Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia from Vietnam?
 

We are making our third trip back to Vietnam. We have about 5 extra days and we are trying to decide on one of the following:

1)Fly into Phnon Penh for one day/night, then go to Siem Reap/Angkor Wat for a few days or

2)Fly into Vietiane for one day/night and then onto Luang Prabang for a few days
or

3)Fly to KL for one day/night and then onto Prabang for a few days.

Any suggestions would be great.

No contest. Go to Angkor Wat. The sights are amazing and not to be missed.

Save Laos for the next trip.

should take direct flight from Vietnam to Siem Reap then get boat to Phnom Penh. It is better.
From Hanoi or HCMC do not have direct flight. they transit in Vientian ( morning flight depaart at 8:20 am and arrival around 1 Pm

I'd also vote for Angkor. One day in PP with the rest of your time in Siem Reap is the right proportion.

While I love Luang Prabang, I would really encourage you to see Angkor now.

(LP would be my second choice, and KL/Penang would be something like choice number 10. While a nice trip, it doesn't hold a candle to the other two,)

Butch & everyone else, can you tell me what it is you like about Vietnam? Am considering adding Vietnam trip from Bali for Oct/Nov. What would you do in 7-10 days? Do you like Nha Trang? Divers? Would really appreciate your input!

Thank you to all that replied - you have made it very easy! Siem Reap/Angkor Wat it is!

USMAN- how long is the boat ride from Siem Reap to PP? Is the boat covered? I understand it can be very hot on the water for prolonged time.

KATHIE, you seem to be the expert on everything so . . . . any suggestions on where to stay, eat, and what else to see besides Angkor Wat? Should we get a driver/guide? Do you know of one that speakes English?

Thanks again everyone!
Butch

Butch, I don't know that I'm an expert on everything, but I have traveled a lot in SE Asia.

I loved the temples at Angkor and spent a week there. I used just a driver (you'll appreciate having an a/c car to get into between temples!), as I did lot of reading before going to Angkor. I highly recommend Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor. Others have preferred to have a guide. I liked being at the temples alone in the quiet. My recommendation is to spend as much time as you can at the temples. Do visit the so-called minor temples - you may well be the only visitors. You'll want a little time to visit the local market. The Artisans d'Angkor is worthwhile as is the handicrafts shop selling items made by amputees.

Places to stay: recently the FCC Siem Reap has gotten good reviews as has the Shinta Mani. I stayed at the Angkor VIllage Resort and had a lovely room (make sure you're on the second floor) and excellent food and service, but not everyone has the same experience. I think places in Cambodia are much more inconsistent than most other areas of SE Asia. By the way, my hotel arranged the driver for me, and we were very happy with him. He spoke enough English, but wasn't fluent.

We - and many others on this forum - loved Ponheary as a guide at Angkor.