Laos/Cambodia

At this time every year I begin to think of possible destinations for my summer holidays. Basically, I'm just looking for some reassurance about travelling in Laos and Cambodia as a lone traveller. I've done Vietnam/Thailand alone and had absolutely no problems, and I've always wanted to see Laos and Cambodia so I'm thinking of heading there this summer...I'm presuming/hoping the feedback I'm going to get will be positive and you'l all tell me to "go for it"!!
I should have about 4/5 weeks to see these counties and I really don't want to rush, I want to soak in everything as I potter along! So any possible suggestions of a rough itinerary would be fantastic! I'll be flying into Bangkok and then slowly head up north to Laos.
Thanks in advance,
Ian

I spent 3 and a half months travelling up from Malaysia, through thailand, Lao and Cambodia and I have to admit I had some of the best fun in those places, we spent about 6 days in Vientiane in Lao ( I personally think 4 days is enough for next time) we caught the slow boat over which was good fun we got to meet some good people it takes a day and a half by slow boat but did not mind at all the night life isnt huge with most bars closing by about midnight but then everyone heads to the bowling alley and continues to drink there till about 3am. We then went to Vaing Veing where i strongle recommend tubing where you hire a rubber tube jump in a tuk tuk with abig group which then drops you upstream of the river, you then float down the river where along the way you get the chance to visit about 10 bars, each one has people throwing ropes out to you to help pull you in or the local kids reach out wth a giant stick to help you in to shore, where you then listen to music go off the rope swings, zip lines (i believe there was even a tube slide being built when i was there) mud volleyball and soccer, then when you get sick of that bar get back in the tube and float down the next one we stayed there for about 6 days and went tubing 3 times and also went kayaking as well where you go and visit caves and temples around the area.
Cambodia is a great place the Angkor Wat its self is breathtaking i recommend spending a day there so that you can visit all the temples and actually take it all in. I only had time to visit Sieam Reap and Phnom Phen but I have heard some good things about Shiankoville which is down the bottom and has a nice beach. Loved both of the places and strongly advise going to both countries as both are safe and you will have a good time. If you have any questions at all just ask and will answer the best I can

Go for it! Laos is amazing (my favourite in SEA), and possibly one of the safest countries in the region. Vang Vieng was good fun, as Daglz said, and you can also see the former capital at Luang Prabang, with all the Buddhist temples and frangipani-lined streets, a beautiful and tranquil place to relax and spend a few days. Go further north (Muang Sing, Luang Nam Tha) if you're interested in trekking through remote, unspoilt jungles and doing village homestays. Or if you head south to the Cambodian border, you can check out Si Phan Don, the four thousand islands, and Wat Phu Champasak on the way down.

As for Cambodia - Phnom Penh is pretty uninteresting (2 days and you'll get bored of it), but Angkor is amazing - try to spend a few days wandering around the whole temple complex if you can (it's huge, by the way, and much more than just Angkor Wat). Sihanoukville is good if you want some beach time or a place to relax and meet people - scenery wise its not that stunning, but great fun with the fire dancers on the beach, parties and loads of cheap fresh seafood (and beer - the huge Angkor Beer brewery is just right next to the town ) Also you can stop by Kampot on the way to S'ville - its a deserted old french hill station on top of Bokor hill, its really hauntingly beautiful and desolate when the fog rolls in.

Anything else do let me know, ill try to help

[b] I travelled alone through Laos and Cambodia with NO problems!!!! (and i'm a 105 lb girl!!)

its perfectly safe and travel is easy!!!!

more in my travel blogs, if you care to read all about it. Have a great trip!

Thanks for all the advice and for putting my mind at ease, it sounds deadly!! Now to start saving for flghts...!!!!

Hiya, I'm thinking on thailand and laos, i know what i want to do in thailand but unsure about laos, can some peeps list the best spots, i only have 2 weeks thailand 2 weeks laos , i know prob not enough time, but i'd like to make the best of it!

Thanks C x