Question to those who have been to Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Thailand: is there a difference between the?

Hi, of those I've only been to Thailand and Laos, and there wasn't a massive difference in the people.... both very friendly and laid back, but possibly the Lao people even more so. They're not as "commercial" ie dependent on tourists, so were very relaxed and interested in us, not just our money! We considered Vietnam but visas were harder to get and it takes a while to travel the country due to its shape!. We also heard from several other travellers that, while it is a very cool place with loads to see and do, they had definitely had a less friendly attitude to foreigners, and it kind of put us off a little, we went to Cambodia instead! We will go back to that area and do Thailand again - loved Chang Mai and the Meking route down though Laos - but probably do Laos and Vietnam with more time to explore. I must say that of all the countries I've visited I think Laos is my absolute favourite. The friend who advised us to go said "it's like finally relaxing into your favourite armchair" and he was right, so chilled out, amazing landscape, fab people/culture, and not a McDonalds in sight!