Vang Vieng charmed us
Asia Laos Route
Former stronghold of debauchery Australian backpackers, opinions are rather mixed on Vang Vieng. Today, the city has cleaned up the image of a giant nightclub where drugs and spirits reigned.
Our experience in Vang Vieng is very positive. Not for the rafting on the Nam Song River or the buggy rides that fizzle in the villages, yet quiet. However, we were attracted by the nature that surrounds the city and its karstic rock landscapes. As well as being direct, Vang Vieng offered us one of our most beautiful visual slaps.
It is also in this city that we met Krystel, from the blog Part Part Du Monde . The moments spent sweating together on our steps, getting completely wet from a shower, or just sitting in a hammock are memorable. In short, Vang Vieng has more and we even stayed one more day.
But what do we do in Vang Vieng?
Climb to the peaks of karstic peaks
The karst peaks around Vang Vieng are the undisputed charm of the region. We were captivated by this scenery, but especially the views offered by some hills on which we can climb: Pha Ngeun Viewpoint and Nam Xay Viewpoint.
We rent bikes with Krystel to go to the foot of the hill and climb on foot. We are still in the rainy season and the humidity in the air makes us perspire to have the clothes soaked. The ascent is not easy, but taking the time, it is easy to get there. Three views are offered and the panorama from the highest point is incredible. We take the time to go down in temperature, but especially to appreciate the sight, before beginning the descent on a muddy and thus slippery ground (I finish 4 times on the buttocks).
Admission fee: 10,000 kips
Nam Xay Viewpoint
We ride alone, Krystel and I to the Nam Xay point of view. Jerome being migraineux, he passes his turn for today. The ascent to the summit is faster than the day before (between 20 and 30 minutes) but also steeper and the ground is again muddy. Walking shoes are strongly recommended (we have however seen people in flip flops). We climb in this overwhelming heat that enkyloses our muscles but the arrival at the summit filled us with joy thanks to the beauty of the places. The view is one of the most incredible I've seen ( Ala Kul in Kyrgyzstanstill in top position) and just for this visual slap, you have to come to Vang Vieng. I was so excited that we went back Jerome and me the next day, so that he too could enjoy this panorama. We stayed more than 1:30 on the platform.
Admission fee: 10,000 kips
Ride a bike or scooter
It was by bike or scooter that we moved around Vang Vieng. By bike, we joined the two points of view, passing by the rice fields still green and sparkling.
For our last day in vang Vieng, we rent a scooter and go through the Laotian countryside. To cross the river, we did not take the paying bridge of Vang Vieng but another further south. We cross the bridge unhindered and the road turns into a perforated track where the goal of the game is to slalom around the holes. Some puddles suddenly flood our way and we splash when we roll in, as quickly as possible, to avoid putting a foot on the ground. We almost miss our face because of the mud. The road is painful, tiring but we can say that we were "off the beaten track". The return on the asphalt is a blessing, but this day to cross small villages, to meet young Laotian schoolchildren all smiles, bombarding us with "Sabaidee".
Chill in a hammock
We bask several times in the hammocks of Smile Beach, facing the Nam Song River. In the off-season, the place is quiet, only a few tubing fans finish their race around the fire concocted by the bar. Sometimes, we see nostalgic residues of the old Vang Vieng, those who stagger again and have not desaoulé since 2012.
Useful information
Getting to Vang Vieng
We took a minivan from Luang Prabang with a pickup truck to our hotel. Price: 120,000 kips per person.
Sleep
Chillao Hostel: Hostel more than average. Shabby room with a mattress on the floor as a bed, pool on the street (no barrier to hide), average breakfast. Yet it has potential, but I have a theory, an inn that has had its glory years during the Vang Vieng festive and mantenant indulges like the nostalgic of the city!
Eat
Happy Mango: great restaurant;
The sandwiches in the bui-bui of the main road: we enjoyed these sandwiches, very well supplied for a ridiculous price.
What we did
Pha Ngeun Viewpoint - 10,000 kips
Nam Xay Viewpoint - 10,000 kips
Bike ride and scooter
What can we do more?
Caves and lagoons: Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon, Tham Nam, Tham Chang Cave ...
A balloon ride. Tubing, buggy, all that, all that!