Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng was a 6 hour bus ride south from Luang Pragang. It is a little more than half way between Luang Prabang and Laos' capital Vientiane. Route 13, Laos' best road, connects the these cities. Route 13 is one of the few 'paved' roads in Laos. It alternates between sealed pavement and gravel every hundred yards. Much of the paved portions have potholes so large it forces traffic onto the dirt shoulder. The road weaves between the hills and mountains of the Lao countryside with flat straightaways only in the cities. The rivers are definitely the most reliable way to get around Laos.

Looking out my window along Rt 13

View of Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng

The bungalow we stayed at in Vang Vieng on an island in the river

Vang Vieng is a major tourist attraction in Laos. It caters to backpackers in their 20s and early 30s. The most popular activity is tubing down the river. Kayaking and caving are also popular. The town is filled with restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. Food on the street consists mainly of pancakes, sandwiches, and burgers, almost no Lao cuisine. Most restaurants play reruns of Friends and Family Guy to attract tourists tired from a long day of tubing.

A typical restaurant in Vang Vieng with Family Guy playing in the background