Caught a VIP bus from Luang Prabang after being convinced the VIP bus was the best option after talking to several travel agents (probably wasn't the best source of info).
Got a bus in the morning with White Elepant Tours. I wouldn't recommend them, although they do speak good English. Firstly when I got on someone was in my seat, although White Elephant Tours had promised me I would have my own seat. Turned out it was my seat, the girl just didn't have a ticket and had "claimed" myne. Had to argue with the young English girl just to get my seat - strange! Anyways all good.
Got off at first stop and the guy at the shop ripped me off 20000 kip (beware!) when I gave him a 50000 kip note (was all I had except for a 2000 kip note)for big 5000 kip water. Pulled him up on it but he says he doesn't have any 50000 kip note (he shuffled it before and gave it to his wife while he was giving change to another guy). Then she comes and yells at me which I thought was a bit uncalled for! Anyway I accept that I have been severely ripped off so I head up the other end and get some 2000 kip small water, no probs. Stopped to chat and say hi to some guys i met in the morning, then my bus takes off!!!
The guys tell me to jump on their mini bus as they have 3 spare seats (lucky! Must have been the only one in history, and we didn't stop to pick up 8 locals, a dead monkey, fish, raw meat, fruit, 10 bags of rice or 3 crying children).
On the way we pass my VIP bus, which is broken down at the side of the road (apparently for a few hours after).
Didn't get my bag back (?????) but luckily I only had clothes in it, and my camera and Ipod charger (replaceable). I always keep my camera/phone/passport/wallet etc on me in the bus. But I guess its lucky that it wasn't someone with a buig bag, I travel very light (3 pairs of shorts/3 shirts and chargers etc) so it was no big deal for me, but I guess be warned that your bag can go missing and sometimes buses do leave without you (I presume the girl jumpoed back in my seat so they thought it was full, either that or they just don't check, didnb't hear any beeping as per usual...
Anyways onwards!
