Asia Step 12 - Laos Short stopover in Vang Vieng

As soon as we are out of Vientane our minivan struggles the way uphill, so we are crawling a mountainous road for 4 hours until we arrive in Vang Vieng. Located on the backpacker highway of southeast Asia, it is nevertheless a must go when travelling in Laos. We arrive starving, as usual, so we are happy to be dropped off in front of Gary's Irish Bar to enjoy delicious Chicken Nuggets with French Fries (definitely a tip if you happen to be in Vang Vieng!).

The town itself is sprinkled with tour agencies, bars and restaurants.

Vang Vieng used to have a very bad rep due to dark party and drug tourism. Though it tries to change its image with attracting tourists through outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside, you'll still find "happy" fruit shake, sometimes even Opium Pizza in several bars around town.

All over it's a very touristic place and that not without reason. Guesthouses are cool and cheap and the surrounding area presents itself in typical Laos beauty.

What we've done and advise you to do :

1. Be enchanted by the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall

In routine, we rent a scooter to explore Vang Viengs surroundings on two wheels. The muddy and bumpy trail brings us through scenic countryside alongside rice paddies and finally leads to Kaeng Nyui waterfall.

To reach the waterfalls, we are hiking uphill through the jungle. Crossing bridges over rivers and walking wooden stairs through dense forest, we leave back the city life we had in Vientane, to enjoy the harmony of Laos nature again.

Back on the scooter we drive curved roads in between steep and saw toothed mountains. Needless to say that driving from one spot to the other is already an attraction itself.

2. Chill and jump in the Blue Lagoon

Our next stop is the famous Blue Lagoon of Vang Vieng. Of course famous means alot of people, but we are still surprised when we arrive at the huge parking lot filled with cars and chinese tour buses. Vendors or tourist agencies sell goods, tshirts, zipline tours and the typical souvenir stuff. At first we have difficulty to enjoy the Blue Lagoon with so many people, but as the evening arrives most tourists are gone, so the place looks more inviting. Right above the lagoon stands a huge tree with a ladder. Climbing up it's pretty high and (even though it costs her some effort) Mallaury and me conquer the tree and we jump from the top branch in the lagoon.That's mad fun, so we relax and jump in the water with local kids before heading back into town.

Done from the day, we fall exhausted in our bed, already looking forward for what we think is gonna be a highlight on our trip. Next stop - Luang Prabang!