Getting from Luang Prabang / Laos to Siem Reap / Cambodia

Getting from Luang Prabang / Laos to Siem Reap / Cambodia

So, I'm in the midst of planning a trip with a friend in January-February 2013, covering Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. We're trying to get from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap, and it would seem we can either go down Laos (Bus to Vientiane, bus to Pakse, bus to Siem Reap) or through Thailand (Bus to Vientiane, overnight sleeper to Bangkok, train to the Thai-Cambodian border and bus from there to Siem Reap). Any advice out there as to which way to go? It would be nice to see more of Laos, but if it's at the expense of ridiculous amounts of time and effort.... Unfortunately it will not be overly long before Tet in Vietnam by that stage of the trip, so huge delays would be rather unfortunate (planning to be in HCMC by Tet). Any help much appreciated! :) ???

=> from central bus station Vientianne take pick up outside morning mkt next dorr to sth east bus terminal and bus to Nahin for Konglor caves and after back to junction route 8 & route 13 and take overnight bus to Pakse and don det Pakse travel do a deal from Pakse rto Phnom pen or siemn reap with stoppover on don det and you just get GH to telephone them and they will arrange to collect you and put you on bus to Phnom pen from mainland. If possible get your Cambodian visa before you enter as scams are afoort also in Pakse and don det they will rip you off for vis fees so go toe Cambodian embassy in Vientianne for your visa. at border they try and charge you extra $3-$5 and also avoid thetemp health check $2 scams plus $2 keep my family rich leaving laos scam Ha! Ha! you leave don det around 830am and arrive late evening in Phnom pen

=> 5 countries in 2 months, looks like you will spend half your time on a bus. LP to SR by bus will take about 36 hours. 

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