Where to go in Laos

We are flying into vientiane later this year and intend to spend 4 to 5 days in Laos before taking the train to Bangkok.

We were thinking of only going to vientiane and vang vieng. But luang prabang looks great. Could any one:

1. Recommend if we are better off going to luang prabang or else where rather than vang vieng ;and

2. What is the drive like from vientiane to vang vieng.

Note we are travelling with children and after a cultural and fun experience.

Where to go in Laos

Vang Vieng might provide more of a cultural experience for your kids than you%26#39;d care for (and I don%26#39;t mean Lao cultural experience).

Where to go in Laos

I would stay in Vientiane and fly to Luang Prabang. The road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is very windy; Vientiane to Vang Vieng is fine. There is not much culture in VV, only drunken obnoxious backpackers. Mind you, the landscape is fantastic.

I would definitely try to make it to Luang Prabang. For me, this is the best cultural experience in Laos. It is a very beautiful city and a charming mix of Asian and French influence. It%26#39;s location also makes it slightly less visited and thus more authentic. Very friendly people as well. Vang Vieng is just backpackers, opium, and lots of drinking...not for children. The bus ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is long, but doable if flights are not available or are too expensive.

Thanks for your advice it is greatly appreciated

Also is anyone able to recommend

1. How long we should spend in Luang prabang and vientiane; and

2. Any must see in Thailand

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