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On the road from Vientiane to Luang Prabang lies the town of Vang Vieng. A favourite destination of the young travelling fraternity, Vang Vieng might not appeal to everyone, but this small town certainly has plenty to offer the more intrepid visitor to Laos. With its natural beauty - or at least that of the surrounding countryside - and many leisure activities ranging from rock climbing and mountain biking to kayaking and tubing on the Nam Song river, Vang Vieng should at least be considered on any travel itinerary for Laos.
Vang Vieng town itself will never win any awards for architectural design. The main street is reminiscient of Bangkok's Khao San Road about twenty years ago, with its rows of bars and cafes packed close together and all offering pretty much the same fare of banana pancakes, fruit shakes, cheap beer and Seinfield on TV. However, step outside the town and the real reason it holds a special place in so many visitors' hearts soon becomes apparent. The surrounding countryside can only be described as spectacular, with soaring limestone karsts fencing emerald-green paddy,and the Nam Son river meandering through it all. Most come here for the activities on offer which include kayaking or tubing among the relatively gentle rapids of the Nam Son, climbing the limestone peaks, trekking the high ground and exploring the many caves that surround the town, or simply cycling along the myriad paths that cut through the countryside. Accommodation is for the most part geared toward the budget traveller, as is the dining and drinking scene in Vang Vieng. with perhaps the best deal in town being Le Jardin Organique bungalows which offer a little more style a comfort than their run-of-the-mill competitors. Nightlife pretty much involves watching the sun go down over a bottle or two of Beer Lao, while the young set will head for the impromptu bonfire parties as the night closes in. For more information on Vang Vieng, and to access our comprehensive listings for the town, simply select your channel choice at left and let The Elephant guide you.
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