Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Riverside Boutique Resort
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$$
( 021-511726;
www.riversidevangvieng.com
;
by the toll bridge; r US$123-150;
)
Sugar-white and uber-stylish, this beautiful boutique belle is wrapped around a citrus-
green pool and garden that looks out onto the karsts. Rooms are gorgeous, with balconies,
crisp white sheets, and chic decor. Enjoy a cocktail in the restaurant - if you can tear your-
self from the sparkling pool.
A FRESH START
Back in 1999 Vang Vieng was a little-known affair where travellers came to float down the river on
tractor inner tubes, smoke the odd spliff and explore its fantastical caves. Then the rumour was out -
Vang Vieng was Southeast Asia's next hedonistic Mecca. Lao locals were quick to erect more guest-
houses, then the drugs got heavier and the party darker.
By 2009 makeshift rave platforms were spawning along the tubing route with many ignoring the
natural environment in favour of reefer, methamphetamine and opium cocktails. By 2011 a staggering
20-odd tourists per year were dying from heart attacks, drowning and broken necks, as well as being
subject to frequent drug busts. In August 2012 the river bars were shut down, thus ending a dark
chapter in the town's history.
Over the River & Out of Town
Maylyn Guest House
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 020 5560 4095;
jophus_foley@hotmail.com
;
r 50,000-80,000K; )
Maylyn is a stal-
wart of peace, has cosy, well-spaced cabanas set in lush gardens and affords possibly the
most dramatic views of the karsts. There's a new building with immaculate en suite
rooms, a maze of nooks for kids to play in, a pond and a cafe to read in.
Chez Mango
( 020 5443 5747;
www.chezmango.com
;
r 50,000-70,000K; )
Mango is friendly, scrupulously
clean and has seven basic but colourful cabanas (some with bathrooms) in its flowery gar-
dens. Run by friendly Frenchman Noé, this makes for a very restful spot. Breakfast is
available. He also runs Vang Vieng Jeep Tours (
Click here
)
from here. Recommended.
GUESTHOUSE
$
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