We are finalizing our trip and would like some time input. We have scheduled 2 1/2 days in Siem Reap, and then 4 days in Luang Prabang. Our reasoning is that I know myself, and don't want to get "templed out"...and would like to combine sight seeing with nestling in a town. I know that this is personal, but I would appreciate others' "eye", suggestions and thoughts.
Also, we begin our journey in Saigon (just the way ff. turned out) We hear mostly negative comments about this city, and it is disheartening that even the tour guides from HCMC suggest 1/2 day in town and then whisk you somewhere else outside of the city.
Any thoughts on this?

jodo, I think the first rule of doing anything is "know thyself," so if you feel two and a half days is enough for you at Angkor, no one can really argue that! I assume you've done your research on Angkor, looked at photos and read people's accounts of their visits. That info always helps in decision-making.

While there are plenty of wats in LP, they are all working wats, so are quite different from Angkor. There are also many other things to do/see in LP. I like to travel slowly, abd spent a week at Angkor and a week in LP.

I can't help you with the HCMC issues. I opted not to go there for exactly the reasons you're saying. Since that's where your ff miles take you, use it for a rest stop each way, spend a bit of time exploring, and spend the rest of your vacation time elsewhere.

Thanks. I think I'll look into some of the Ankor threads. One more question: We are considering a "beach break" before heading to Siem Reap.....have a choice between Ana Mandara by plane (the resort sounds fabulous, the surroundings dismal) , or Phan Thiet fishing villiage by car (only hotel that looks good is the Victoria. Has anyone stayed at either, both?
Thanks

jodo, if you want some photos of Angkor and of LP, you are welcome to take a look at www.marlandc.com for photos of both. I think it will give you a better feel for the places.

(sorry, I have no info on either of the beach places you are thinking about)

Heard fab things re Ana Mandara. KNow other Victoria properties eg Sapa which are very nice but not this one. Re your schedule. 2.5 days is short but I agree with kathie, this is your call. I have done Siem Reap twice, once for 4 days, once for 2. With 2.5 days be clear re which temples you want to see so you enjoy the limited time. Do the balloon ride which I thought gives an amazing aerial perspective of Angkor Wat. We chose to do sunrise at Ta Phrom the Jungle Temple because we wanted to go somewhere quiet - we were the only ones there at sunrise in Feb last year.

We are re-thinking amount of time in Angkor...We'll need at least one more day. Any hotel choices come to mind?
Re: Your comments on Victoria: Hobbes, you don't know this one, or this one is not as nice as Sapa? Wanna be sure I got the interpretation right.

I don't know this one but the Sapa one is stunning I hear. What is your budget for Angkor hotel?

It depends. When we travel, we do some splurges when the area or the hotel choices indicate it.. Other times not. If it's "worth it"...meaning you'll need that level of service/care we'll go high end (not sure we need the Raffles, but then again, not sure what the alternatives are. Don't wanna be packing up mid-way through because the room smells and the bed is hard as a rock...don't need the $20 martini either... Is Angkor the place to dole out the splurge? Thanks

Au contraire, in Siem Reap, IMO you need somewhere comfy but do not need to go for frills coz you do not spend much time in the hotel as most of your day is at the temples. In US$100-200 range take a look at FCC Angkor, Shinta Mani, the brand new Hotel de le Paix and the Pansea. Re Amansara and Raffles go for a meal at the former - make a reseravtion in advance - and a drink at one of the bars at the latter. in LP the Pansea is great. See if you can get a package combining Pansea, Siem Reap and Luang Prabang for a good price - if no I think the Pansea in SR is expensive so go with Pansea, LP and one of the others in SR. Splurge on Ana Mandara!