Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Train to Vientiane (well, actually only as far as Nong Khai; there are no railways in Laos) passes through some of Thailand's least touristed parts, and also some of my favorite parts of the country; it's also not that much to look at while in transit, the northeast by rail is fairly flat, hot, and arguably a little monotonous. Nong Khai and Vientiane, however, are both among my favorite towns anywhere. I vote for this one.

Chiang Mai is mountainous, a little cooler, and fairly well overrun with other travelers. If you're interested in creature comforts, it's better served than the northeast, and it offers many things to do, but I like Northeastern Thailand and Laos better.

na hi verena verani sammantidha kudacanam. averena ca sammanti. esa dhammo sanantano.

2

If you only have a short time, why not just stay in Bangkok? Especially if you are heading to Nepal and (I rpesume mountain trekking) why not enjoy the hustle and bustle of one of the world's biggest, most exciting cities? It'd make a nice contrast. Theres certainly enough stuff to keep you going for a week too. Unless you have done Bangkok a zillion times before...

Cheerz