Vang Vieng, Laos

Deciding not to go to Luang Prabang (LP) wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. ⁣

Reluctant to cycle the same road twice, and tired from the hills we decided we were ready for the flatter roads. ⁣

Avoiding LP meant no more mountains, but also that we could visit other towns/cities for longer. Quality over quantity.⁣

We made tracks to Vang Vieng (VV). A town where you can buy “whiskey bowls” for £3, where hostels and hotels have outdoor pools, loud western music and drunken tourists. I wasn’t sure this was going to be our sort of place – ⁣

– but we loved it. ⁣

We arrived at night – and I’m glad we did because the town comes ALIVE at night and staying outside the chaos was the right move for us. Our hotel, with breakfast, a pool, housekeeping and great staff was £17.⁣

VV is a tourist hot spot and they’ve had troubles with alcohol. They’re trying to “rebrand” the destination as an adventure town – and its working for them.⁣

After kayaking at Halong Bay, Stew couldn’t wait to try again. We booked a tour which included tubing through a cave, kayaking and a relax at the blue lagoon.⁣

The blue lagoon was fabulous – almost empty. Check out the last picture and note the fish at the foot. You jumped in and swam amongst the fishes who didn’t mind being around people at all – I suppose they’re used to it. ⁣

It was commercial, but there’s a very cool cave you can walk around. I was so tired I struggled all the way up and down, but it was worth it. ⁣

While we were at the lagoon there was a group of boys, jumping from a tree into the water. One young man had gone up with the intention to jump, but he started to regret it and stood staring down.⁣

Over time he attracted a crowd and the pressure was building.⁣

For over 10 minutes we all watched in anticipation. We counted him down and laughed as he bent his legs to jump, but bottled it at the last second. It wasn’t long before the entire park had crowded around to watch him conquer his fear. ⁣

After many many countdowns, some videos and words of encouragement he made the jump and we all shared a big, genuine cheer for him. @ Vang Vieng