connette

jodo - I just answered your other post. I wanted to say that we also loved HCMC and southern Vietnam. We actually liked Vietnam quite a bit more than Thailand. We travelled both countries from North to South to get a real feel for the whole country. I noticed on one of your other posts how much you like Hue. We did as well. A small amount of rain did not dampen our experience at all and it was a highlight.

hobbes

We went to Vinetiane as part of a trip to Laos. We spent 2 nights at the Settha Palace - the hotel is charming and a pleasant walk from the square which has most of the restaurants. We did half a day's sightseeing, spent the afternoon we reached at one of my fav spas worldwide - www.papayaspa.com and then did some shopping cinluding an amazing couple hours at Carol Cassidy's showroom. On a shorter trip I would agree it is missbale but we enjoyed our time there. Much as I loved LP, I also feel that 5 nights in LP is too much so would add 1 night in Vientiane if you don't fancy increasing Bkk or CM.

jodo

thanks, Hobbes....We are doing 2 nights in Vientiae...arrival late afternoon and another full day. We figure, if we're gonna form an opinion, we better give it its due. I'm looking into the spa. Thankseveryone for the opinions and ideas. A little more than a month away! (still time to decide to do a side trip!)