AboutAl Slagle Expertise I can answer questions specifically about Vientiane and Vang Vien, Laos. It is a fascinating country and a hidden gem of Southeast Asia!
Experience I have backpacked from Thailand to the capital of Laos. From there I made my way up toward Luang Prabang by motorbike via the town of Vang Vien.
Expert: Al Slagle Date: 8/12/2004 Subject: visiting Laos
Question Hello,
We are 4 persons in the group and want to travel to Southeast Asia. We have 2 weeks and it is in late January early February. Is it a good time to visit Laos? What is an intensive itinerary to see the highlights of the country? We ant to visit another country while there. Which other country do you recommend?
Thank you and best greetings from Turkey.
Answer Hello! How are you doing? I am immediately jealous because you're visiting one of my favorite places in the world, Southeast Asia! I have been there at a couple different times of the year and you're probably going at one of the best. Of course SE Asia is hot place year round, but it should be relatively cooler and drier during January and February. I did a trip in just about two weeks covering Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia and saw the highlights of each. If you're thinking about spending a week each in two countries, then I applaud your decision in choosing Laos.
Starting in Vientiane, there are a few things to see as it is a relatively small city. My highlights include visiting the Central Market, seeing the big Stupa (sorry don't recall the name), and enjoying dinner along the Mekong River.
If you head up to Vang Vieng, there are many things to do there and the scenery is breathtaking. You can go tubing down the river and explore some of the local caves. We rented motorbikes and took off north along the main road. In short, one of the best experiences of my life. Just visiting tiny villages, interacting with the locals and seeing the gorgeous countryside was fantastic! The town of Vang Vieng itself is tiny but it has become a bit "backpackerish" recently so you can find quite a few guesthouses and internet there.
I haven't been to Luang Prabang myself but have talked to many people who have and they all say it is a definite highlight of Laos. It's a very cultural city with many temples worth visiting.
For the other country, I guess it depends on what you want to do. For more gorgeous scenery, small villages and good hiking, head to northern Vietnam. If you have time you could even hit Hanoi and Halong Bay. Of course Thailand is a great place for hiking and temple viewing as well. Hit northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chang Rai) for that. If you want to hit the beaches, it'll take more time but they are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I recommend Ko Phi Phi or Ko Samet as my favorites. Cambodia is another choice but maybe harder to get to from Laos. Of course Angkor Wat is the main attraction which I highly recommend as well.
The main reason I'm so high on Laos is basically the people. They are so friendly and laidback and will be genuinely happy to see you. There might be language barriers but their smiles will do all the communicating necessary. I hope this helps and have fun!
