm date, which is 19-22Jan,
    pls register both of us :)

    So,we looking fwd to this trip & im sure everybody feel romantic oredi!..lets hv fun!

  37. More updates on the North East (NE) Thailand trip in Jan:

    Trip confirmed to start Sat 19 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani province airport and end Tue 22 Jan 2013 at Udon Thani airport.

    You may come to Bangkok earlier, and then make your way to Udon Thani airport. You can also return to Bangkok for shopping and eating, before going back to Singapore.

    The dates are confirmed. Weather is expected to be cool and definitely dry, no rain.

    Terence Seah

  38. Hi Terence

    You could have overlooked my request at 25 and 26 for Richard Wong and myself to be put on the list. I would be grateful if you could update the list. Many thanks

    Mega

  39. Hi Terence,

    The trip has been shortened to 4days!??

    Seems that we ain’t having much time either in Udon Thani or Vietianne ie., approx 7+ hours on the road, return will be 15hrs! Exclude fly in from SG to BKK.

    So, are we having only 1 day at Udon Thani & 1 at Vietianne?
    I feel it is too short.

    ChristinaCL

  40. Hi ChristinaCL #39,

    I would like to have the trip longer. Actually, I picked 4 days because this is what I notice with working SHCians, and they prefer a weekend, coupled with one or two days of annual leave.

    I am prepared to add one more day, but they will be for those who are keen to extend one more day. No worries I shall keep this plan until another later date. I shall see the degree of interest from members.

    Udon Thani is not where we will explore. This is where the most convenient airport is, and it leads us to Nong Khai, which is less than an hour away.

    Terence Seah

  43. Alamak!! How to have romantic tour??

    Now only four days… sounds more like whirlwind romance!

    And with 10 men vs so many ladies…

    There are many interesting places and hotels to consider in Vientiene… it’s such a shame that it is only going to be a drive-thru. Oh well, I cannot make it again this time!

    Sour grapes (for me)! Good luck Terence!

  45. #40 TS,

    Para 1 — true but I feel it depends on the destination.

    To travel all the way up fm SG to Nth BKK/Laos in 4days is too short (as #43 KT said.. gonna be a “drive-thru”) not worth the time.

    I can speak only for myself. Intent is to see Nth Bkk, Vietianne; its culture, makan but no intention to end up shopping in BKK hehe

    Thanks!

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL

  46. Hi everybody,

    I am reviewing the return dates to extend to a full week. I am not sure how many people can take this extended leave, but once I confirm, I shall let you know.

    But definitely, one group can come back earlier, as planned.

    Terence Seah

  49. Tentative schedule for the Romantic trip to North East Thailand and Vientiane:

    Sat 19 Jan 2013 – meet morning at Udon Thani airport, overnight in Nongkhai
    Sun 20 Jan 2013 – overnight in NongKhai
    Mon 21 and Tue 22 Jan – in Vientiane
    Wed 22 Jan – Back to Udon Thani, Bkk and Singapore.

    We are NOT likely to extend beyond this date, although those who wish to stay long can do so.

    These dates are 90% on as schedule. However, please do not book airtickets until confirmation. It is likely that fares will be lower during end Jan, because school holidays in Thailand are over. These dates are also way before Chinese New Year. 10 Feb 2013.

    Those who wish to have an idea of the location of our travel, we can discuss Wed 17 Oct at Hans, during the monthly gathering at 7.30 pm.

    Terence Seah

  51. hmmmm so many familiar names on the list already. would like to stick my name beside them but i’ve been to the places mentioned.

    i flew directly fr spore to udon thani abt 3 yrs ago when tiger air had direct flight. stayed in a small but cozy htl in UT, owner lent us his van. we drove to the border then took bus to laos. at the checkpoint (still very 3rd world then, so must be patient waiting to pass thru. officers spoke very little or no english. get ready your local currency to pay the fee). there’re many buses to go to vientienne but we hired a taxi (turned out to be very old and rickety) the journey took abt an hour.
    vientienne is romantic indeed with many french colonial buildings. many temples too. it’s a nice stroll along the main boulevard. wholesale market (hot and humid but many interesting things to see and buy. 1 floor is kind of dedicated to selling gold and silver – lots of them)is centrally located too.
    local transport is like bkk tuktuk. plenty of local and int’l food to choose from.

    In Nong Khai along the mekong river many restaurants with nice outdoor seats to enjoy the beautiful scenery/sunset…

    have fun my friends!

  55. Hi Terence,

    With so much of boo ha at the SHC gatherings over this tour , I too am tempted to join .

    Is it possible for you to extend to 6 days instead of 4 ?
    Travelling each way take almost 1/2 day gone.

    Any male member interested in twin sharing with me ?
    Pls. write comment here.

    THANKS Terence for taking the initiative to organise this tour exclusive for SHC members only.

    I hope you can accomodate at leat 60 pax if possible.
    2 big bus coaches to ferry us around.

    Pls. register me. TQ.

  56. I remember the wonderful memories of travelling to Padang and Bukit Tinggi with a SHC ” FAMILY ” of 60 pax or more. Every one was in high spirits. They were so much fun, jokes and laughter.

    I got to eat up the biggest freshest sashimi lobster in my life. :)

    Wonder whatt happens to both towns after the earthquake after 1 month we had left ?

  57. It’s good to see so many expressions of interests to join the Romantic trip to North East Thailand and Vietiane. The schedule is 99% confirmed as:

    Sat 19 Jan 2013 – meet morning at Udon Thani airport, overnight in Nongkhai
    Sun 20 Jan 2013 – overnight in Nong Khai
    Mon 21 22 Jan – in Vientiane
    Tue 22 Jan – in Vientiane
    Wed 23 Jan – Back to Nong Khai, Udon Thani. Participants can extend by one or two days to go to Luang Prabang.

    The trip proper is Sat 19 Jan to Tue 22 Jan.
    Do not book tickets yet.

    Terence Seah

  60. Hi Terence,
    I’m keen but not sure of Jan13 schedule though, maybe only in late Dec, things can be more finalised. Will have to see how things goes.
    Just keep me in view.
    Thanks.
    DT

  61. Dear Terence

    fyi – Tigerairways has 2 for 1 airfare to Bangkok now. Can you please advise if we are flying via Bangkok to Udon Thani to enable us to take advantage of this promotion.

    Thanks & Regards
    Helen

  63. Trip to North East Thailand and Vietianne (announcement):

    On SAT 19 Jan 2013, the flight schedule from Bangkok airport (Don Muang) to Udon Thani airport.

    ** DD9200 06:00-07:05
    ** DD9202 10:15-11:20
    ** DD9210 12:20-13:25

    Don’t book yet. Most like possibility is to take the 10.15am flight, arriving Udon Thani 11.20am. If you arrive Bangkok (Old Don Muang airport), especially via Air Asia before 9am, this is ideal.

    Important: The trip is confirmed to start Sat 19 Jan from Udon Thani. Therefore, you can book any air tickets any date and time before 19 Jan 2013 to come to Bangkok for golf, eating or simply to enjoy the cool weather. Very likely, I will be in Bkk that period, and can keep you company for something different.

    Terence Seah

  65. Re the trip to North East Thailand and Vientiane, on Tues 22 Jan 2013, we will arrange the vans to send you to Udon Thani airport, time not confirmed, but likely late afternoon. From here, you will catch your flight to Bangkok and then to Singapore.

    Some of you may want to go from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for another day. Please feel free, if you wish to do so. The group will separate from here.

    More updates as they come along.

    Terence Seah

  66. Some more updates on the romantic trip t NE Thailand and Vientiane trip.

    1. From Udon thani airport, we may head straight for Vietiane and spend Sat and Sun in Laos.

    2. Some of you may be planning to go to Luang Prabang. Please note that this city is about 8 hours by road from Vietianne. This is a long distance away.

    3. If the group turns out to be small, we will go in vans of 8. If the group hits 40, we will have a coach. Either way, we are planning for the coach or van to stay with us during the total duration of trip.

    4. If you are holding a non-Singapore passport, please alert me.

    5. For flights from Singapore to Bangkok, you will be advise to use AirAsia which arrives at Don Muang airport. Please avoid Suvarnabhumi airport, due to the distance between the two airports.

    6. As we are likely to take Nok air from Don Muang airport DD9202 10:15-11:20, you have to arrive at Don Muang airport a good 2 hours before 10.15 am. It’s easy as it is the same airport.

    7. You are adivised to book your tickets after 30 Nov 2012.

    Have fun. Questions, goes ahead.

    Terence Seah

  69. Another way to get to Nong Khai is via train. Leaves Hua Lum Pong station at 8pm on friday night before and arr sat morning before 9am.

    Will cost sin about 40; and include aircon and sleeper.
    So,if u arrive bkk on Fri, this is one option.

    Fun.

    Terence Seah

  70. Dear Terence,

    Thanks for providing us various options… ahem! think you have done quite some work/research for this trip :D :D

    Interesting to experience a train ride in that part of BKK,,, Is it comfy & safe? (wink wink)

    #66 (7.) You have advised us to book our tickets after 30 Nov 2012….. come 30Nov, please help to round up a clear itinerary so that we travel to the right place at the right time hehhee

    Thanks Much!
    Christina

  71. Hi ChristinaC and other participants to the romantic trip to NongKhai and Vietianne,

    Please consider your options if you wish to come earlier to Bangkok or go back to Singapore on a later date. The dates are not changeable, so please look at your annual leave and plans.

    The weather is expected to be cool during our trip. There are no mountain climbing but we will see the sights of two old established cities Nong Khai and Vietianne. There will always be cockroaches everywhere. Your biggest cost will be the flight from Singapore to Donmuang airport and then to Udon Thani and back. I shall provide more details of the trip closer to end Nov.

    You are advised to buy extra luggage, if you are the shopping type. And, try not to come alone.

    Terence Seah

  72. Dear Terence,

    One more question….
    #66 1. From Udon Thani airport, we may head straight for Vietiane and spend Sat(19Jan) and Sun(20Jan) in Laos —

    Question: so, we will definitely be in Vientiane on 21+22Jan?

    Rgds,
    Christina

  74. Hi Terence

    #66 1. From Udon Thani airport, we may head straight for Vietianne and spend Sat and Sun in Laos.

    Does this mean we will not have time for the sights in Nong Khai? A pity.

    Daisy

  76. Hi Terence

    I wish to book hotels in BKK from 18-19, 22nd-24th Jan, a day earlier for the trip to Udon Thani. (hotel Hilton). Is is difficult to get cab to Udon Thani, so should we book 1 night stay nearer to the Don Muang Airport instead. Can let me know as we have coupons expiring by end Nov. There is early bird fare Tiger Airways ($50/+) only.

  77. Arrive Bangkok around noon on 18th @ about noon. Leave luggage in train station locker and roam BK for half a day. take 8pm train to Nong Khai. Anyone want interested?

    Lawrence Lee

  78. 1st leg of Romantic trip to NE Thailand and Vientianne confirmed.

    Sat 19 Jan – pick up at Udon Thani airport at 1120 hrs. One hr ride to Nong Khai, and overnight at Nong Khai. You can arrive from Don Muang airport at Udon thani airport via Nok air, ETD 1015 ETA 1120 hrs.

    Some of you arriving early may take a train EXP 69 from Hua Lum Pong station at 2000 hrs on Fri 18 Jan and arr Nong Khai direct at 0825 hrs on 19 Jan. http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp?lenguage=Eng. Choose START in Bangkok and END in Nong Khai for details.

    Sun 20 Jan – in Udon thani. Stay in Udon Thani.

    Mon 21 Jan – go to Vientianne early morning, stay overnight in Vientiane.

    Tue 22 Jan – return to Udon Thani airport after lunch. Others will go to Luang Krabang.

    The return leg will be confirmed soon.

    Terence Seah

  80. Good evening Terence,

    Ciak pa beh (have you taken your dinner)?

    Sorry to say, I would like to withdraw from this romantic tour to North East Thailand during the period 19 – 22 Jan 2013.

    Tks.

  83. Hi Terence,

    Thank you for organizing this trip. Sorry to inform I have to give it a miss. Dates clash with my important medical appointment. Hope to join one another time.

    Gingko

  85. Hi Lawrence @ 77 and Lau @ 84,

    I took a train from Chiang Mai to Bkk in my last trip there. JUst for your info, there are 4 or 5 classes of train travel, the best is air0con with cabin, 2 in a room, 4 in a room, and the minimum I recommend is 2nd class air-con with sleeper, no room/cabin but you get to share with everybody in the whole coach. There are curtains to draw for your privacy.

    Another thing is the food they serve, much better than the PRC and V’namese trains. Thai food is closer to our tastes and they serve you in a tray, soup, a meat, veges and dessert/fruits. Much better that when they serve you in plastic bags, very much like our NS operations style, everything, soup, meat, veges and what else thrown in, NS style.

    Lastly the trains are notoriously late. That is because they are slow, despite the “Express” and Rapid” names they give themselves.

    One reason is they start or end in BKK, and the approach or departure from BKK will have to pass through the main city, causing road jams. Imagine a train from M’sia arriving in Chinatown, the cars have to stop to give way, there is already a jam, so the train gates cannot open, etc., etc.

    Get a good book to pass your time away, but the train and sleepers are clean and cool. Make sure you do not have to meet anybody within 3 hrs or arrival. My train left CMai at 5pm, was supposed to arrive at 7am, but I only detrained at 9.30am. The same journey by bus will only take 9 hrs, max. But of course the experience is completely different.

    On my last trip, I noticed thre were a lot of expat/Western travellers/tourists. So I expect it to be the same. Therefore you may have to book beforehand. You can book via the website, I think. Otherwise, call Terence if you cannot get a ticket in time.

    I usually enjoy my journey by train in Thailand and elsewhere, but it depends on the traveller.

    Good luck.

  86. Trip to NE Thailand & Laos, the return leg will look like this:

    Tues 22 Jan – leave Vientiane, around 1000 hrs. Some may carry on to Luang Krabang, others will move on to Udon Thani.

    Tue 22 Jan Nok Air DD 9211 Udon Thani/Donmuang Bkk 1355 hrs – 1455 hrs

    Tue 22 Jan Airasia DonMuang/Bkk 1850 hrs – 2215 hrs.

    Confirmation will be given on end Nov. But, this is 99% confirmed. You now have to decide if you take train from Non Khai or Nok air from Udon Thani on your return leg.

    Thank you Charles for your feedback and advice on taking a train. It is fun to take a train. Those taking a train can sleep too.

    Terence Seah

  88. The schedule to NE Thailand (Nong Khai) and Vientiane is now confirmed:

    You may withdraw from this list, by end Nov 2012. Target is 32 pax or lower. Even if 8 pax, we will go. So do not worry if you withdraw. Strictly for SHC members only. Your participation is confirmed when you have booked Sat 19 Jan Donmuang/Udon Thani flight. Train also ok.

    Forward leg as follows:
    Sat 19 Jan 2013 – meet morning at Udon Thani airport, overnight in Nongkhai. Take Nok air from Don Muang airport DD9202 10:15-11:20. The official pick up is here. You may come earlier and stay in Udon Thani city. If you do, I will join you. If you take a train, let me know. I think I will be in Bangkok a few days before.
    Sun 20 Jan – in Nong Khai.

    Mon 21 Jan – Cross over the friendship bridge from NongKhai to Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane. Let me know if you are a non-Singaporean.

    Return leg as follows:
    Tues 22 Jan – leave Vientiane, around 1000 hrs. Some may carry on to Luang Krabang, others will move on to Udon Thani via Nong Khai and crossing the friendship bridge. Tue 22 Jan Nok Air DD 9211 Udon Thani/Donmuang Bkk 1355 hrs – 1455 hrs.
    Tue 22 Jan Airasia DonMuang/Singapore 1850 hrs – 2215 hrs. (depending on your preference).
    Your other option is Nongkhai to Bangkok via train. Will drop you at the train station. I will be in Bangkok after the trip.

    Please go ahead and book your flights. Domestic flights are likely to be cheaper as this is non-peak. Book both ways. Take your time to book.

    For international, watch out and share any info on low rates AirAsia from Singapore to Donmuang (Bkk). Book both ways. Take your time to book.

    All hotels will be booked. 2 nights in Nong Khai and 1 night in Vientianne. I will find ways to secure 3-4 star hotels, coach or vans to stay with us the whole period (depending on numbers), and visa processing. Unlike previous trips, this trip may have still some cockroaches, no mountain or hill climbing, no tenting or camping, no beaches or seasides, yes u will see the Mekong river frequently, pace is slower to be romantic. Weather expected to be cool, you need a jacket or wind breaker, no rain.

    After the 1 Dec, you will also be introduced to Sompho, who will help us to enjoy Nong Khai and Vientianne. Participants will be introduced via email.

    Have fun.

    Terence Seah

  89. Hi Terence

    I have booked the SIN to BKK (2 ways) from 18th to 24th 2013

    I shall be booking the DMK to Udon Thani from NOK Air 19th – 22nd Jan
    DD9202 1015-11.20
    DD9211 1355- 1455 HRS

    Hope that myself Jenny Lee and Choy Kum Weng will be in this trip with you.
    Thanks

  90. Terence

    I think you are talking about Luang Prabang not Luang Krabang.

    Your group is going for a romantic tour. I think Luang Prabang is the place to be if Romance is what is in your mind. It is the ancient Royal Capital of Laos. There are many historic sites and the town was very gentle when we visited about 2 years ago. If you just want to take slow walks and look into each others eyes..that is the place to go. I was with Charles Chua, so it wasn’t romantic at all but a good place for us to just switch off.It is like Bali with fewer tourist and noise. The town becomes a night market at night.

    Udon Thani is a small dusty town with many old US exGI living with local wives. Most of them looks like paedophiles.

    NongKhai is famous for viewing the phenomenon of fireballs shooting up into the sky at certain time of the year. Until today, no one knows what it is, let alone what causes it. It was a real festive time when thousands of Thai line the Mekong at night. It is also on the next day that the Laotians celebrate their own festival. Again along the Mekong, there were dragon boat races and endless streams of Laosian partying.You have to cross the bridge at the right time.

    Only an incorrigible romantic would consider the Friendship bridge Romantic. It is just an ugly steel and concrete bridge. But it is a place of interest.

  91. thanks Tian Soo. Very nice of you to clarify my mistake. Yes, it should be Luang Prabang not Luang Krabang.

    I guess some members are planning to go to the other city.

    got to run. Thank you.

    Terence Seah

  92. Dear Terence

    We are keen to extend the trip to Luang Prabang if some SHC members are going too? How can we be connected re planning to LB from UT to enable us to synchronize the flight or other ground transportation etc booking.

    Thanks & Regards
    Helen

  94. Hi Terence
    Q1 – Are there crockroaches in the bus/van transport and hotels?
    Q2 – Is it possible that the participants book together the airline seats to Bangkok/Udon Thani so as to get a more competititve price?

  95. Hi PearlK #94,

    It is not uncommon to find cockroaches anywhere in Thailand, that’s why I always feel it is necessary to inform travellers. They are usually black, big and can be friendly.

    Yes, you may book with others. I am not sure if it is possible to get group discount, With AirAsia, one can save on credit card payment by going down to the office; worth it if it is a group.

    Those who are sure of going, please highlight your name here.

    Terence Seah

  98. We are now finalising who is coming for the trip and who is withdrawing. If you are 51% sure of coming or not coming, please do drop a comment here.

    Terence Seah

  99. Regret unable to join this Romantic tour of NE Thailand.
    May add it to my bucket list of things to do next year.
    Wishing all the travelers a safe and enjoyable trip!

  101. The cockroaches have reduced the number of people going for the romantic trip to Nong Khai and Vientianne. Now, there are 29 left.

    My guess now, is we will have two vans. No worries if you cannot come. There will always be another time. Do let me know early for my planning purposes. Trip is confirmed.

    Terence Seah

  105. Hi Terence!
    Molly & me are going…no belakang pusing..hehe
    But im looking at the flights now..& noticed there’s no carrier number for going & coming back to Spore?apa macam?..haha :)

  108. Wah, the participants are dropping off like flies!

    I am seriously considering whether to latch on to this trip as Vientiane and Luang Prabang with Angkor Wat are on my bucket list… or is it my “1000 things to do before I die” list? It may seem like the same thing but “1000 things” are more difficult to achieve at my age.

    Hope to discuss this at the coming monthly meeting.

    Kenneth

  109. Hi Terence,
    We (Molly & me) have booked our flights :)
    Bangkok(Don Mueang)/Udon Thani on NOK Air 19- 22Jan 2013 DD9202 1015-11.20, DD9211 1355- 1455

    LilianTeo..
    No need to buy extra baggage,our Nok Eco entitlement,15kg,enough la…
    only buy more when balek shopping from BBK!…haha

    So..the rest of the gang..cepat book your tickets,b4 habis!
    Yeah!Yeah!..holidays coming..nvm abt cockroaches!Lets have fun :)

    Kenneth@108…don sum yok yok only,come la..no climbing mountain like Yunnan, sure no problem..hehe

  110. Hi Norlinda,

    Yes, heard your calling. Eyvonne Chew & myself already booked on 19/1/13 – 9202 & back on 22/1/13 – 9211.

    Hi Terence,

    Confirmed we are in, thks for organising.
    Cheers,
    Lilian

  111. Re trip to NE Thailand and Laos, down to 22 pax, with 7 confirmed. The first optimum number is 8, just nice for one van, which will stay with us, throughout the whole period. The next number is 16 pax.

    The cockroaches are hatching their eggs, just in time for our arrival.

    Terence Seah

  112. Dear Terence

    Forget to inform you that Pow TK and I have booked flights 19 Jan DD 9202 and 22 Jan DD 9211. We will be in Bangkok 17&18 Jan in order to connect DD 9202.

    Regards
    Helen

  114. Dear Terence,

    A couple of us are too busy to plan for the intended extension,,, hiatsu… shall give this trip a miss!

    Thanks for organizing!
    and those who are going, have an enjoyable trip!

    Warm Rgds,
    ChristinaCL

  116. Thank you for informing me of your not joining the NE Thailand and Laos trip.

    We have not planned the hotel and the transport. The closeing date is 15 Dec noon. After this time, I shall conclude the type of transport and the hotels. We will base on 8 pax per van (max).

    Terence Seah

  117. Hi Terence,
    Molly & I hv also booked our SIN/BKK flight.
    Yeah!

    LilianT,please call me if u wanna know our flight details :)

    Mega,u not coming?..apa macam?
    How come so many going initially,now become so tiny?..ooppss..hehe

  119. Hi Terence

    Peri Liew, Thomas Loh, Richard Wong and I have booked the following flight to Udon Thani:
    DMK-Udon Thani – Sat 19 Jan – DD9202 – 10.15-1120
    Udon Thani – BKK – Tue 22 Jan – DD9217 – 6.35 – 7.35

    Thanks for making all the arrangements

    Rgds
    Mega

  120. For the Thailand/Laos trip, 13 pax confirmed. We shall close tomorrow. If you still think of coming, please let me know.

    The cockroach eggs have hatched.

    Terence Seah

  122. The 19-22 Jan 2013 to NE Thailand/Laos is now confirmed at 13 pax. From here onwards, you will be informed via email. Exactly one more month to go.

    Terence Seah

  124. The trip to NongKhai and Vientiane is coming next week. We starated with 46 interested SHCians, and today we have a total of 12 Pax, including me.

    The cockroaches have grown, and they will be out somewhere during our trip. Two vans will wait for us at Udon Thani airport. Each van has a guide, which will bring us all the way from Udon Thani to Nong Khai, then cross the border and into Vientiane, and Back the following tuesday.

    We will also have another SHC member from thailand. He is Sompho, and he will travel from Singburi to Nong Khai to meet us. I believe we will be safely accompanied.

    i hope we wont have a case of broken down vans or small pink towels. But, in all my trip so far, we target 3-4 star accommodation, good company and a good degree of casual time.

    I shall keep you update from time to time.

    Terence Seah

  125. Participants to the NE Thailand and Laos trip arrived last night in Bangkok. They had a great seafood evening in the evening.

    12 of us began our trip today with a domestic flight to Udon Thani. Check in as a group, took numerous pictures in front of a virtual screen of Wat Arun. Now, going into the plane. Keep in touch.

    Terence Seah

  127. We left Donmuang airport at 11 am and arrive at Udon Thani airport at 12nn. As many of us were not hungry, we decided to head for our first stop which is a World Heritage site. There we saw remains of an ancient civilisation some 2000 years ago.

    For lunch, we had one dish meals. Contented, we head for a “One tamboon, one product” market, famous for its clothings and weaving. Instead of getting some clothes, Richard got himself a reading glass, power +200 for 290 baht, ready within 10 mins.

    At 5pm, we headed for a riverside restaurant, with the Mekhong river flowing slowly along and with Laos on the opposite site of the river.

    The sun set at 6pm. Before dinner was ready, Mega and Molly took out the Double black, and standing around, we began our evening. The ladies inspected the kitchen while Dennis sat next to the VJ and began crooing his first song. Dinner consisted of snow egg white on the mekhong river fish, a local tom yam seafood soup, squids, steamed fish and local salads.

    After we had our fill, all of us sang and sang. Many danced and we took up almost the entire dining hall. Unwilling to leave, we forced ourselves to leave at 8.30pm. Our meal costs us 5000 baht (SGD 200).

    Checked into our hotel a 60 room Nongkhai resort, we took a bath and rested an hour. At 1030pm. We went to the Friendship bridge which links Laos and Thailand. Bridge is closed at night. This was the most exciting part of the trip, and we took pictures. There were no one else, except us.
    Imagine crowding at the start of the 2nd link, in the middle of the road and taking pictures.

    We got back close to midnight, after visiting a 7-11 for a hot dog. Good night. Catch up tomorrow for breakfast at 7am.

    Terence Seah

  128. Sunday, we were in Nong Khai. Excited as with all travellers, we began the day after breakfast. After buying some local fruits to keep ourselves hydrated during the day, we went to a North East Thailand forest community. In order to get a wide angle view of the Mekong river and the city of VIentiane, all of us had to hop on to a pickup, drive for 1km, then walk 6km up and down the forest track before reaching our destination. Temperature was about high 20C and dry. Plenty of noises, you know come from who. Our Richard, 72, had several leg cramps along the way, and had to be assisted by the forest guides. He successfully completed the 6km walk, although we all think it was something like 8km.

    The view of Vientiane, from the top. was lovely, nostaligic and romantic, and with the light cool breeze rushing past our faces from the Mekong river. Some of us playfully tossed the rubber seeds with 2 leaves into the air, and letting them spins down the cliff like a helicopter.

    Arriving the base of the hill, we had a traditional lunch at the grand wooden lobby hall. 6 bowls of local dishes were placed on a large tray, served with sticky rice and sweet tamarind dessert. We saw 3 traditional North Eastern dances, performed by young children.

    After lunch, we drove to town, where we visit a local market, set within the grounds of the local temple. Here, we decided to have a traditional massage to soothe our legs, after the morning walk.

    Dinner was on a floating restaurant, parked alongside the Mekong river. Our local Singapore born bartender, Molly, kept our glasses full with Double Black and Beer. Again, I don’t know why, she had to inspect the kitchen for brinjals and bitter gourds. We could feel the breeze, flowing along the Mekong river, and we could see the night lights of Vientiane on the opposite side of the river.

    We ended the evening with more drinks. Good night.

    Terence Seah

  129. Wah Terence,

    Not bad eh, forest walk, visit a forest community, and see V’tiane from Thailand. Some more got good food and drinks and bar girls to serve you.

    I am afraid of the sticky rice tho’, never get used to it.

    Some more got Molly’s obsession with brinjals and bitter gourds!?? (O^O). What’s happening?? Goodness gracious!!

    Only exciting thing here is WP rally. So you should know how exciting here is

  130. Our trip to Vientiane started on a Monday morning at 9am from the Nongkhai hotel. We probably would have started earler, but the Friendship bridge opens at 8.30am.

    Cleared Thai and Laos immigration, changed from Thai vans to a Laos 14 seater bus, and off we went into Vientiane city. Weather was beautiful, and cool. Took us about 45 mins to get to the city, went on a city tour. Visited the Presidential residence, stopped by a Wat. Saw a stock, pretending to be a stone bird; but we saw it moved its head and legs every 10 mins. It was fun taking pictures with our own cameras, only to find the tourist photographers taking our pictures as we posed smilingly.

    We had a penalty for those who returned to the bus late. Guys have to take off the bottom and gals have to take off the top. Everybody were on time, most of the time.

    Eager, we decided to go to our hotel. It was a 4 storey build, narrow and long. Leading into a french courtyard, with the rooms, facing the courtyard. Vientiane is a small city, french colonised, very romantic. We enjoyed the night market, which comes out at night. The lights of Nongkhai was beautiful on the other side of the river.

    We capped our night with dancing at the fountain, accompanied by a freelance local band.

    Good night, but not without finishing our double Black in one of our bedrooms.

    Terence Seah

  131. Hi Terence,

    Thank you for organizing the romantic tour.
    It was a very memorable trip as I had not experienced
    before. I enjoyed very much especially with the lovely
    group travel buddies.
    Looking forward to another trip.

    ? ? ? ? to all SHC members.

    Best regards
    Richard Wong

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