Originally Posted by
RustyC
Definitely see Luang Prabang before it's ruined. My trip was in 1998 and I'm so glad I got there before Bangkok Airways did. They charge a premium to bring in people with more money than time, and those people have the worst footprint as far as demanding unrealistic luxury or completely messing up locals' impressions of outsiders. LP is very picturesque setting and every other person is a Buddhist monk. The boat tours on the Mekong used to be quite good, but today you likely have to go farther afield. Though nothing like Chiang Mai.
And every
other person is a tourist. Laos is a great place, but tourism is beginning to take a toll, especially in LP.
Xieng Kuang was great a few years ago, haven't been back since. Go for a trek in Muang Sing in the very northeast. This area is cheaper and less touristy than similar offerings in Luang Nam Tha.
The only place I haven't liked, and I've been to all but 2 of the provinces in many trips, is Phongsali. A ridiculously long bus ride (with an overnight stop including sleeping on the bus) and little to show for it.
I concur with the suggestion for Chiang Rai. Then you can head up to Doi Tung and Mae Salong, a great motorbike trip on windy and steep roads near the Myanmar border, if your skills are decent on a bike. You can also wander around the 'golden triangle region', but don't believe the signs telling you it's one place!