Activities Aplenty in Riverside Retreat
Northern Laos, Laos
Vang Vieng is again becoming a legend amongst travellers looking for a place to unwind blessed as it is with an abundance of amazing karst limestone rock formations, green fields, mountains caves and the river. Come here to relax, walk and trek, kayak, go tubing and rafting and even climbing – whilst recharging the batteries in the company of other travellers.
Background
A runway once used by Air America, the CIA’s covert airline during the Vietnam War, sits outside the town of Vang Vieng but apart from that little else of its history is known. An unremarkable place then you might think, and yet today this little market town on the banks of the Nam Song (Song River) has a big reputation as a backpacker hotspot. Whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on your point of view; travellers have brought money to an area that was poor even in what is a poor country.
People began arriving in the Eighties drawn by the peaceful riverside setting and amazing karst mountain landscape. Since then the town has established itself as backpacker central with all the trappings of places such as Kanchanaburi, albeit on a much smaller scale. It has retained its charm – it’s still small and unspoilt – whilst capitalising on its attractions. Whether visiting for a day or a week there’s no doubt Vang Vieng will leave an impression on you.