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Vang Vieng Travel Guide

Planning

Planning a Trip

by Frommers Travel Guides
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Content provided by Frommers

    Getting There

    Vang Vieng is a smooth 3-hour bus ride north on Highway 13 from Vientiane. There are numerous daily departures from the Morning Market (tel. 021/216-507), and tickets are just 25,000 kip (US$2.50/£1.40) on a regular bus and 45,000 kip (US$4.50/£2.50) on a minibus. Bus connection to Luang Prabang is a popular option, a rugged but scenic all-day ride for just 90,000 kip (US$9/£4.95). However, attacks just north of town mean that road travel must be undertaken with caution. Ask around about the current situation and do not be surprised if there is a bus-company employee toting a machine gun on board.

    Visitor Information & Tours

    Diethelm Travel includes Vang Vieng in many of its tours and can make any custom arrangements. The town itself is brimming with small operators. For good eco-tours, contact the local branch of Green Discovery.

    Outdoor Activities

    Eco-tour operators offering kayak tours now line the main road, but the folks at Green Discovery, at the main intersection in town (tel. 023/511-440; www.greendiscoverylaos.com), are your best bet for a fun day in inflatable two-man kayaks on the small rapids of the Nam Song. The trip will take you to some of the local caves, including one where you'll actually swim, wearing a headlamp. A more relaxing option is to spend a half-day tubing down the river. This is by far the most popular activity in Vang Vieng. Transportation is provided upriver -- all you have to do is let the current bring you back to town. Another good half-day excursion is a visit to Phu Kham Cave, located about 7km (4 1/3 miles) from town. Best reached by bicycle, the cave contains a bronze reclining Buddha as well as a swimming hole out front where you can cool down after the journey. The scenery along the way is spectacular.

Vang Vieng Travel Experiences

Traveler Photos of Vang Vieng

The strip in Vang Vieng (the only strip!) Main street, Vang Vieng. 06cbbe08c9e4289df0a8e4d9b964be11 Sun setting over the mountains, fields, and a small village road.
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