Hi Rich and Zoe,
We've just returned from our travel through Thailand, Laos, Camodia and Vietnam (mainly Laos and Cambodia) and would recommend you to stay in Luang Prabang for some time. We liked Luang Prabang best!
Luang Prabang:
Pros:
- Great Mekong/Lao atmosphere;
- Friendly people;
- Great souvernir market (buy yours here!!!! This market is unique, haven't seen it like this elsewhere in Laos);
- A lot of things to see in and around town; (e.g. Kuang Si waterfalls)
- A lot of things to do in and around town;
Cons:
- Cave with the Boudha statues is not that impressive;
Recommened stay: 3 or more days
Vang Vieng
Pros:
- The view on the mountains is awesome (rent a bungalow with a view!);
- Tubing is a lot of fun;
- Nice people;
- Many caves to explore;
- Many excursions through e.g. the mountains.
Cons:
- Many tourists concentrated into one central point of the town (fortunately there are also nice restaurants outside of the town centre);
- TV's are common in each bar/restaurant.
Recommended stay: 2 or 3 days.
Vientiane
Pros:
- Nice to have a drink next to the Mekong-river (friendly salesmen & cheap);
- Great fresh fruit salads and shakes can be bought on the main road (near the museum);
- Nice & cheap bar/restaurant next to the old stupa (and American ambassy);
- Great connection to the south of Laos (VIP nightbus to Pakse takes only 6 hours!)
Cons:
- Not that much to see/do for tourists as it is a capital;
- People are less friendly as it is not a tourist-town;
- High prices (3 or 4 times as high as elsewhere for e.g. tuk-tuk's, rooms, etc.)
- More change on scams. We've had some scams with tuk-tuks and had some missing clothes after receiving our laundry back.
Recommended stay: 1 day.
I hope this information helps you to have a great stay in Laos! Enjoy!
Rob.
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