Goldener Reiter (Golden Horseman)

Advantages: architectural attraction
Disadvantages: some distance from the centre of Vientiane

...This is one of the major tourist attacttions in Vientiane and in its golden glory should not be missed. Make sure you take an umbrella to shield you from the fierce overhead sun/rain. The outer courtyard held an exhibition of monks paintings when we were there in 2007 - take some time to walk the whole square to take in the majesty of the building. Its massive, central golden stupa is a stark contrast to the grey monuments throughout the rest of Vientiane, although the old black stupa on a side-street roundabout is also definately worth visiting in constrast to this palace. If you want to take a quintessential photograph of Laos, then Pha That Luang is the one attraction that should be visited.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: beautiful view, convience of stores.
Disadvantages: over 21 to go to a bar

...I recently went to Denver in October.......what a place. it was absolutely gorgeous. I was visiting with my boyfriend as part of our anniversary. We stayed in a small town called Golden and were surrounded by the Rockies and could actually climb up the side to watch the sunset. The little town was like an austrian village and had great character. The poeple there were so helpful and friendly. We went into a bagal cafe and were offered free bagals. Even the police were pleasent when conducting a search, as we actually got stopped and questioned while on the trip. But they explained to us that they were a bit bored as Golden is such a nice place they have nothing to do. I totally recommend to anybody who appreciates natural beauty to visit Denver, and if you have time, take a drive through Golden too.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: New, Spacious
Disadvantages: Out of the way, expensive, no facilities

...Just come back from a week in the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel (October 2007). The Hotel and Rooms are clean and spacious, however beds especially the sofa beds are every uncomfortable. The food is very expensive and unfortunately is nothing special. Good view overlooking the small beach, and good outdoor swimming pools. Bring your walking boots as the hotel is miles from anywhere. There are no shopping facilities apart from a small gift store, a jewellery store, and a poorly stocked excuse for a food store. Overall comments and experience, overrated, overpriced, not a 5*, out of the way, and no facilities. NB: Beware the timeshare reps as they are out to get you. We also experience very bad weather for the week, cold, wet, and very windy and this might have also tainted our view.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful