Vang Vieng, Laos

After a very bumpy and potholey six hour ride from Luang Prabang, we have arrived at the small town of Vang Vieng.  It is a delightful small city north of the capital Vientiane, on the banks of the Nam Song River.  The town is surrounded by limestone rocks and caves.  The craggy karst limestone scenery defines this town best.

In the last few years it has become a mecca for young backpackers looking for adventure.  They do kayaking on the river, rubber tubing, hot air ballooning and they hire scooters and buggies in which to travel around.

Travel books tend to regard the town and its surrounding scenery as one of the most stunning and easily accessible parts of Laos.

After checking in at our beautiful Riverside Boutique Resort on the riverbank, we went for a boat ride in a small motorised long boat.

The beautiful hills as backdrop to the river.

Janet in her boat taking a photo of us in our boat.

The outlook from our balcony overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.  The river is beyond the garden at the end of the pool.

The view of the river lit up at night.  You can still see the surrounding peaks.

Enjoying the half price cocktails at happy hour.

Dinner was pancakes done by a little street vendor.  I think the fact that this town has become the haunt of young impecunious backpackers is responsible for the plethora of pancake vendors selling this very popular and reasonably priced food item.  Banana and honey pancakes are the go but I prefer savory.  Mine was tuna, onion, bacon and cheese while the other two had a sweet one each.  All delicious and very cheap.  So good, we think we will return tomorrow to have more of the same.