Everywhere in Thailand is a tourist magnet. Actually, with the amount of backpackers in SE Asia, Laos is probably one too.

It all depends on what you prefer. I havent been to ‘bodia or Laos, but have spent a few months in Thai and Viet Nam and love them both. I am glad you are starting off in Hanoi as I think that is far nicer than HCMC.

Basically, would you rather enjoy travelling through a country or sitting on your ass at the beach? Adventure or relaxation?

Yeah, the more I think about it I think I will try to shave some days from Cambodia and head up to Laos for the later part of the trip…there is just too much I want to see in Thailand so hopefully I can devote an entire trip there soon…

my itinerary for Vietnam for the moment is pretty much looking like this…Hanoi…Halong Bay(Cat Ba Island??)…Hue…Hoi An…Nha Trang??…Dalat…HCMC…Mekong Delta and possibly Sapa on my way back through Laos if I have the time…I kind of feel this is a bit much for two weeks… if you had to drop any of these which would you suggest…any other areas you would suggest checking out?? also, any recommendations on places to stay in any of these areas would be helpful…

I spent two weeks in Vietnam, starting in Hanoi with the goal of seeing everything I was interested in in the North (which includes most of what you mentioned and Sa Pa) and when I headed south, I only got as far as Nha Trang. I had already picked an approximate time that I wanted to leave Vietnam for Cambodia.

I flew to Siem Riep via HCMC airport. I spent a week in Cambodia, about 4 days in the Angkor area and 3 in PP. Would’ve loved to have stayed longer.

From there I flew to Bangkok for a couple of days, then headed home.

Laos is very high on my list. One thing to remember with SE Asia is that travel times are slower than Europe.

I love SE Asia. I want to go to Laos, but unless I have at least two weeks to devote exclusively to Laos, I’m probably skipping it.

Thailand does have a lot of tourists but it does have a lot of backpackers which is nice in a way. There are plenty of places off the beaten path and away from the crowds. I find a tourist free beach on the tourist island of Ko Samui that was amazing.

I would definately say Thailand over Laos.

Hey gznc-

If you become pressed for time while in Vietnam, Hue and Na Trang could be cut from or dropped. While they are nice places to visit I would drop them in a heartbeat to spend more time in Laos. Sapa was cool (usually combined with a trip to Bac Ha for the Sunday Market…unreal!) but it is a very hard bumpy trip up and back about 10 hours one way. The train would be more comfy but slower and more expensive.

Halong Bay is really great. If you do an overnight, stay on the boat not on the island. They anchor in a secluded bay (no waves) and you can watch the sunset over the rock formations. Later the stars from the rooftop deck over drinks can’t be beat! No doubt you’ll meet some cool people too.

Hoi An and Dalat are not to be missed! Between the two big cities HCMC was my favorite. Hanoi was nice but HCMC seemed to have more "old culture" (ie: more bicycles, more ladies with the great conical hats and beautiful ao dais) and we found people there to be more friendly. Of course all of this is based on personal experience and opinion.

From HCMC you can book a Mekong Delta tour. THe first day will take you through the Delta and they makes various stops to see how people live. It can feel a little &quotre-packaged" but it’s the easiest and quickest way through. Few people in the area speak English and Vietnamese is quite difficult. The following day the tour continues and in the afternoon they take you to a boat that will take you to Cambodia. After a stop at makeshift border crossings you will eventually land in Phenom Pehn. From there the boat up the Tonle Sap to S.R. is really great.

Like Thai beaches, Laos is really easy to chill out in too. Vang Vieng, while becoming a backpacker hangout, is really great. Nothing beats floating down that river alongside the karst topography. If you like caves there are a few to be explored along the way. Luang Prabang is beyond relaxing. The nearby waterfall is not to be missed for its jungle hike and swimming holes. Vientiane is ok but don’t spend but a night there especially of time is limited.

I guess I would suggest saving Thailand for another trip. There is SO much to see and do there…the Northern towns & jungles and the Southern beaches can easily take up a month. Good luck in your planning and have a great time. Amy

PS- For more info on these places you can check out Dec ’03 and Jan ’04 on our Blog here: www.amazingtravels.c…