I will be in Hanoi doing a volunteer program with Global Volunteers for two week. I arrive on November 21 and depart on December 5. I plan to add on a trip to Laos either at the beginning or end of my volunteer program. I would like to visit Laos but I only have "about" five days. I need some help making plans...where I should go and how to best utilize my time. I am happy just going to one city and seeing it well if that would be your suggestion. Thank you so much for "guiding" me through this trip.

The most popular and perhaps the most beautiful city in Laos to visit is Luang Prabang. 5 days in late November or early December would be perfect to spend there.

I agree with Hanuman, five days in Luang Prabang would be lovely. Make your hotel reservations now, as they really fill up at that time of the year.

I also agree - I think there are many more places in Laos worth visiting but as a first time its hard to beat Luang Prabang and you will easily fill 5 days. I wouldn't split my time between places. As Kathie says the hotels fill up very quickly especially at that time of year so book as soon as possilbe.

Although LP is getting much busier, you'll find it very relaxing after the pace of Hanoi.

What is the best, most reasonable way to get from Hanoi to Luang Probang. I looked at some air fares on Kayak for Feb. and the roundtrip fare was over $850 US. Is this the going rate?

No, that's a ridiculous fare. Get a local agent to buy you a ticket.

Two days in Vientiane and three in Luang Prabang would be an excellent split with such a limited time. Don't ignore Vientiane, there is a lot to see and do. Shopping, hotels and food are generally cheaper as well.
Good advice to book early, especially for Luang Prabang.

Btw Hanoi to Luang Prabang is 319 USD on the official Lao Airlines site. I would book there. If you decide to fly to Vientiane as well, consider getting a discovery pass which will give you considerable savings.

I do agree with Vientianeboy that Vientiane is worthwhile - I have been back 5 times now and love the place but a lot of people don't find it that good. I think its getting better from a tourist point of view but I just like the really laid back atmosphere of the place. Its certainly an awful lot cheaper than Luang Prabang. These days its my choice of places to visit and I'll be back again next year or earlier if I can manage. However I still think for just the 5 days on a first time visit, I would hang out in Luang Prabang and have a really decent look up there. Of course thats just me - I like to spend a bit longer in a place if I can and I just think after Hanoi it would be good to have just the one beautiful relaxing place to spend the time.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions....and I will make it a one city trip...so NEXT....where do you think i should stay. Seems to me being IN the city is better than the wonderful hotel outside....PLEASE give me your thoughts!
Again...thank you!

It would help to know your budget?

Hunam....I can be flexible on my budget...so I think my decision will be based on location and recommendations! Maybe you could make a couple of suggestions in middle to high middle hotels. I actually am not sure what room rates are so my above answer might not be accurate. Thank you for any help you can offer! If you are able to give me an idea of costs I can be better equiped with an answer.