We have a plan to visit Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Viet Nam top to bottom in January and February. We are wondering about the pros and cons of including Phnom Penh and/or Vientiane in our itinerary. If we were to include Phnom Penh or Vientiane do you have suggestions about what to do and see while we are there?

Do you have enough time to add two more stops to your itinerary? For me, that would be the big question.

How long is your trip? I would highly recommend both, as being somewhat less touristy than Luang Prabang and Siem Reap.

Really not much to see or do in Phnom Penh. Have gone for business many times, but would not spend my own money to travel there.

"Really not much to see or do in Phnom Penh."

You think? Maybe you haven't looked. I've been twice and would go back. Actually, these days, I'd probably go to PP before SR, but I've been to SR twice, too.

The last time I was in PP the river races were on, but besides those:

Tuol Sleng
Choeung Ek
Royal Palace incl. Silver Pagoda & 600 yards of detailed murals of scenes from the Ramayana
National Museum
Central market
Russian market
Wat Phnom

Plus just wandering along the quay, and chilling out in the cafes.

For places to stay and how to get around in Cambodia see http://talesofasia.com/

Thanks all! We have about six weeks, so we should have time for both or neither. We are real wanderers and tend to stay places where we feel comfortable. We have to have some structure, but can be real loose sometimes about moving on. We are retired so time is not much of a factor. This is our first trip to this area, but undoubtedly will return.

we are going to give vientianne a try this november for 3 days

I guess I am jaded, but PP was/is a big yawn for me. No intent to spoil anyone else's fun/enjoyment. Just being honest. And, yes, I have looked. No spark.