We’ve been spending the last 6 days in northern Thailand recuperating from our final days in Laos. We spent nearly a month in Laos and traveled almost the entire length of it by road. Contrasting it to Thailand, the biggest difference with Laos is that it’s a difficult country to travel in. Not the most difficult we’ve been to, that distinction would probably have to go to Mali, but Laos is a lot tougher than Thailand. We especially found it difficult to do things "off the beaten track" like our failed attempt to see a particular cave near Tha Khaek ("near" meaning 4-6 hours away). It’s not that we couldn’t get there; it’s just that it was darned difficult and we didn’t have the energy to do it.

That said, the areas of Laos on "the beaten track" are pretty wonderful. Vang Vieng is a bizarre little town, but is a great place for exploring. Don Det and the 4000 Islands have their charm, and Luang Prabang is a beautiful laid back town, also a good base for exploring. Unfortunately, all of those places are overrun by tourists (yes, I’m aware we are also tourists) and it can only get worse if the roads improve.

Here’s a recap of some of our trip to Laos:

Best hotel: Seng Areun Hotel, Pakse, $12.50 (Pearse’s choice)/Orchid Guesthouse, Vang Vieng, $6 (my choice)
Worst hotel: Lao Sokonh, Vientiane, $6 but Worst Bed was the unknown guesthouse by the bus station in Luang Nam Tha, $3
Favorite meal: Yorkshire pudding & roast, Vang Vieng (P)/Chicken baguette @ the Scandinavian Bakery, Luang Prabang (A)
Top 5 experiences: Tubing through Water Cave & kayaking in Vang Vieng; trekking in Muang Ngoi Neua; the waterfall near Luang Prabang; the river walk in Luang Prabang; hammocking in Don Det.
Least favorite experiences: the massage in Luang Nam Tha (P)/the bus trip from Luang Nam Tha to the border (A)
Cheapest day: $13.60 in Muang Ngoi Neua ($5 room, $8.20 on food, $0.40 on entrance fees)
Most expensive day: $63.30 in Luang Prabang (included massages, buying books and shopping at the night market)

Favorite picture you haven't seen: Pearse pondering an important decision: Another?

And while we’re at it, this is our recap of Cambodia:

Best hotel: tie between Sok Sambath, Streung Trang, $8 & Mealy Chenda, Sihanoukville, $7
Worst hotel: Same Same But Different (Same Same but Worse in our book), Phnom Pehn, $3
Favorite meal: curried shrimp at a French restaurant in Sihanoukville
Top 5 experiences: Angkor Wat; swimming on the southern coastal islands; eating and drinking in Sihanoukville; cruising up the Mekong; eating and drinking in Siem Reap
Last favorite experience: riding in the back of a pickup up to Bokor Hill
Cheapest day: $26.80 in Sihanoukville ($7 room, $5 internet, $14.80 food & drink)
Most expensive day: $127.80 in Siem Reap (included $95 for Angkor Wat)