Laos: Vang Vieng, between calm and tumult
The boom of tourism in this village, once a stopover on the ancient royal capital, today preferred destination backpapers Laos, risk to change all that.
Vang Vieng, a small village 180 km from Vientiane on Route No. 13 toward Luang Prabang, raises all kinds of comments, both positive and negative, among Falanga Laos. Fetish destination for backpackers Initially a weekend destination for residents of Vientiane and a halt to the old royal capital, it has also become the favorite destination for backpackers in Laos, offering both an idyllic setting - "the Halong Bay in Laos - with its karst mountains and rivers, tours and treks in all genres, but also rows of bars in the West all along the main street and the river, the Nam Song , which winds through the village. It also Vang Vieng is practiced as the favorite activity of young travelers, the "Tubing", ie down the river on huge black buoys and drift to your heart as well, with stops here and there in the bars along the river and offer Beerlao or a bucket of vodka-redbull. This massive influx of tourists in this village, it has certainly brought new revenues to the city that continues to expand and increase its hotel construction along the river, has also resulted in a significant change not only landscape but also customs premises with the opening bars until dawn at a rate of western music and a flood of tourists scantily dressed in the center of town, any time of day and night.
Alternatives to the tumult
Some are followers, others less. If you belong to this second category, there are still several more corners in the breathtaking scenery, which are preserved and worth visiting for those seeking an alternative to the tubing and the chaos of the village center. First, do not hesitate to slightly eccentrically, for example by taking a room at the Ecolodge Vang Vieng is situated 7 km north of the city. A quiet oasis with a magnificent view over the Nam Song and the mountains, where you can also go kayaking and swimming. To get there, rent a motorbike or bicycle for a small fee ($ 6 per day for a motorcycle, $ 2 for a bike). For an option on the inside of Vang Vieng but quiet, take time to find a guest house beside the river, south of the village. Some rooms offer not only charming but also a beautiful environment. Still on the handlebars of your bike or your bike or on foot for the more adventurous, a short trip outside the village offers a very nice walk on dirt paths between rice fields and mountains with a goal of more pleasant by the hot weather in May: the caves of Tam Phu Kham (Golden cave crabs). Take the newly constructed bridge to cross to the other side of the Nam Song Vang Vieng, then ask directions to the caves (or ask your guest house or a local rental agency, a map of caves around the village ). En route, many caves can be visited and you will make various stops.
Tam Phu Kham cave
After 6 km you arrive in Tam Phu Kham and can visit a beautiful nestled in a mountain cave where karst small river rises, dubbed "the Lagoon." Once climbed the high steps carved on the mountainside directly (those who have vertigo, abstaining), the Phou Kham cave Tam offers a haven of freshness with an incredible view and a path strewn with stalactites and stalagmites as well as a large reclining Buddha in bronze by always object of worship. The visit of the cave completed, back down the mountain, this idyllic setting offers the opportunity to swim in clear turquoise waters, where fish swim in all colors. You can also bring a mat to sit on the grass and picnic. A small refreshment offers simple dishes and drinks. Many families come to spend the day and enjoy this oasis of freshness. Enjoy Vang Vieng for a weekend break combining, quiet, swimming and tourism? Yes, it is still possible!
MAUD JÄDERHOLM
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