Viva Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, also known as the backpacker’s ghetto of Laos, was a vacation from our vacation. As sad as it may be, lounging at a pillow seated table eating a burger with a large Beer Lao (for USD$1) watching old episodes of Friends and Family Guy is a nice touch of home after being on the road for so long. We found a nice lodge (Vang Vieng Resort) on the outskirts of town that was far enough away from the city to be peaceful yet close enough to bike to for substance and slothfulness. We spent four nights here doing absolutely nothing except relaxing and taking in the scenery. Of all places we have been, Vang Vieng is perhaps one of the most picturesque places with sharp green mountain sides and hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering in the air.

While not completely lackadaisical we did spend an entire day kayaking/tubing the Nam Song River visiting a few caves and river bars. The water cave, appropriately named, was a highlight as you float your inner tube through a small opening into the black water cave exploring the stalactites above from the comfort of your PFD.

Afterwards we kayaked down to the bars situated right on the river where tubers and kayakers alike pull in for a drink. Whereas we had a method of steering into the different bars, tubers relied on the bar staff to fish them out of the river (see picture). Our guides were awesome and hung out with us at the bars till dusk having a couple Beer Laos. Although nobody attempted anything from the “happy” menu we did get a couple laughs at people’s drunken attempts on the rope swings. Perhaps not the ideal combination, so we best left it to the “pros.” However, our kayaking trip didn’t end without incident as we flipped our kayak, while admiring the fish we caught (believe it or not, but this did occur before the bars).

As we already had bikes to get around town we decided to explore some of the local caves in the area. The Poukham cave and Blue Lagoon sounded impressive, with the gorgeous blue-green water and reclining Buddha. Grumbling to ourselves about the non-optional guide while ascending the 200m rugged incline, we quickly changed our tune after just entering the mouth of the cave. As our eyes adjusted to the pitch dark, we turned on our torches and follow our young guide down slippery rocks. Not 30 seconds in he jumps back and freezes as his light illuminates the slithering serpent just a few feet in front of us. Knowing how good the health care is in Laos, we decided the snake could have the cave and opted for a quick return down to the refreshing water of the lagoon. We explored a few other caves without incident before retreating back to our glorious AC room.

Vang Vieng may be spoiled by backpackers and perhaps not a true representation of Laos people, but the scenery more than makes up for it. This has been our favorite part of Laos perhaps because it gave us a touch of home and several days of R&R from traveling.