Floating down the Nam Xong

---

Vang Vieng is a small town 3 hours drive south of Luang Probang. The guide book said it had lost its soul. I couldn't find it either. However in its place was a very westernized town full of bars and cafes, episodes of friends and family guy on loop and a choice of whatever pirate movies you want to watch. It was undoubtedly a massive contrast to the other places we had visited in Loas but was also quite refreshing to get a full english breaky and a cup of tea. The towns main appeal I would say is the tubing down the Nam Xong river, travellers from all over the world were in town to sample its delights and we were right behind them!

Along the river were bars with Loa kids that threw out rings, rope, sticks, anything to get you into their bars. Once there they have food, loa loa (Loa whisky - they give this away for free), beers, - everything, but the best part was that most of them had zip line swings that threw you into the river. Helen wasn't keen but I did it loads with with Khaleel, one of the lads from our tour group. It was soooo much fun but also potentially quite dangerous, most of the ropes were in makeshift tree houses above the river, between 20-30 feet high, the river was running pretty fast but there were plenty of 'lifeguards' at hand. One of the 'lifeguards' was a gent who went by the name of Mr Loa Loa. As we aproached the third bar along the river we decided at the last minute that we wanted to have lunch. Three of our group were gently sailing past Mr Loa Loa's so instead of letting money pass him by he pulled the rest of us in and then dived in the river after Ellie, Megan and Harleen. He must have swam 100 metres before he reached them and pulled them into the shore. He was a dedicated business man. When he returned he was singing and dancing (I think he was a bit drunk) and proceeded to hand out free shots of Loa Loa, although for every one we had he had one as well.

I think fun was had by all. I would definatly recommend tubing in Loas or any river for that mater, although caution is advised. I have now lost two pairs of glasses, one tubing after I was overturned after running into rocks and one two days ago at a waterfall in northern Loas. Its all part of the fun. I am currently wearing my only remaining pair of glasses Jack Duckworth style. They are seven years old, so the prescription is wrong and the arm is attached by gaffer tape - I look hot!! I plan to get a new pair in Bangkok and promise to be much more careful!

---

Photos

Vang Vieng
The view from our balcony. It wasn't very good.

Vang Vieng
Aggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

Vang Vieng
Pull me in Mr Lao Lao!!

Vang Vieng
Life is hard

Comments

[Gnamjai]

Some days I will be there!!
Thanks so much for sharing..I wanna go there some days..!!