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Vang Vieng Travel Guide

Travel to Vang Vieng - Activities Aplenty in Riverside Retreat

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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.

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.

Attractions in Vang Vieng

As someone said there’s not much to see in Vang Vieng, it’s just being there that’s so rewarding. The limpid river provides the backdrop to limestone mountains which are riddled with caves – head to Tham Chang, Tham Phu Kham and the Tham Sang caves. There are a couple of wats to visit if you have not been templed-out – Wat Si Veng Song and Wat Si Suman.

Activities in Vang Vieng

How long you stay in Vang Vieng depends on the time you have available – there’s plenty to occupy you for a week or more; most people passing through will get a flavour of the region in a couple of days.

The great outdoors beckons in Vang Vieng – you can explore caves, go rafting, tubing or kayking on the Nam Song and Nam Ngum, walk to tribal villages or go rock climbing. Local suppliers need to be chosen with care – many of these activities are new in the region and safety standards or simply the experience as a whole may be lacking.

Relaxing

There are plenty places to grab a meal in Vang Vieng but for the best atmosphere head down to the river where a cold Beerlao tastes even better.

Getting Around

The town is small enough to get around on foot. As ever in Laos there are bikes for hire and boats ply the river. Sightseeing outside the town involves tuk tuks/jumbos or taking an organised tour.