travel facts

GETTING THERE

Thai Airways and Qantas offer flights from various Australian cities to Bangkok. It is then possible to go overland by bus or train. Alternatively, there are onwards flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang on Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. qantas.com; thaiairways.com; bangkokair.com

WHEN TO GO

The best weather is from November to February, the dry season. Luang Prabang, as it is in the north, is also possible in the hot season March to May.

WHERE TO EAT

• Tamarind in Luang Prabang Ban Vat Sene:

tamarindlaos.com

• 3 Nagas in Luang Prabang, Vat Nong Village: sofitel.com • Elephant Crossing in Vang Vieng, Ban Viengkeo:

theelephantcrossinghotel.com

• Kong View in Vientiane, 183 Souphanouvong Rd,

Hom 1 Ban Nongpanay: view-goodview.com

• Papaya Grill in Sydney, 393 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville:

papayagrill.com.au