Closing in on a final itinerary. By pushing back our return to the US, I've got an extra day to play with. Currently, we're planning 3 full days in Hanoi (plus the first jet-lagged arrival day), 3 full days in Sapa, an overnight Halang Bay jaunt, and 3 full days in Luang Prabang. So, where should we spend that extra day—Sapa or Luang Prabang? It's me, my wife, and our 13 year old. Any thoughts?

LP

I'd vote for Luang Prabang as well.

Tough choice but I think I'd choose LP - make sure you spend 2 of your 4 days outside of the city - Laos has some of the most gorgeous countryside anywhere. Sapa's not that bad by comparison however you will still have 3 full days there.

I have never been to Sapa, but really 3 days in LP is enough. Have you considered a side trip to Phonasavahn and the Plain of Jars. If you haven't seen this and are in Lao, it would be a shame to miss it. One day is not enough for this though, so you would have to reorganise your itinerary a little.

Depends on the time of year, but I'm leaning toward Sapa.

I would vote for Luang Prabang. From experience, 3 full days is enough for Sapa.

BTW, did you consider a day trip in between the major places of interest? Ninh Binh or Mai Chua in Vietnam for instance.

It's a close race but it looks like LP is leading. Anyone else care to weigh in?

scheps: Between Sapa and Halong Bay, I'm not sure we really have time to squeeze in a day trip, tempting though it is.

Femi: This would be in early April, if that changes which way you'd lean.

Craig: I took a look at your LP report. Other than Pak Ou caves and Kouang Si falls, did you do any other trips out of LP proper that you would recommend?

That confirms my vote for Sapa. It can be miserably cold in the winter, but April should have enjoyable weather.

You haven't told us what type of activities you're looking for. One location might better suit your interests than the other.

zainib - there is another Hmong weaving village that is fairly close by that we missed - don't know the name of it.

Also, you might consider staying a couple of nights at one of the eco-lodges just outside of LP such as the Mahout...