Saura asked:
Am planning a holiday – will have about two and a half weeks of sightseeing time in late Feb and early March. Flights will probably be in and out of Bangkok.
Am planning a holiday – will have about two and a half weeks of sightseeing time in late Feb and early March. Flights will probably be in and out of Bangkok.
We’re looking to experience the culture and some relaxing time. We like ruins, beaches, fabulous scenery. Happy to go walking but not trekking for days.
If you’ve been, which country did you enjoy most? Is there a route in either country that’d give us a good taste of the region?
I should have said that I’ve already been to Thailand as well as Cambodia (to see Angkor Wat) on a previous trip. Enjoyed both destinations very much but now looking to explore somewhere new…
i think you will have a great time in thailand,thats my home!!i think..vietnam is very good choice, nice people,lots to do, lots to see and learn.nice food,fresh and heathy and seafood is cheap fresh catch of the day every day!.and the country beach side is….oh!just amazing!nothing exciting and its not much to see in laos,yet?
They would both be great but Viet Nam is easier to get around. If you like ruins why not go to Cambodia. You could fly into Siem Reap (visas are $20 on entry, Angkor pass $40 for 3 days) and you can explore Angkor Wat – don’t miss Ta Prohm – ruined temple being reclaimed by the jungle. You could then head down to Sihanoukville, Kep and Kampot. Great beaches (especially Occheuteal) and lots of fab scenery. Easy to travel as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville all now have international airports.
Laos has stunning scenery but is much harder to get around. It is well worth a visit as is Viet Nam but if you haven’t been to Cambodia that’s the place I’d recommend first. Here’s some info:
And this site has lots of info and fun stuff about Asia:
Laos is definitely a better country to tour, and it has some stunning scenery, but it doesn’t have any beaches.
Vietnam has more to see and shop.
I would recommend Laos, but it doesn’t have any beaches.
Luang Prabang is a must see, so is Vientiane, and Pakse. Everything moves at a slower pace, so if you’re the type to enjoy just sitting back with a cool drink while overlooking the Mekong…then Laos might be for you.
You could do what alot of tourist do. Go to Vang Vieng….sit on a rubber tube, and go down the river, all the while stopping at various bars along the river, have drinks, zipline into the river, then get back on the tube, go to another bar, and repeat.
I love, and live in, Viet Nam (Ha Noi). I have been to Lao a couple of times – nice, but I recommend VN!
Great food, great country, great people, lots to see and do.
I’ve been to both and really enjoyed them. I really would love to go back and see more of each country so am very jealous of you.
If i had to choose then I think I’d go for Vietnam as i saw more of that country as i spent 2 months there as opposed to 2 weeks in Laos.
You could start in the South (Ho Chi Minh City) and work your way up to the North (Hanoi) finishing in Howlong Bay.
My advice is to get a copy of Lonely Planet for Vietnam which will give plenty of advice for different budgets and length of stays along with loads of useful travel info.
There is a tour you can do called the ‘Easy Rider’ (which is my dream to go back and do), i don’t know if you’d like this considering your only going for 2 weeks, but get the Lonely Planet and it will tell you all about it.
You’ll have a fantastic time where ever you go as long as you make sure you do!
Happy travels and all the best.
I think you should go to Vietnam. Vietnam is more developed and has more things to do as well as beautiful sceneries. The food is great and inexpensive. The people are friendly and hospitable.