Laos - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 363

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short, steep climb to the cave's entrance.
In the main cavern reclines a bronze
Buddha; bring a torch if you want to
explore the tunnels branching off the
main gallery.

By sawngthaew If you're heading to Vientiane, sawng-
thaews are a reasonable option, leaving the northern bus
station every 20min throughout the day. Though as they
take around four hours to reach the capital you'd do just as
well to take a quicker, similarly priced minivan instead.

ACCOMMODATION
Cheap rooms are in abundance in Vang Vieng, though
they're rarely inspiring. For quietude and a little more soul,
try the western side of the river.
Banana Bungalows Just north of Otherside Bungalows
(see opposite), on the western side of the river T 020 5501
4937, E [e-mail]. If you're on a
budget and want relative peace and quiet without being
too far from the action, these plain bungalows do the job
nicely. The cheapest have a shared bathroom, while for
30,000 K extra yo u can upgrade to an en-suite bungalow.
Double 50,000K
Central Backpackers On the main road, just north
of the junction with Kangmuong St T 023 511593,
W vangviengbackpackers.com. Despite the thick-of-it-all
location, Central Backpackers is actually very good value.
Dorms are clean and tidy, with single beds instead of
bunks, and the double and triple rooms feel spacious. The
ground-floor restaurant isn' t great b ut at lea st provid es a
place to meet others. Dorm 30,000K , double 80,000K
EasyGo Hostel North of town on the main river road,
near Mountain Riverview T 023 511725, W easygohostel
.com. Bargain bamboo dorms and doubles cling to the
hillside at this youthful hostel on the road leading to
Wat That. It's all a little dingy but the showers are hot, the
wi-fi is fr ee and t here's a po ol table by the entrance. Dorm
23,000K , double 50,000K
★

Pha Thao Cave
A short motorbike or tuk-tuk ride north
of Vang Vieng is Pha Thao Cave
(10,000K). Stretching for more than
2km, the tunnel-like cave is pitch black,
filled with huge stalactites and
stalagmites, and is the most satisfying
caving trip you can make from town. It's
best visited near the end of the rainy
season, when the water level is perfect for
a swim in the subterranean swimming
pool 800m into the cave. Bear in mind
that you'll be up to your chest in water at
times, so travel light and don't bring
anything valuable. In the height of the
dry season, it's possible to go beyond the
pool and explore the full length of the
cave. he cave is near the Hmong village
of Pha Thao , which lies 13km north of
Vang Vieng. Turn left after the bridge just
beyond the Kilometre 10 marker on
Route 13 - a road sign points the way to
the cave - and head for the river. Cross
the skinny suspension bridge and you'll
reach the village of Pha hao at the base
of a cliff. Locals will be able to point the
way to the cave mouth.

Laos Haven Just south of the tourist o ce on the
main road through town T 020 5904 3944, W laoshaven
hotel.com. Well run and sparkly clean, Laos Haven is a
great mid-range option for couples and young families
(family rooms are charged at 100,000K per person). Each
room h as its own s afe and breakfast is included in the rate.
Double 150,000K
Malany Villa On the same street as Kangaroo Sunset and
Gary's Irish Bar T 023 511083. Cheap, clean-ish double
rooms in two ugly but central buildings (the second is just
to the e ast, on th e main drag). The rate includes free wi-fi.
Double 50,000K
★

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus There are two main arrival and departure points
for buses. VIP buses and minivans from points north and
south still use the old airstrip just off Route 13, to the east
of town and within walking distance of most accom-
modation. Additional ordinary, VIP and minivan services
arrive and depart from the northern bus station, 2km
north of the town centre. Tickets sold for these services
usually include a tuk-tuk transfer from guesthouses in the
centre. Hostels and guesthouses around town sell tickets
to destinations across Laos (as well as other parts of
Southeast Asia).
Destinations from town Bangkok, Thailand (2 daily;
12hr); Luang Prabang (7 daily; 5-6hr); Pakse (daily; 16hr);
Phonsavan (1 daily; 6hr); Savannakhet (daily; 10hr);
Si Phan Don/4000 islands (daily; 11hr); Thakhek (daily;
9hr); Vientiane (at least 10 daily; 3-4hr).
Destinations from northern bus station

Maylyn Guesthouse On the western side of the
Nam Song T 020 5560 4095 W facebook.com/maylyn
guesthouse. Rustic bamboo bungalows set around a
peaceful, flower-filled garden on the west side of the
river, far from the noise of any late-night parties. There's
a sociable little chill-out are a at the front, and there are
several caves nearby. Double 50,000K
Mountain Riverview Guesthouse North of the town
centre, close to the river T 023 511699. One of the few

Luang Prabang
(2 daily; 5-6hr); Phonsavan (2 daily; 6hr); Vientiane
(9 daily; 3-4hr).