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Planning 2-3 weeks in September in Thailand, with a 5-6 day either Laos (Luang Prabang + either Vang Vieng or gibbonX) or Cambodia (Angor Wat / Siem Riep / Phnom Penh) – no time to do both.
Anything opinion / advice in choosing between the tourist trail in Laos vs. the tourist trail in Cambodia?
Hmmmm. I was about to recommend choosing Laos instead of Cambodia, because I generally like Laos more than Cambodia and think you'd have a more authentic experience, particularly in a place like Luang Prabang.
But you really don't have enough time to do Laos justice, and Somtam makes a good point that with only 5 or 6 days, you might be better off picking Cambodia. Those 5 or 6 days can be split between Siem Reap/Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh nicely without feeling rushed, catching all of the highlights and quite a bit of local flavor, and still having a great time. Do that. Cheers.
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Was leaning toward Laos myself.
Only thinking Cambodia, as it seems silly to be that close to angkor Wat without seeing. On the other hand, we're not really "must see" site chasers, so thinking Laos may be a bit more laid back?
Considering flying Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang - 3 days - the 3 days combining VV & Vientiane, then fly to Bangkok...
dseckel
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Planning 2-3 weeks in September in Thailand, with a 5-6 day either Laos (Luang Prabang + either Vang Vieng or gibbonX) or Cambodia (Angor Wat / Siem Riep / Phnom Penh) – no time to do both.
Anything opinion / advice in choosing between the tourist trail in Laos vs. the tourist trail in Cambodia?
#1 Posted: 1/6/2008 - 23:07
somtam2000
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With only 5-6 days, I'd lean towards Cambodia.
If you try to see either LP and Vang Vieng or LP and GibbonX you'll be spending the bulk of your time travelling.
#2 Posted: 2/6/2008 - 14:22
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Hmmmm. I was about to recommend choosing Laos instead of Cambodia, because I generally like Laos more than Cambodia and think you'd have a more authentic experience, particularly in a place like Luang Prabang.
But you really don't have enough time to do Laos justice, and Somtam makes a good point that with only 5 or 6 days, you might be better off picking Cambodia. Those 5 or 6 days can be split between Siem Reap/Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh nicely without feeling rushed, catching all of the highlights and quite a bit of local flavor, and still having a great time. Do that. Cheers.
#3 Posted: 3/6/2008 - 21:26
dseckel
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Was leaning toward Laos myself.
Only thinking Cambodia, as it seems silly to be that close to angkor Wat without seeing. On the other hand, we're not really "must see" site chasers, so thinking Laos may be a bit more laid back?
Considering flying Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang - 3 days - the 3 days combining VV & Vientiane, then fly to Bangkok...
#4 Posted: 5/6/2008 - 06:22
somtam2000
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Yes, Laos is more laid back, but the going is very slow transport wise. You're idea of flying CM-LP then overland to VTE is doable though.
Six of one, half dozen of the other. LP and Angkor are both pretty amazing places -- difficult call.
#5 Posted: 5/6/2008 - 18:56
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