Korean Job Discussion Forums

theevilgenius · Joined: 10 Sep 2010

Hey, I'm thinking about Laos for my winter vacation which might be around 9 days and was wondering does anyone have any information on what to do and see there. I'd be up for doing anything from the touristy to temples to partying. Also if you could recommend places to stay and where you booked your flights that would be great.

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

I don't have extensive experience in Laos but have been to Vientienne and Viang Vieng a couple of times. Vientienne is interesting in how quiet it is for an Asian capital. The riverfront used to have some charm with simple restaurants hanging over the Mekong, but last time I was there it was all ripped up for some landscaping makeover and was largely unappealing. It's good for a day or two in my opinion.
Viang Vieng would horrify some people I'm sure based on how touristy it is but I thought it was great fun. It is in a gorgeous setting and although I was reluctant to join the back packing hordes on a day of tubing, I went once and was hooked. I even enjoyed getting a pizza and sitting in one of the Family Guy restaurants at the end of the day. I never stepped foot in the places showing Friends. Pretty much no culture or anything to glean in that regard but a great time. Laos also has a lot more to offer that someone else can let you in on such as Luang Prabang, Plain of Jars, and some certain thousands of islands area that is rumoured to be fantastic.

You can fly from Bangkok, but for a good travel experience I would recommend taking either the first or second class sleeper on the overnight train from Bangkok. You can save time by getting your visa in Bangkok if your schedule has room.

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

Luang Prabang is an utterly charming city you think you will only stay for a day or two but wind up there for a week or so. Highly recommended

cheap buses from Vientiane takes around 12 hours or spend $60-70 for a flight. The more popular route is boat from the Thai border at Huay Xia, 2 days from there overnighting at Pak Beng(???)