Vang Vieng - Come Embrace True Nature

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Vang Vieng, small riverside town in the Vientienne province, four hours drive by bus, you get to see no high rise buildings, single stories to three stories the most. Most shophouses converted to coffee shops, restaurants, motels, guesthouses, massage parlors, clothes, souvenirs, internet cafes and accessories shops. There are also pillow-filled restaurants known as TV Bars. Hospital is nearby. There are so many to brag about, I give good credit for their natural surroundings, beautiful karst mountains, the Nam Song river and many natural caves to dwell about like the Tham Phou Kham cave(Buddha Cave), Tham Jang Cave(Elephant Cave), Tham Nam Cave (South Cave) and Tham Hoi Cave. We did all in one day. Crazy as we are(John, Jo, Lai Chin and Suit Fong), we were drenched, dirty with minor cuts on our four limbs. Later, we jumped into the icy cold pool, waters from the mountains, surely woke us up instantly.

People we met are the local Laos, Thais, Kmou and the Hmongs. What can be more beautiful, watching barefooted bikini girls walking on the streets and I also saw a bearded man with a monkey on his shoulder taking an evening stroll. A place for the young and exciting and nature lovers.

I personally like the Tham Jang Village. Crossing the river on the wooden bridge reminds me of my younger days, children bathing in the river, the people looking at us with half smiles, felt their warm hearts, ready to make friends with us. Water sourced from the river, using a water pump with no water meter, no kidding, which actually is a very good idea. Lots of trees, dogs, pigs and ducks and butterflies were what I expected, what beauty of nature can tell me, to absorb as much as I can this moment of time.

There are many activities available in Vang Vieng. One can enjoy, Tubing, kayaking, rope swings, jungle trekking and rock climbing on the limestone mountains. Biking and cycling to other towns through the valleys and ride up on the mountain roads can be fun and exciting. A great view from the top can be exhilarating; having a flask of coffee in hand is certainly heaven. Why not!

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Photos

Vang Vieng 1
Early morn, early mist, boats awaiting customers. Nam Song River

Farmer 1
on the way to Tham Phou Kham

Farmer 2
washing his vehicle