Laos or Vietnam?
 

Hi, we are planning a short trip (10 days)to Siem Reap in March and we are thinking of visiting Laos and/or Vietnam also. We were in Chiang Mai last year, so we dont know which country would be more interresting and different from Thailand (we will be also staying one day in BKK to stay at the Pen. and dine at Cabagge and Condoms...), Your advice will be appreciated...

you are staying at a great place in bkk, but cabbages is only ordinary...you could do much better than it at the same price...try harmonique on soi 34, new road, in between the shangr-la and oriental...maybe you just want the cabbages cause which is ok too....try crepes and co for dessert right next to cabbages if you go there...its fantastic...i actually think it is better all around...
jesters in the penn is great too but expensive....
one contributor has also suggested a new restaurant just around the corner from the oriental called: Gallery Cafe, 86-100 New rd 30---on soi just south of the sheraton off capt bush rd--soi leads to new road from capt bush

in siem reap try la noria restaurant...very good...oppoist the grand hotel

i found vietnam in the north to be very different from thailand...

i ment to say it is right around the corner from the sheraton orchid...sorry

gallery cafe

Since your trip is so short, I'd recommend Laos rather than VN. You could just fly into Luang Prabang, and use it as a base to enjoy the town and do some day trips. Laos is lovely.

photos of Angkor, Luang Prabang, Thailand, Hanoi area, etc: www.marlandc.com

Agree with Kathie. After Siem reap think the chilled out, laid back nature of Lunag Prabang will suit you well. Could also suggest u increase Bkk by a couple days - esp as you are overnighting there. 3 nights each place probably ideal.

Agree with Kathie & Sameera, however 10 days might be a touch of overkill for Siem Reap and Angkor. Luang Prabang is a lovely town with beautiful wats and mountains, monks collecting alms early morning, river side cafes, great night market and master silversmiths. We spent a week in Dec 2003 and didn't want to leave. Hired a van and driver with some travellers and locals and went up to Nong Khiaw-gorgeous scenery, caves and waterfalls. Vietnam is getting very busy-it is an experience not to be missed but the people in Laos are far nicer and so relaxed and happy, not hassling the hell out of you day and night to "buy postcards, guidebooks" or "come see my shop" and we enjoyed it as much as Mae Hong Son in Nthn Thailand.

Sorry just realised your trip may be 10 days in total. I'd spend a s much time as I could in Luang Prabang.