Stray - Laos Backpackers Bus
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Latest Traveller Comments:
Stray Asia was a trip of a lifetime. I can confidently say that it is the best way to see Laos and Thailand. Having a seat on the Stray bus meant you could rely on transport, your gear was always safe, you weren't missing seeing anything. We got right in and experienced the south east asia culture with home stays in local villages, camping at a national park, and visiting the smallest of towns. It really was an incredible trip, so thank you Stray! Your the best!
By Faye from New Zealand - 19 Jan 2012
Hay I done Stray NZ & loved it had an amazing time. I really want to visit Thailand but cart find a travel buddy so thinking to try it alone just bit worried for safety and wondered if many people travelled alone x
By Sukaynah from England - 18 Jan 2012
Lots of the stops that Stray makes would be places you’d overlook and wouldn’t think to stop in if you were making your own way around, so it’s great for people who really enjoy going to places a bit off the well-beaten backpackers’ track. Following the Stray routes, we stayed in different places each night and accommodation varied from guest houses and hotels to camping and homestays.
Laos was even more chilled out and laid back than I thought. A really varied landscape made for some excellent photo opportunities. I loved the Tubing in Vang Vieng and enjoyed chilling in Don Det and Wat Phou - The 7km Cave at Kong Lor is amazing with endless waterways that somehow the boat guides navigate with just the light from their head torches, making you feel like you’re exploring unchartered territory.
So many people work their way around all the Indochina countries, as were most people I travelled with, and the Stray network allows you to link them up. A group of people who met on our bus all travelled on from Don Det, leaving Laos and Stray, over to Cambodia. As the route is hop-on hop-off, anyone on a pass that finished in Bangkok could just save it for a later date. Talking to each other and the guide made planning their onward travel really easy.
Cheers,
By Helen Wooldridge from UK - 09 Jan 2012
I travelled with a friend on the 'Tom Yum' pass recently and we had an amazing time. From Bangkok through Chiang Mai and northern Laos, right back to Bangkok again we were looked after and the fun, good times and cultural experiences never stopped the whole way. We had two tour leaders, 'Comrade' the Russian and Amanda the Aussie who were both very professional, organised and knew their shit, but also weren't shy about coming out for a Beerlao or two with us at the day's end which was cool. Thailand and Laos are fascinating places with so many opportunities for adventure, from jungle ziplining and motorcycling to tubing in Vang Vieng and meeting the local villagers in the remote hills. Stray is great because you can do it all at your own pace and stay as long as you like at each stop, and what's more the tour leaders organise your desired activities for you so you can focus on having amazing times. Perfect. I would recommend Stray Asia to anybody who likes to have a good time, and indeed would love to do the trip again some time in the future.
By Blair from New Zealand - 18 Nov 2011
My wife and I joined a Stray tour for part of our honeymoon. We had done a lot of research and it was by far the cheapest, most efficient way to tour around Thailand and Laos. We would not have been able to see as many places in such a short amount of time. Our only regret is that we did not have longer to stay in each of the cities/towns. Also, Comrade (Anna) is awesome and if you have a chance get on her bus. Stray, besides for being a great way to see the countries, is also the best way to meet like minded people from all over the world.
By Joey Barr from USA - 19 Sep 2011
As I settle into my bunk, on the haphazard night train from Laos to Bangkok... I reflect on my adventures. of going off the tarseal. With Stray. The beautiful people. And the mighty orange bus.....
I've slept in buses boats trains thatched huts and guest houses, had cockroaches running past my bed and geckos on the ceiling above my head. Loud music and snoring coming through my walls and melodies sung by the beautiful girls. I've eaten water buffalo BBQ frog and other amazing Laos-ation flavors, watched my fellow traveler Ardi enjoy the unique experience and flavor of eating a fetus out of the egg, fed the sad faced hill tribe ladies who then were so happy they decided to play, we took their photos, they had a great day.
I've seen a snake in a tree armies of giant ants, when we used the jungle loo, it's true, they could of got in our pants. we were attacked by leeches ate tropical fruit not just tinned peaches. Feasted on fruit shakes and laolao morning glory and wow..... I've been in amazing caves seen fabulous waterfalls and walked barefoot through mud. Ive cruised the Mekong in a slow boat, ridden tuktuks rusty bicycles trucks and tubes!
I've met wonderful people, been on a honeymoon, learnt words and phases from all round the world, shared drinks, food, jokes and cameras with the young people with the most beautiful faces.
Our mighty orange Stray bus has been A PARTY ON WHEELS as my heart has reeled with the joy of this adventure.
We've sung, danced the chicken dance, sucked thumbs and woofed yelled laolao at the top of our lungs when we saw a hut, exited the bus with our song "I'm, too sexy for this bus"... And if that ain't enough we did a handstand to top it all off..... As we cruised the bumpy haphazard Loas roads in our mighty stray bus.
I've enjoyed playing cards petanque volley ball mud wrestling and beer pong...with COMRADE Mr Porn (star) and Mr Pong. I've learned the difference between the Baht dollar the Kip and the dong.
A humbling experience this has been...my dear friends Joey and Tatiana have watched out for me, my fellow kiwis Katherine Lauren and Nick,have all helped to make this trip. ozzy Ardi, poms jayne Charlotte and others, the beautiful girls from the Faroe islands BEINTA and FRIDA who so far from home they have roamed, aliza an marco, alesha and Rich, and fabulous folk who have made my life so enriched, from England America Russia Italy and Spain no one was a pain even when they were sick, our bus stopped quick, as we bumped our way from Sukhothai to Chang Mai and we sang our song from nong khai to Chang khong. VengVieng was one big party and Mr Wan warned us about the fun but also the naughty ......... Mr porn was funny when out of the blue one drunk day, piped up with his profound statement TOMORROW MORE FUNNY THAN TODAY as comrade buckled him in (only those who were there will be lucky enough to laugh)
To those that were not, please visit the stray website and google the tubing to get an insight to fun that I have had and I dare you to try and imagine the strips,flips,buckets and Fuckits and if you can't imagine then I recommend you try, going off the tarseal like I.
To all the dear friends I have made on my journey, THANK YOU!!! And may you all return to your home land one day with fond memories too, and send me a photo or an email will do.
This trip has exceeded my every expectation. Thank you to all. Comrade, the driver, mr porn, Wan and mr pong..... My heart will forever sing the stray song!
Thanks,
Karyl
By Karyl Corbett from - 02 Sep 2011
Hi guys,
Just want to say I had an amazing time on a Tom Yum pass a couple of months back. Our enthusiastic tour leader comrade along with the laos guides were the highlights of the trip. I even got to meet the ops manager Anne (who I kind of fancy!) the wet season was so amazing to us, we got off in Chiang mai, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng which were pumpimg with culture. One of the ebst bits was the death metal temple between chiang mai and chiang rai
Seven Thumbs Up.
Mark 'smoo' Robertson
By Mark Robertson from New Zealand - 11 Aug 2011
I had an amazing time traveling with Stray through New Zealand, and so signed up for the Stray Asia 'Full Moon' pass. Whilst a very different beast to Stray NZ, Stray Asia certainly did not disappoint. My two guides Vinay and Jeremy were first rate, as was superstar local guide Boon.
The 'Long Thaang' pass was thrown in when I booked to sweeten the deal, and for me this was probably the highlight. Going to more remote and less visited parts of northern Laos on route to the Communist Caves of Vieng Xai, to drinking home brewed Lao Lao rice whisky with the chief of a hill tribe.
I look forward to seeing the Stray Asia network grow and expand to other parts of South East Asia. Thank you and best of luck!
By Ross from UK - 04 Jul 2011
Hi there,
I travelled on Stray a few years ago and my driver for the most part was Hoover. I must say she was amazing and totally made my trip. Her love of her country and info was great and she has a great knack with a pint of beer!!
Im currently travelling through South East Asia and saw Hoover leading a group. Can you tell me is she guiding your tours in loas if so then I am definaltey going to book myself with my 4 mates I am travelling with on a tour with her! She is a blast and Loas would be awesome with her.!
Currently I am in Vietnam and if you could respond asap then I know when I can book my trip.
Thanks
By Sally from England - 19 May 2011
Had a blast a few weeks back. Got convinced to buy the 'Long Thaang' on top of my Dtui pass. Best decision ever. Thanks Stray, I love you
By Matty P from UK - 18 May 2011
had an amazing time traveling round Thailand and Laos on the Stray Bus. good places and cool guides led to an awesome experience. will defo do it again in the future!
By Alex from England - 21 Apr 2011
I did the full moon pass, it was amazing...gave me the chance to meet a bunch of amazing people, including LEWIS WALKER!!! stray led to us doing a load of amazing activities that we may not have had the chance to do without stray, like see much more the south of Laos, also our guides were very helpful and friendly and we had a lot of fun with them, especially Yuval :) would definitely recommend stray and would also definitely consider stray again :) nice one!
By Joe Wood from England - 21 Apr 2011
Absolute blast!! I did the Tom Yum pass which was perfect for my time/cost needs. Muay Thai boxing in Chiang Mai is a must! Along with the night market followed by the Chinese disco in Luang Namtha. My advice, go hard every day, even when you're hung over. You will go to some places that you might never see again... ENJOY!
By Davis from USA - 19 Apr 2011
Had one of the best tours during our 8 month trip around the world. If you could call it a tour :) Stray travel really is going off the beaten track. Especially the Long Thaan trip. You're really missing out on a couple of essential Laos things (ever heard about the Secret War?) if you don't do this. Learn more about the history of this beautiful country...
By Femke from The Netherlands - 18 Apr 2011
very smooth journey and very helpful staff - thanks!
By joia from uk - 22 Mar 2011
Very good trip :))) The transport was very different and funny! Especially the boat trip. The first guesthouse was very well.
By Eva from Germany - 21 Mar 2011
"Bucket Man", "Machete", "4 seat man", "Big Foot", "Crispy Simon", "Mr Porn" and many more...That's what I discover during this crazy trip around Laos !!
Get ready to have fun, to discover things and people (and drink beer lao)
Dont f*&ck with the wrong French man and get "Machete" (Jeremie) as soon as possible in your pocket! Your trip will be just amazing! Be patient and everything will be fine!
A bit quick in 16days so take your time if possible and explore!!
Go for it!!
Fab
By 4 seats man from France - 25 Feb 2011
Did the Full Moon pass with no stop offs (limited time) and had an amazing time. Tubing, white water rafting, elephant treks were so much fun as well as the added extras you dont get told about - such as a porn star local guide! Put your pants on Mr Phone!
If you can take your time its worth doing as you spend alot of time travelling but even if you do it without stops you still get to experience the real Laos.
By Rachel from England - 25 Feb 2011
I've just got back from the Full moon tour and had an awesome time. Laos is a great county with some beautiful people but you must remember Laos is a developing country so make sure you have the right expectations... bumpy roads, dust, stray dogs etc etc.
Take lots of risks and feel free to bond with the locals; it will enhance your trip and broaden your horizons.
Make sure you get stuck into the tubing and consume as many buckets as you can... you'll find out what i mean.
Take that and party!
Bucket man
By Bucket man from UK - 25 Feb 2011
Have been looking at your web site ans it seems that your tours are mainly suited to younger people. We are in our 60s.
Do you take 'oldies', and are your tours suited to oldies.
By John Stafford from Australia - 28 Jan 2012
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