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Q: Anyone been to Laos before? Need a 7-10 day itinerary
Aiming to travel to SE Asia this coming October but I don't care for Vietnam, Phil., Malaysia. Much more into Laos, Cambodia, maybe northern Thailand.
Was wondering how easy/expensive it would be to fit those countries in the space of a week. I think Laos is really where I want to spend the bulk of that time, so anyone who's been to Laos before, I'd love to hear what your experience was like, and how much time you recommend to stay there.
11 years 37 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - China
I know Laos is a small country, but don't underestimate the amount of time or money it's going to take you to get from place to place.
It's impossible to answer your question without knowing a few things. Are you a young backpacker or are you, ahem, a slightly older gentleman who wants and can afford some comfort? The roads are pretty old-school so bus rides are slow and windy although with beautiful scenery, there's no train system, and flying is pretty expensive in Laos compared to the rest of the region.
Either way, I wouldn't really try to do any more than just Laos if you only have a week. If you have a little longer you could add in either northern Thailand or Cambodia, flying in or out of Chiang Mai or Siem Reap respectively.
I've only been to a few places in Laos. Luang Prabang is beautiful and unmissable, the scenery is the area around the town is stunning. Vang Vieng is a good party town for the younger crowd and again, the scenery is gorgeous. Vientiane is a bit meh, really, just an oversized SE Asian town.
I've heard the south is equally beautiful and I want to go back and see the Ssi Phan Don region as soon as I can manage it.
Laos is cool. 
I used to go into Savannakhet and hire a small motorcycle. Just drive around and get lost in the country. soooo few people around, and nobody to bother you. It kinda defines sleepy, like going back in time 50 years...
well, I was doing that in 2000-2001. Might've changed some, but I kinda doubt it..
good food due to the French influence. It was so weird to get a nice baguette sandwich in SE Asia just like it was a normal thing... hehe
diverdude1:
Oh, the immigration officials 
were the usually surly lot, visa was way expensive. They desired USD but would take THB if pushed.
MissA:
Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam all do great coffees and baguettes. God bless the French.
i was working in Vientiane almost two years, it is a wonderful country, beautiful scenery odd food, nice beer and nice coffee.
when i stay in Laos, i brought a guide book of lonely planet. very helpful.
by the way,every year from April to October is rainy season, the rain is torrential and usual, you should better prepare for this.
