From Xam Neua to Hanoi

From Xam Neua to Hanoi: A journey full of real experiences with mr.hotsia

After spending several days wandering in Xam Neua, a small town nestled in Houaphan Province, Laos, I deeply experienced the local way of life—from eating water scorpions at Xam Neua market to playing scratch lottery at Viengchai market, including visiting various caves such as Tham Than Kaisone, Tham Than Kam Tai, and Tham Than Nu Hak at Phoumsavan and Siphandon. The feeling I got from traveling in Xam Neua was a rare sense of peace and warmth not easily found in big cities.

Today, mr.hotsia would like to share the experience of traveling from Xam Neua across to Hanoi, Vietnam—a route many may not be familiar with, but I assure you it is very worthwhile and exciting.

Getting ready and starting from Xam Neua

I started packing early in the morning and waited at the Xam Neua bus station from 7 AM to avoid missing the bus. The bus departed exactly at 8:00 AM. The fare was 1,200 baht per person. The bus driver and conductor were Vietnamese, who spoke some English and Lao, making communication fairly easy.

Before departure, the driver stopped at a Vietnamese restaurant in Xam Neua at 7 AM. I took the opportunity to enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee, fragrant and rich in flavor, truly unique. Tasting coffee in this atmosphere made me feel warm and ready for the long journey ahead.

Route through Nam Soi - Na Meo border: Crossing the border easier than expected

The route from Xam Neua to Hanoi passes through the Nam Soi border on the Laos side and the Na Meo border on the Vietnam side, which is much more convenient than expected. Both roads are in excellent condition. On the Laos side, traffic is light with few vehicles passing, while on the Vietnam side, the rural villages are lively with houses and bustling local life. This contrast allowed me to see the diverse lifestyles of people living side by side in two countries.

A strong warning from mr.hotsia about buying bus tickets on this route: From my own experience, you must buy a ticket only as far as Hang Hoa city first, then buy a new ticket from there to Hanoi. If you buy a through ticket to Hanoi, you might lose money if the new bus does not accept the old ticket. This warning is also mentioned in the Lonely Planet guidebook. So, do not underestimate this advice.

Lunch at the border: Lemongrass chicken with unforgettable flavor

After crossing the Na Meo border, the bus stopped for a meal at a border-side restaurant. The restaurant uses a fixed-price system for all tables. I tried lemongrass chicken, pickled eggplant, boiled vegetables, and plain rice soup. The taste was so delicious that I still remember the recipe and plan to try making lemongrass chicken myself in Thailand. Eating fresh, home-style food prepared with care made the journey lively and heartwarming.

Continuing to Hanoi: Rural life and atmosphere in Vietnamese countryside

After lunch, the bus continued. I noticed Vietnamese locals diligently making chopsticks, shaving bamboo and drying them in their yards—a scene I had never seen elsewhere. It showed a community with unique occupations and culture. I also saw trucks carrying chopsticks passing by, a very impressive rural life image.

The route passing through villages was completely different from the quiet, almost deserted Laos side. On the Vietnam side, life was vibrant with people continuously engaged in activities.

Changing buses at Hang Hoa: Entering the capital city of Vietnam

Upon arrival in Hang Hoa, we had to get off and transfer to a larger, air-conditioned, and more comfortable bus to continue to Hanoi. Here, I recommend buying a new ticket from Hang Hoa to Hanoi immediately to avoid the problems I encountered.

The bus departed in the late afternoon and arrived in Hanoi around 8 PM. I took a taxi to accommodation near Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular area for backpackers. The lodging cost 10 USD per night, with air conditioning and free internet. Although Vietnam’s internet has some restrictions, such as limited access to Facebook, it was still acceptable and safe for me.

Hanoi through mr.hotsia’s eyes: Starting a new trip in an ancient city

Arriving in Hanoi, mr.hotsia intended to take friends for a walk around the Old Quarter, tasting authentic Vietnamese dishes like hot pot and sizzling pans, famous and located not far from the walking street in Hanoi’s historic district. The atmosphere here is lively, blending old culture and modernity perfectly.

For those interested in exploring Vietnam deeply, try stepping off the main routes and experience life as I did. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the diversity and sincerity of the people in this land.

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