Laos forum

I am suprised no one replied to this, then again, you could probably find LOADS of good suggestions by sifting through the forum. Also I would say, on the whole, asking a forum for a generic 'plan' doesn't yield great results.

Do you intend to go North or South? 2-3 weeks i would just pick one orthe other. North seems more popular overall. 'Culture' is pretty broad.Just being there ticks that box pretty well. What do you actually enjoydoing? are you a food tourist? do you like trekking? Are youinteresting in minorities/hill tribes? etc etc How are you leaving Laos? a flight? by land into Vietnam/China/Cambodia?

If you aren't looking to party then Laos is probably a good choice; it is not really a party country overall - not in the Western sense anyway. Of course, there is Vang Vieng and, at 22, i would still recommend going for a night or two if you can spare it. A good place to meet people.

Hope that helps [abit]

Gday mate, Ill throw a few suggestions your way. I have always traveled solo and am around your age, i have been to Laos 3 times (so far), so i feel a bit old hat. Im not sure if you have already left on your trip but if not this is what i would do.

Number 1 recommendation is Luang Prabang, it is a phenomenal place and if you can get there it is well worth the trip. It's so relaxed with a great party atmosphere of an evening but is a bit of a pain in the neck to get to from Vientiane unless you fly. This is where i spend the majority of the time in my trips to Laos these days, id live there permanently if it were viable and if my girlfriend would come with me.

I know Vang Vieng is oh so appealing for those in our age bracket but honestly, in the one time i ventured there i couldn't wait to leave and i most likely wont ever return in future trips to Laos (the Tubing and rope swings were really fun, its just the other idiot tourists that make it so unbearable, you might be one of those travelers who really loves it though)

Another suggestion if you only have a couple of weeks is to head South, first spend a bit of time in Vientiane, head down to Pakse and onto the 4000 islands aka Vang Vieng in the Mekong. Its less corrupted than Van Vieng (well, it was when i was there) and there are plenty of young foreign tourists about that you can seduce. Its also very cheap and is in an absolutely gorgeous spot. Great alternative to traditional islands.

"Specifically, what are people talking about when they talk about "culture" here?"

Lao way of life.

ihoopjaz it sounds like you have a very well defined and concrete plan already, I would wait until you get there to decide more. As I understand it you are flying into Vientiane.

Great idea.

I guess after you do that maybe find a black thick cup of coffee or maybe a place to stay in either order then crack open a guide book or ask someone where is good.

I'd take the names of the six towns you hear of the most and don't go there, but that's just me. Your only obligation is to enjoy yourself. Chock Dee!!

If you like architecture, Mac, then you really should have a look at some of the colonial architecture in Lao before it crumbles away and disappears. I believe in Savannakhet they are attempting to preserve as much of it as they can. Also in Vientiane a number of offices have taken the shell of the building and restored it. The Nam Phou power building on Ave Lane Xang is a good example. I will take a photo of it if yiu like. Its a pity we can't post photos here.
I made a big mistake when I first came her in that I did not invest in land apart from my house block. I would be very comfortable financially now had i done so. However there are still opportunities and we are looking at them.
By the way, I fully agree about German architecture - fantastic. I also saw a documentary on Thursday about the new capital of Kazakhstan. There are some amazing buildings there.

I didn't get your video. When you come in May, make sure that you let me know; there are some decent live music laces that have opened recently, eg the Galaxy Bar. This used to be a pickup joint and a knocking shop - probably still is, but the music is much better now. I cannot send you a pm so that you can get my home email. Mbe you can change your settings?

Hey, that's great! Is that you? You don't look ANYTHING like I imagined you would. Pretty cool dancing! Pity about the turkey who walked through behind you.