gailmo

I flew on Vietnam Airlines from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap last fall. Because I was staying/working in Hanoi at that time, using Vietnam Airlines seemed to be the logical choice. The Discovery Pass didn't work for me. The downside of this was that the airfare was very expensive. I thought I would be able to use some of the discount airlines operating in the region and waited until I arrived in Hanoi to make reservations. I had a bit of a shock when I realized what it would cost. So, I sucked it up and bought the ticket. The ease of flying non-stop from HAN to SR was worth the extra price. It saved tons of time and gave us almost an entire extra day in both LP and SR. So, when looking at things, you really need to consider how painless...or painful both the time/cost is going to be.

kvyanez

I stayed at both during the same trip last summer. Picked Maison because it was cheaper but also wanted to experience Phou Vao. PV was simply incredible. I've never experienced anything like this hotel. My massage at the spa was fantastic. The rooms were spectacular. Maison was well located, but very ordinary. Nothing special.

cmlong

We just got back from Vietnam and Cambodia. We spent 2-1/2 days in Hanoi, and 3 days in Hoi An and we loved Hoi An. I could have had less time in Hanoi and more time in Hoi An, Hanoi was too noisy and crowded in my opinion (not a city person). I would NOT try to split your time between Hue and Hoi An. Pick one or the other (we heard good things about Hue also). If you are even considering getting any custom clothing made (suits, silk dresses, blouses, etc), you need 3 days minimum in Hoi An to have sufficient time shopping around, choosing styles/fabrics, then going back for two fittings (recommended, one usually isn't sufficient to get it perfect).