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Don't rent a scooter for more than 35,000 kip (most advertise 40~50,000 kip), but come with near empty tank. Bicycles are relatively expensive, but don't pay more than 20,000 kip.
You can drive out of the town and see some of the quiet villages. Or you can ride over the larger bridge (pay toll to cross) on south end of town (the one big enough for cars). Ride down about 6km to the Blue Lagoon and Phoukham cave.
The Blue Lagoon is a rather far distance on the dirt road on a bicycle. Also, the villages outside of the city are a bit far on a bicycle. A bicycle should only be chosen for those die hard riders, or those just wanting to stay in town.
Updated Dec 6, 2009
Address: Vang Vieng town
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Not long time ago Vang Vieng was sleepy Lao village where people lived simple life in simple houses, doing farming and fising from Song river. They never had western menu. Then it was 'discovered' and it rapidly became tourist place; investors brought lots of money to build new buildings, some ugly some nicer: you can nowsadays see this mix styles of 'architecture' on every corner. Do you find it attractive? It looks quite hectic. There're charming wooden huts at one place and next to it you have concrete hotel; there are restaurants with few tables and huge dining places with many. It's so ecclectic. You have one of those lower Lao house in that street and rising new hotel next to it. Worse, there hotels with greek inspired columns at the doorways and balconies. All the area along river bank belongs to one owner or another - it's getting hard to get close to it, it's privatized.
Yes, they brought loads of money to town but look at VV: it's one of those dull new towns, developed into no style place. But you won't go there for the town itself, right?
Updated Jun 24, 2009
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When you get tired of crowds in Vang Vieng and wish to do something different you can take a ride to Organic farm and feed the goats. Isn't that nice? Goats give milk and their milk is healthy food to local children and some of it is made into organic goat cheese which you can try at the Organic farm restaurant... Organic farm is nice place to visit. Not only they have tasty foods, but they also keep large garden with variety of plants and fruits and of course goat and pig houses. Ask by the reception for the goat house and that you wish to feed them because they will provide you with goat food.
Written Jun 13, 2009
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First thing you'll notice in Vang Vieng when you come from Vientiane direction is that large remain of former air field. Nowsadays airplanes no longer land there because road connection is much better-paved and safer; however it serves many uses like being pick-up and bus stop, place for weddings and local fairs, and more dangerously - place for some individulas to practice their driving and speeding throughout the area. Those are probably aware of many crates in asphalt.
Other times local children will play games there and learn riding a bike, or play football in evenings. Next moment cows will be herded from one place to another crossing the strip. In mornings and afternoons or during the lunch break school kids will pass the air strip again. Every now and then local bus will drop small crowd of backpackers who will then walk through it into town. Sometimes dogs and cats will be chasing and playing with one another and/or try to mate. Actually it's a place full of activites and interesting to watch. But imagine how many other things Vang Viengers could have in the place instead of that vast field of asphalt.
Written Jun 13, 2009
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I was so surprise to see how happening it was when i first start to kayak down the Namsong River... Music was blasting all over, and ppl swinging around, tubing, dancing in swim suit..
the environment was unforgetable!
Written Jul 18, 2008
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I would think Kayaking Down the Namsong river is safer than tubing down. Because there are some very shallow areas and rocky areas which might scratch your butt while tubing down.
Kayaking down is not too challenging, but you might want to consult the local on how to paddle like the Lao style... they have their own style of turning left and right :)
While your partner is kayaking, you might want to laydown and relax, watch the sky and enjoy the very peaceful moment of our life!
Written Jul 18, 2008
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We tube into the cave!!! the water was really cold and is nice and adventurous to tube in there. You can't see anything underneath your butt...
The problem is u have to row quite a bit to get into the cave... but you can follow the flow when tubing out the cave..
you really need a Sandals with fullstrap, see my Packing list! if you don't wear anything, you wil have to walk on the pointing stones.. that will give you a good foot massage i suppose!
Written Jul 17, 2008
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Following the Guided tour, you will have to walk for about 1 hour to visit the villages... however we can't go into the village, we can just walk pass them..
It is interesting enough to see villagers swim or bath in the muddy drain.. and see old woman carrying a big Tree trunk crossing the drain..
I wish i had brought some gifts for the kids.
Written Jul 17, 2008
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I joined a tour for USD 13 per person and what we got is:
- a Tour Guide
- Visit to 3 Caves
- BBQ Lunch
- Tubing in another Cave
- Visit 2 Villages (just pass by)
- Kayaking all the way
I did the River Swing along the way! I love it!
Written Jul 15, 2008
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From Vang Vieng it's easy to cycle to the Tham Phu Kham-cave. You simply cross the toll-bridge and follw the dirt-path. It will lead you to the Tham Phu Kham cave. The distance is about 7 km. On the way you'll see people working on the rice field and you'll cross some small villages. To go into the Phu Kham cave you'll have to pay 10.00 kip. Headlights are on rent too (another 10.000 kip), which we can recommend, as it is extremely dark inside the cave. A trail will lead you to the cave itself. The trail is a stiff 200 metres climbing. Actually there is no real path, you'll have to find your way climbing from stone to stone. Some branches and plants will help you as a handgrip. In the rainy season it can be quite tricky to do the path, as the soil is red and slippery sand and stones.
The way back is even more oncomfortable, because you'll have to go down with your head to the mountainm and you can't see where you are stepping on. Take your time here and be patient.
Inside the cave there's nothing special to see. There is a big reclining buddha that catches the daylight from a hole in the mountain. It's extremely dark inside and I think there's nothing special to see. Most people have a quick look and return.
On the foot of the cave you''ll find an incredible blue lagoon. Here you can swim and relax. There's a big tree with a rope on which you can swing and splash into the turquiose waters. There's also a small foodstall which is serving simple food and drinks.
Written May 22, 2008
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Reviews and photos of Vang Vieng attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Vang Vieng sightseeing.
From Vang Vieng it's easy to cycle to the Tham Phu Kham-cave. You simply cross the toll-bridge and follw the dirt-path. It will lead you to the Tham Phu Kham...
1 member lives in Vang Vieng
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1
Vang Viang was not in my list when I planned to visit Laos until on the bus from Hanoi to Vientiene, I met an english man. I have forgotten the name of the english man, just remembered that he was...
2
Vang Vieng is one of those remote coners of the world that u just dream about. The place where your exisitence basically revolves around waking up in the morning staying in a hut next to the river. ...
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... by the Song river, in the shade of mountains
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The Rustic Countryside of Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is located about 3 hours from the capital of Laos, Vientiane or 6 hours from Luang Prabang. I spent 2 days in Vang Vieng. Although it has been criticized by many for being too touristy, the...
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I stayed in Vang Vieng for 1.5 day, I didn't expect i will fall inlove with this place.. the scenery, the street, the river, the people, the things i did, the guesthouse, everything is so perfect!!
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