I am throwing up between the two for January 2014.
Hoping that there is somebody out there who has done both. If so, what do you think?
I have heard mixed reviews of the GE and it is $$, and the Plain looks great, but will probably buy some flights (still cheaper than the gibbon experience...)
Thanks!
Only been to the Plain of Jars, but for me it's one of the highlights of SE Asia. It's not just the jars, but the more recent history that is fascinating. You can see UXO still buried in the ground, Hmong villages made with houses made out of bomb casings, huge bomb craters etc. I took a bicycle out and cycled around for two days. Magical.
Hi,
I think you answered your own question. The GE is overrated and expensive, in my opinion that is.
I'm with the other posters, its the plain of jars for me. I found it a truly fascinating place. The bus journey there ain't the best but certainly possible.
I am throwing up between the two
Indeed, very likely, given the length of the bus journey, and the state of the roads (twisty). If you're not throwing up, the locals sitting around you most certainly will be.
Plain of Jars!
GE is way overrated and much too expensive for what you get. A hassle to get there, accommodation much too basic for the price, terrible food and not nearly enough for the people staying at the time and unfriendly staff. Plus we did not encounter or even hear any gibbons. Basically you are paying way too much for a zip line outing.
PofJ is quite interesting and unique with many different sites to explore, great hiking and friendly locals.
Thank you for all your help everyone! @dominic77, very pleasant image there, thanks... haha!
Plain of Jars it is, juggling things around with my itinerary as we speak. Seems like Laos Airlines (the legitimate site!) no longer has flights from Xien khouang to Luang Prabang, will look at some buses for the next leg of the journey. Could even go to Vang Vieng and then on to LPB.
Again, thanks for the help.
Charlie
Maybe wait until you arrive in Laos and go to a Lao Airlines office and check for Xieng Khouang to Luang Prabang flights. I remember noticing that the routing was not on their web site a few months earlier. however, when we were there last January and while in the Lao Airlines office in Vientaine we overheard two germans booking a Xieng Khouang to Luang Prabang flight. We also overheard that the flight was Vientiane to XiengKhouang to Luang Prabang back to Vientaine. In other words, one could not fly Luang Prabang to Xieng Khouang without stopping in Vientaine. The Airlines representative said the flights were offered only in high season.