Vang Vieng

 After Luang Prabang we took a 5 hour bus ride through the mountains to Vang Vieng.  Unfortunately our bus broke down, and the ride took almost 12 hours.  Vang Vieng is known for it's natural beauty - karst mountains towering over the Nam Song River. 

For the past 5 years Vang Vieng has been known as a backpacker's party town, so we originally planned to give it a miss, but 6 weeks ago the government came in and closed down all the bars along the river.  The town is now quiet and the landscape, kayaking, rock climbing and tubing down the river are the attractions again.  We had a great 3 days.

This is the view from our hotel room window.  While we were there we had some clouds and rain - the mountains looked amazing shrouded in the mist. 





We spent a day walking around the town and the next day Cole, Kenna, and Chuck spent a few hours climbing the local cliffs.

 

It was a bit rainy but they still had lots of fun.

The next day the sun shone so we spent 2 hours floating down the river on the inner tubes.  The landscape was amazing and the river run was easy and fun. 

After the tubing we visited the "Blue Lagoon" - about 15 minute tuk-tuk ride outside of town.  The water was cold, clear and green.  We all took a turn on the rope swing.  Here is a picture of Chuck having a turn.



Along the river we saw lots of local kids making "mud balls" and racing them down the river bank.  These two boys proudly showed Chuck their handiwork.