Southeast Asia forum

I'd say 4000 islands is a far more interesting destination than say Sihanoukville -- but it depends on your interests I guess. For you to add in the islands you'd need a pretty substantial rearrangement of your itinerary unless you're happy doing a long backtrack to and from Vientiane. Looks like you're flying quite a few legs?

Also I'd lean towards a day less in Vang Vieng and a day more in either Hanoi or Luang Prabang.

Cool, good to know - thanks loads

Posted from within Vietnam.

Couple of suggestions:
Flying from HCMC routes through Phnom Penh anyway, so why not do Siem Reap and or Sihanoukville on the way?

One less day in Vang Vieng, unless you prefer to hang out with backpackers rather than meeting/interacting with locals. Loatians are real nice, very mellow.

Hanoi, three days/two nights is plenty in the city. Jan is cold, down to 7-9 at night.

Halong Bay, take an Emeraudes overnight cruise (about US$80) and avoid staying in the town as the food is awful and at the w/e there are squillions of local tourists from surounding provinces.

Expats celebrate New Years everywhere, even if the locals don't, but anyway the Loatians love a party and get stuck in with or without any real reason. Vientiane has a few good watering holes.

Suggest you return to Hanoi to fly to Da Nang or Nha Trang on the central coast to enjoy their beaches. If time allows drive from Nha Trang to Mui Nhe, staying at the Sailing Club, before driving (3-4 hours)to HCMC to catch your flight out.

I also think you're flying too much.

just some ideas for you.
cheers
Dave