Pls comment on itinerary
 

Hi,
I'm planning our first trip to SE Asia for April 2010 and I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this itinerary. I'm in my mid-50s and my husband is in his mid-60's. The flight I'm considering (Cathay Pacific) connects to Bangkok through Hong Kong, so I'm thinking of adding a 3 night stopover there as well. (could I do it with 2 nights?)

Bangkok 4 nights (could I get by with 3?)

Siem Riep 4 nights ....flight from BKK

Luang Prabong 3 nights (but this schedule would have us leaving LB the day of their Lunar New Year celebration and that might be cutting it too close. Might have to move LB later...plus I don't want to fly Lao Air, and I haven't checked yet if there are other airline options from Siem Riep to LB

Hanoi 3 nights...flight from LB

Halong Bay cruise...1 night on Emeraude or Jasmine (drive from Hanoi)

Sapa 2 nights via Victoria express train

Saigon 3-4 nights (to see Cu Chi Tunnels and possible day Mekong Delta trip)..flight from Hanoi

Bali 6 nights... 3 in Ubud area and 3 on East Coast...flight from Saigon

Bali-LAX

I struggled with including Chiang Mai and Hoi-Ann also. Anyone think these are critical to include?

Please comment on the length of time at the above, and whether I am missing an essential area. We generally do not go back to an area so would like to see the best of SE Asia in this trip. Thanks for your ideas.

don't cut any days...in fact i would add to hong kong and bangkok and even a day to hanoi...

this is a fabulous trip but slow down just a bit if you can to enjoy more...

The first time I took my husband to Asia we took a similar sampler approach (but different cities)and visited 6 places in 3 weeks. It was exhilarating and gave us a good idea of which places we wanted to return to; however, it was absolutely exhausting -- and we were only in our 30's at the time. When we arrived at our last stop, Tokyo, instead of sightseeing we slept for 24 hours.

Don't underestimate the wear and tear of getting from one place to another, not just the flights but the waiting, the delays, the checking in and checking out, the schlepping.

Bali is my favorite place on earth, but I think you should save it for a future trip and use the days to expand on your other stops in Southeast Asia -- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore are already a full plate. Same goes for Hong Kong. A fascinating destination, but I'd concentrate on the other five countries and not introduce yet another culture.

Thanks very much for your comments. If I cut out Bali, I'd like to add a beach destination for R&R. Would you go to a Thai beach such as Ko Phi Phi, or to one of Vietnam's beaches. If so, which one?
Since we live in FL, I'd want the most stunning beach scenery....we're not into a lot of night life and crowded beach scene.

Should I also add a night to Luang Prabong and make it 4 nights?

The key to travel in Indochina is flexibility. Unexpected delays often occur and tight scheduling will create havoc!

You inferred you are travelling during VietNam Tet. This can be problematic in a couple of days before the celebrations and a few days after as people move from one end of the country to the other. With increased wealth, for some, means that hotels will also be busy as visitors choose hotel beds over a spot on their families floor.

Note that Lao New Year (Pi Mai) falls on 2009 APR 13-15. This should make the Lao travel easier for you.

The present LAO AIR is different to the previous versions. No more plastic chairs, nags of rice, etc. in the cabin walk-way. VietNam Airlines is actually the strength behind the new Lao Air. It sets standards; checks standards; trains staff AND MAINTAINS THE AIRCRAFT. You travel safely, these days, and you can even walk to the toilets!

You can find a lot of Lao info on < www.TravelFish.org > which might help you refine your travel plans.

Bangkok
---
YOU WILL NEED A VN VISA - DIPLOMATS TAKE THE LONGEST VACATIONS - GET IN BANGKOK OR LUANG PRABANG **BEFORE** HEADING FOR VIETNAM. This will be determined / affected by the Tet holidays.

EMBASSY OF VIETNAM IN THAILAND
83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Consular:
(66)-(0)-2-251-5837
E-m: [email protected]
E-m: [email protected]
---

Siem Reap
I think 3-days is good for Angkor Wat (take extra passport pix with you for a pass).

I always use airport web sites to sort out flights in this area. They don't play silly games like airline res systems (scheduling flights before they are permitted to fly to get the first slot in searches). Check Luang Prabong flights from Siem Reap on < http://www.cambodia-airports.com/ind...en#flight_info >.


Luang Prabang
Note; Lao uses script character language and the place names always have many English language variations!)

Accommodations/info < http://www.travelfish.org/accommodat...ng_prabang/all >

Flight info links < http://www.travelfish.org/transport/...ng_prabang/all >

---
NO VN VISA IN HAND AT THE AIRPORT (or get denied boarding)

CONSULATE GENERAL OF VIETNAM, LUANG PRABANG - LAOS
9 - No 427-428, Ban That Bosot, Luang Prabang Town

(856)-(0)71-254-745
(856)-(0)71-254-748
(856)-(0)71-254-749
E-m: [email protected]
E-m: [email protected]
---

Ha Noi
Regardless of what others might think, statistics (and the InterNet) show that more travel complaints originate from Ha Noi than any where else in VietNam!

Ha Noi - Hotel
Select your hotel BEFORE arriving. An acquaintance whose judgement I trust suggests one hotel is the Golden Land Hotel, 31 Hang Manh Street, Tel: +84-(0)4-3938-1218. Web < http://www.goldenlandhotel.com.vn >. ($21 for a good room with a large window, big bath with spa tub, cable TV, flat screen TV, hearty breakfast.)

Ha Noi - Airport - Money exchange
I suggest you get about USD$40/50 in VietNam Dong at the airport exchange counter as this will make things easier. (Note: all businesses/taxis/etc are required by law to accept Dong in settlement - don't let anyone say you MUST pay in Dollars!

Ha Noi - Airport >> Downtown
Travel from the airport to downtown is best by VietNam Airlines shuttle (~$2) OR by taxi (maximum $10). Your destination is Hoan Kiem Lake.

Never tell anyone (airport or taxi) which hotel you are staying at until you are in downtown Ha Noi (after the bridge over the Red River).

If in a taxi, then tell the driver where you are headed for.
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Caution - Taxis
ONLY use Mai Linh or Ha Noi Taxi (name) as these are more honest than others and their meters are usually not on fast!
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After checking in (they will want your passports so take photocopies) locate an ATM and load up with Dong.

Ha Noi - Cruise
Settle your Ha Long Bay cruise bill (if you haven't already) and WHEN you know on which date you are returning to Ha Noi from HL Bay - you are ready to make your Lao Cai reservation.

Ha Noi - Cruise - Baggage
If you have superfluous baggage that is not needed on your cruise you can leave it (LOCKED!!!!) at the hotel - usually at no cost (get receipt).

Ha Noi - Cruise - Road trip
You will not be surprised to hear that you get to visit a roadside tourist centre en route to Ha Long Bay. Why pay up to 5 times for products you could easily purchase the evening before your departure? (Drivers get commissions for stopping).

Ha Noi - Victoria Train
About Victoria Train. You can only use it if you are a guest at the Sa Pa Victoria Hotel. The Victoria carriages (they are just hooked up to a regular train) change configuration. Not all configurations have a dining car. There are new private train sets you might consider. See below @@.

Ha Noi - Victoria Train - conditions
The Sa Pa Victoria Hotel has seen much better days. In fact tour operators are NOT permitted to take photographs of the premises. (Wonder why). Furnishings and carpets are worn; it screams out for a makeover.

Ha Noi - Booking Train @@
Make your rail reservation for the EVENING of your return from HLB AT THE STATION - NOT through a travel agent. There are good reasons for this but we are talking about your tip here!

Additionally, the various train sets (carriage combinations) are occasionally filled and by getting your ticket from the station you, rather than an agent, can choose which alternative you would like. Buying through an agent can end in disappointment if they make the choice (or try to fob you off with tickets bought on speculation of reselling).

Ha Noi - Tickets - One way only
Don't be surprised if you can only buy a one-way to Lao Cai; you can easily purchase the return ticket in Sa Pa.

Whilst at the station go to the centre glass platform doors at look for Platform 10/11 which is where the Lao Cai trains depart from. Also note the wooden walkway leading across the rail lines to the right of the doors. The far side (Platform 10/11 is referred to as B Station which is a KILOMETRE from the main station by road.

It is easier to get a platform ticket at walk, carefully, across the rail lines tha the hassle of Station B. NOTE: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. VN trains tend to leave *exactly* on time.

Lao Cai - Arrival
There are buses and taxis that greet every train arrival to take you to Sa Pa.

Sa Pa - Caution - Hotel
Do not stay at the Queen Hotel as there have been persistent reports for several years of theft from baggage by management (video proof).

Sa Pa - Hotel - One good one
You haven't indicated hotel types that interest you. I also have to be careful of conflict of interest (job wise) but glowing reports are heard about Sa Pa Global Hotel, 18 Pham Xuan Huan, Tel: 84-203-872-696. They are in a good location, have nice rooms and complementary InterNet. The manager, David, is friendly and speaks excellent English.

Sa Pa - Busy - Higher prices
Sa Pa is more crowded (by tourists) on Fridays and Saturdays and prices increase proportionately on those days. There is, no longer, a 'love market' in Sa Pa - there are still a couple but in locations well away from Sa Pa.

Tourism has really skewed the atmosphere from what it was when I first saw in in 1992. I guess the flash of cameras and the invasive hordes would affect any location.

Bac Ha - Market - Sundays
The nearest 'regular' (i.e. not 'love') market is in Bac Ha on Sunday mornings and mini-buses do the run from Sa Pa every Sunday. Recommended.

Lao Cai - to Sa Pa
Trains arrive around 06.00-07.00H followed by a 30 minute windy ride up to Sa Pa. There is time to consider a 'home
stay' (staying with the locals out of town). These are really part of a trekking itinerary - these start around 09.30H which is sufficient to choose a hotel (or itinerary) and have a hearty breakfast.

Sa Pa - Treks
Before setting off on a trek make sure you can communicate with. You will miss out if you can't understand the leader! Many guides are young, many are female but do not be deceived as they are stronger than they appear.

Sa Pa - Money
There is/are ATMs in town.

Sa Pa - Weather
If its raining, it will be MUDDY on the treks. Rain is a feature of Sa Pa as is snow in February.

Weather reports: < http://www.yr.no/place/Viet_Nam/Qu%E...8B/Sa_P%C3%A1/ > (Note: This is the REAL Sa Pa in Lao Cai)

Sa Pa - Getting Money From Tourists
Like elsewhere in VietNam you have money and the locals want their share, or more, of it!

You will be pestered by all sorts of vendors, young and old, male and female as you walk around. Buy something from one and a swarm will descend on you. Their wares are NOT local handicrafts; they are factory made (most likely China) so use caution.

Handicrafts are made out in the villages (seen on treks) or at BAC HA (see above).

Their technique is to walk and talk with you, they are only targeting you, figuring out what is your weakness. They are experts - it is their sole occupation. I do volunteer work in minorities villages in the Central Highlands and the *real* villages are nothing like Sa Pa.

Thees born hustlers are easy to avoid – when approached, put up your hand to signal stop motion and say 'com' (phonetic No). Also avoid responding or making eye contact and keep walking. They will go away.

Sa Pa - Other sales techniques
Vietnamese are very creative. In Sa Pa the roads are blocked off to persuade tourists from walking beyond the central town area, unless they have paid for a trek and a guide.

Most of the town businesses double as trek agencies.

You will know when you are entering a prohibited area as you will be stopped by s person dressed in a green, ill-fitting uniform - a policeman (or woman).

Just walk on by these obstructions, unless there is obvious danger.

Sa Pa - Back to Ha Noi
Have your hotel get your return rail ticket and a bus ride back to Lao Cai. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE THE BUSES LEAVE FROM!!

Ha Noi - Rail - Arrival
The various trains arrive unceremoniously at un-Godly times in the morning. Hopefully you have made arrangements with your hotel of choice (BEFORE LEAVING) for your early return.

Hotel staffs are up and about by 06.00H - it is thoughtful to delay your return until then.

Remember, if you check-in early you are really checking in at a time which is part of the previous day and some hotels, understandably, charge for this. Many guests complain, though.

Ha Noi - Touring
Ha Noi is an interesting place to visit. It is conveniently set up so you can visit a distinct area rather than the whole city at once.

Note museums, etc., are usually closed on Mondays and during the rest of the week adopt government work hours 08.00-11.30, 13.00-16.30H.

Uncle Ho's mausoleum is one place I miss but you might be interested but before visiting him check out to see if he is in town (October/November) as he often visits Russia at this time for a touch up.

There is a strict dress code; also no cameras or bags or backpacks. You will need someone to guard your goodies outside the building.

Ha Noi - Mausoleum - Sellers
You will find jacketed street hustlers who often start out by asking where you are from. THE ANSWER IS MONGOLIA.

If you mention many other countries they whip out a notebook allegedly filled with recommendations from residents of your country that urge you to hire them. Not many (any?) visit from Mongolia so they loose their sales pitch!

Ha Noi - Urban area
There are bus tours that take you out to crafts villages. Some are actually genuine and worth a visit.

Ha Noi - Water puppets
The Water Puppet Theatre is easy to spot at the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake. Buy your own tickets, avoid commission price increases. There is a Matinee show - it used to be on Wednesdays.

Ha Noi >> HCMC/SaiGon
I guess you will fly. Remember this milk run has many flights and all the carriers fly it.

There is a price war going on; try Indochina Airlines - FreeFone 1-800-58-58-40.

Remember, the VietNam Airlines shuttle leaves from their offices on the south end of Hoan Kiem Lake every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes early and late in the day.

Ha Noi - Cautions
Taxis - see above. Pickpockets are the theft 'de jure' in Ha Noi (before the protests come HCMC is more likely bag/camera snatching).

Financial tricks also prevail in Ha Noi. A trick, in more pricey restaurants when you pay with large bills/notes, is to accept them and then, a few minutes later, to return and claim your money was forged. IF PAYING WITH BIG BILLS ALWAYS MAKE A NOTE OF THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF THE SERIAL NUMBER.

SaiGon
The locals call HCMC SaiGon. 10-20 kilometres away the locals don't know any city called Ho Chi Minh.

SaiGon - Airport >> downtown
A taxi ride should cost around USD$5. Time: 45 minutes

On emerging from the (old) domestic terminal at TSN airport head out of the doors, past the throng (why do people always crowd airports?) and head towards the right and a large car park. Look for YELLOW VINA taxis - they are the safest of a bad bunch.

Hotels? I like the Indochine Hotel (No stars), 40 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 84-(0)-8-822-0082
e-m: [email protected]
e-m: [email protected]
Web: http://www.indochinehotel.com/

also:
Northern Hotel (3 star)(new 2009)
11 A Thi Sach Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: 84-(0)-8-3825-1751
E-m: [email protected].
Web: www.northernhotel.com.vn.

Check for discounts: < http://www.northernhotel.com.vn/inde...page=promotion.

There are many others in this better part of downtown - repost if you want info.

SaiGon - Sightseeing
- War Remnants Museum
- Viet Nam Historical Museum
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Reunification Palace
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Ben Thanh Market
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
- Giac Lam Pagoda
- Can Gio Mangrove Forest
- Thien Hau Temple
- HCMC Central Post Office

SaiGon - Cu Chi and Cao Dai Cathedral
For some reason some people find the Cu Chi area a must see. It features the HCMC/SaiGon garbage dump (lots of trucks) and some tunnels that no longer resemble the originals as they have been carved wider so fat foreign tourists can get in them. I doubt your 65-year-old would be interested - unless he is a veteran from the 1960-1975 era.

I find visiting the Cao Dai Cathedral to watch the noon service more interesting,

SaiGon - Can Tho
Can Tho is for the morning floating market and the concrete bridge that slopped to the ground during construction.

2-day/1-night tours are recommended. DO NOT USE DELTA TOURS (or anyone in their building)!

SaiGon - Tour - Timing/Scheduling
Given that you have a flight to catch, I recommend you do the Can Tho, and any other out of town trips, BEFORE starting in on the SaiGon list.

The Main Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, HCMC Museum (basic but interesting) and Reunification Palace (love the dead pan presentations by young people who doubtless don't believe in what they speak to you) ARE ALL IN THE SAME AREA.

The War Remnants Museum is also close, but needs a $1 taxi ride.

Opening hours are the same as Ha Noi.

SaiGon - Exit
Why are you leaving VN through Ha Noi? SGN is VietNam's busiest airport and has many more carriers, too. (I don't live in SaiGon)! (Many to Bali)

For flights in this region you can look at < www.Traveller2000.com > (note spelling).

Do NOT alow people to write their credit card bills in Dollars - ONLY DONG. (It's cheaper for you).

Money
Vietnamese money is (mainly) plastic (mylar). Most notes are of different colours BUT the VND20,000 and the VND5,000 are both blue. To differentiate between them the Vietnamese, and old VN hands, fold the VND5,000 in half so to make them stand out from others.

Medical
Most of VietNam (for tourists) is nasty bug free. We do have mosquitoes but we also have sprays.

Of your trip I think Laos represents the most riskiest part of your journey - seek advice NOT from your family doctor but a TROPICAL DISEASE CENTRE. Malaria is a risk in Laos but the side effects can really mess some people around.

(Some of this is from my perspective as a permanent resident here but we get to see things daily rather than for a week or two)

Once again - everywhere is Visa-On-Arrival EXCEPT VietNam (maybe soon-rumour) where you must apply and obtain visa. I have seen many tourists who didn't know. Really ruins their schedules.

the above post is out of control

My goodness, BMT can go on and on! Unfortunately, while there is some accurate info, there is also inaccurate info. I don't have the time or interest to address all of the issues, so let me just suggest you do your own research. Also, while we know BMT works in the travel industry in VN, we do not know which company he works for, so I'd be cautious about his hotel and travel agent recommendations, for instance.

I will comment on the health issues. The best travel health website is wwwn.cdc.gov/travel. Read about immunizations and read about dengue and malaria. Most of Laos, most of Cambodia, a small part of Thailand and part of VN are malarial risk. The website gives you specifics. The comment about anti-malarials "the side effects can really mess some people around" reflects BMT's very limited knowledge. The antimalarial that has the most frequent and most severe side effects is larium. Because there is larium-resistant malarial is SE Asia, most tropical disease experts will not prescribe in for travelers in any part of SE Asia. The two options for anti-malarials that are effective in this part of the world are doxycycline and malarone. The cdc website gives lots of info about the advantages and disadvantages of each. So read the cdc info carefully and print it out to take with you to a tropical med or travel med clinic.

Kathie:
You are completely wrong in your assumptions about my employment other than I travel widely in Indochina and that I am a consumer of travel products and not, as you infer, promoting anything.

I am always reluctant to make any recommendations about hotels in Ha Noi as they change so frequently. Hotels elsewhere are more stable in ownership and service.

As for anti-malarial side effects I suggest you read < http://www.lariaminfo.org/pages/wp-c...g-suicide1.htm >, < http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6947472/ >, < http://edition.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/05/19/lariam/ >, < http://www.lariaminfo.org/pages/wp-c...than-7-mb1.pdf >, < http://www.lariaminfo.org/ >.

You highlighted the point I made; don't go to your family doctor, do go to a tropical disease centre. There is no need to print anything as these centres have their own network which keeps them abreast of current practice.

Kathie, I understand you live in the NW U.S.A. As a resident of that area I would accept you have more knowledge of it than I, as I only visit. Likewise, I live in this part of the world and acquire more information as a result than you would on a vacation.

My first response was longer than I thought - on a Blackberry as opposed to a computer which made editing harder.

Hm. I didn't think of Bali as a beach destination. It is a cultural destination and a very rewarding one.

First BMT and now handetourvietnam. Is anyone else getting totally fed up with this constant barrage of advertising?

My comments:
1) Avoid Buddhist New Year, which is celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos and is usually April 13-15 each year, with slight variations on length of celebration in specific local areas. I say avoid because it is disruptive to travel and is not much fun. Trust me on this. I advise you to either start your trip from USA April 18 or later, OR early enough so you are in Vietnam by around April 10. Vietnam celebrates Tet along the lines of Chinese New Year which is in Feb 2010.

2) I would also put Bali on a future trip unless you can scare up an extra week. Bali is surprisingly far from BKK-SGN (4 hours by plane)--it's closer to Australia. Bali is also not really a very good beach destination though it is very interesting culturally.

3) Based on having travelled to every single place on your list and then some, I advocate you change the direction of travel and route Bangkok-Siem Reap-Saigon-Hanoi-Luang Prabang-Chiang Mai-Phuket-Bangkok-USA. You can fly between each of these cities. Going to/from HKG is fine, and if you have time/money for a stopover in HKG inbound or outbound, do it. I'd advocate choosing inbound for a couple of nights, so you can start getting over jet lag if you have any.

4) I'm also originally from (coastal) Florida, and I must tell you that in your case, I would put the beaches of SE Asia as the lowest priority if time is short. But if you have the time and inclination, I'd put the beach at the end and make it a place easy to get in and out of. I'd recommend Phuket--it has plenty of nice beaches and after the Thai New Year holiday in mid-April, empties out and there are relatively few tourists around until Nov. May is still pretty good weather there, the monsoon hasn't yet really kicked in, the water is still reasonably safe to swim in, and prices go way down. Pretty similar in climate and rain/non-rain conditions that time of year to Sarasota-Sanibel-Naples. Start with any of the resorts on Bangtao Beach and I think you will find what you are looking for. Avoid Ko Phi Phi. Seriously.

5) I'd recommend spending only 1 night in Bangkok inbound, and get moving to Siem Reap quickly (3 nights, 4 if you are into temples and ancient sites). Saigon and Delta daytrip (4 nights). Saigon is personally my least favorite place in Vietnam, though young males seem to love it. Hanoi/Halong (4 nights). Sapa option (add 2 nights). Be advised that in recent years the Sapa trip gets wildly diverging opinions on whether it is worthwhile. Fly Hanoi-Luang Prabang (3 nights is enough). Fly LPQ to Chiang Mai--note: I've flown this segment on Lao Air and their intl flights are perfectly fine and safe, so don't automatically turn up nose at this option. (4 night Chiang Mai). Chiang Mai has a wealth of things to see/do in the general area, good daytrip base. Fly Phuket (esp try to get the direct flight to avoid BKK). 5 nights. Fly BKK (3 nights).

6) Your best souvenir shopping will be in Chiang Mai and Bangkok which is why I put them at end. Vietnam shopping: Hanoi is best and most interesting variety. If you see something you like, pick it up as you may never see it again.

7) If you have time to add, or decide to replace the beach part, I recommend adding Hoi An and Hue in Vietnam (total of 5 nights). Fly SGN-Danang, then 45 min drive to Hoi An. Return via Danang and overland drive or train to Hue. If you are into tunnels, I personally think the Vinh Moc tunnels up in the old DMZ area north of Hue are better than Cu Chi, and very few tourists around.

BMT, it's so interesting that you now no longer work for the travel industry in VN. Did you get fired? You told us previously that you worked for an agency that reviews/inspects hotels in VN...

Also, all of your info about larium side effects has really nothing to do with using anti-malarials in SE Asia. There is larium-resistant malaria in SE Asia, so it would not be prescribed for a traveler to this area.

Barefoot, as per others comments, I'd agree with cutting Bali and spending more time in the other places you've chosen. Remember that moving from one place to another takes time. Slow down and enjoy yourself.

Wow, these replies have gotten a little overwhelming! Thanks Kvchina for the good recommendations on rerouting my itinerary. I don't think I'm going to like Saigon much either...maybe we'll skip the tunnels, but the Mekong Delta day cruise sounded interesting.
And, I guess Bali doesn't make sense right now.

Would you recommend Phuket over Koh Samui? In late April, when we'd be there, it sounded like both areas had good weather. I did want to relax at the end of the trip.

I was worried about Lao Air because I read they don't meet any international safety requirements.

Thanks BuonMe Thuot for the extensive info....will look into this.

Barefootbeach - I am curious as to where you read that Laos Airlines does not "meet any international safety requirements."

This statement is completely incorrect. Frankly, I would rather fly Laos Airlines than many US domestic airlines.

Further, BMT's comments on malaria prophylactics are correct and the information presented by Kathie is cursory at best. Only some parts of Laos are malaria risks, not "most", and even in those places NO expat I know takes malaria prophylactics. I am always amused by comments made by people who have visited a few times and then regard themselves as authorities. Common sense is what is required - cover up at night and use Deet. Larium is by far not the only prophylactic that can give nasty side effects. If you are still concerned, to get accurate information on this I suggest you speak to a specialist in tropical medicine, and preferably one who works in the area.

VB, you might want to educate yourself about malaria and malaria prophylactics.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/malaria-risk-information-and-prophylaxis.aspx

BMT objects to larium. As I said, Larium is the antimalarial that has the most frequent and most severe side effects. I do not dispute the problems with Larium. But Larium isn't even effective in the part of the world - no travel med doc would prescribe it for this area. As I said earlier, the two anti-malarials effective in this part of the world are doxycycline and malarone. So BMT's comments on larium are correct, but not relevant to the discussion of malaria prevention in this area.

The cdc says about malarial risk areas in Laos: "All, except none in the city of Vientiane."

Of course no expat you know takes anti-malarials, The issues in malaria prevention are very different for visitors than for persons living in the area.

My coverage of the malaria issue is necessarily cursory. Only in consultation with a travel med/tropical med doc can appropriate recommendations be made to any individual.

Covering up at night and using deet or picardin are good recommendations. Of course, deet or picardin should be used during the day to protect against dengue as well.

Vientianeboy,
The statement reads " It should also be mentioned that Lao Airlines has yet to pass any internatonal standards for safety." from p.237, Frommer's Southeast Asia guidebook, 5th edition, which was published in 2007. Perhaps their record has improved since then.

I'm not concerned about taking malaria pills...I did take Malarone on a trip to Africa and the Amazon (Peru) without any side effects, but I wasn't planning on taking them for this trip. I probably will just use DEET, but I'll look into the health sites.

Don't always trust guidebooks; they are often out of date before they are published. The truth of the matter is that LA is recognised as one of the better and certainly safer regional airlines.

Kathie, issues regarding malaria prevention are the same for expats and visitors. Some people, (you have not mentioned this), tend to believe that expats develop some sort of immunity. That is not correct. By the way, take government sites and WHO sites with a grain of salt. They err on the side of the conservative for obvious legal reasons. There is no malaria to speak of in LP for example. Malaria is prevalent in Sepon and in the far north. Also these sites take statistics from remote hill tribes into account as well. As I said, the best people to speak to are those medicos on the ground, eg the tropical medicine specialist at the Aek Udon Hospital, or the Aust or French clinic doctors in Vientiane. Obviously those sources are not available to ordinary folk, but certainly try to speak to a specialist who has been to the areas.

Barefoot:
I would choose Phuket over Ko Samui for late April. I find Samui to be claustrophobic, there's just not that much to do there. Phuket is much larger and if you get tired of the beach (which I do), you can have a look at the old Sino-Portuguese part of Phuket town, do a sea kayaking tour in Phang-Nga bay (highly recommended, by the way), rent a car and explore the island, etc. I think Phuket's beaches are better in both variety and quality, ditto for lodging options. Getting into/out of Phuket tends to be more cost effective due to airline competition, route frequency and capacity, etc.

Laos Airlines: Suffers greatly from its old reputation for flying Russian rattletraps when it was called Lao Aviation. While on some obscure domestic routes you might still find some older planes, the international routes and particularly into and out of Vientiane and Luang Prabang are fine. Things have changed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a ticket on this nowadays. I thought Thai Air also operated a LPQ-CNX flight, though maybe it is seasonal and/or discontinued. Bangkok Air operates LPQ to somewhere but maybe only Bangkok.

Malaria: on this itinerary, I'd tend not to use antimalarials--but I'm good at using DEET and avoiding bites. Avoiding bites also has the benefit of avoiding dengue exposure, which is far more likely to be picked up by the traveler than malaria. Though less potentially lethal, dengue can still make your life miserable for awhile. However, if so inclined on malaria prophylaxis, I'd say the only potential problem area on this itinerary at this time of year is Luang Prabang, so a short course of malarone targeted to your presence in this area could be reasonable. Other areas, I wouldn't be worrying about malaria.

Thanks Kvchina,
Samui is out. What about Krabi instead of Phuket? I read a good trip report about that area, particularly staying at the Sheraton. Does Phuket still win out? If so, which beach in Phuket is the nicest (less developed, quieter)...here we'd be looking for an affordable luxury, atmospheric type resort (not more than $400/night).
Thanks for everyone's ideas.

VB, the difference in malaria prevention for expats (or someone in living in a place for many years) and the traveler has nothing to do with the idea of partial immunity and has everything to do with the issue of taking a drug for many years. The cdc website has some info on this. Also, while it seems to make sense to consult with a local expert, the same options are not available in SE Asia as are available in North America and Europe. That is, malarone is not available in SE Asia.

The cdc and WHO, both of whom maintain extensive data bases, do so via reporting from public health workers on the ground in all of these places.

barefoot, I think your idea of Krabi is a good one. There have been reports about a number of lovely hotels in the area. Have you looked at www.sawasdee.com for hotel ideas and prices?