Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRESS FOR SUCCESS IN VANG VIENG
The
varied terrain
surrounding Vang Vieng can turn treacherous in a hurry, particularly
during the rainy season.
Exercise caution
while wandering through caves and scrambling
about on the steep slopes of the karst formations, as serious injuries incurred by foolhardy
travellers while tramping about in the area are common. Slippery trails demand that proper
shoes be worn - Teva-style sandals with good traction are the best for conquering Vang
Vieng's alternately rocky and muddy trails. Bermuda-type shorts are also a good sartori-
al choice as you may end up knee-deep in water at some point if you intend to enjoy the
countryside to the fullest. A re-sealable plastic bag for valuables such as money and your
passport is an excellent idea. Do not leave your valuables with local kids or teenagers, who
may offer to “look after them for you” while you explore a cave, and make sure you get
back to town before dark - robberies have been reported.
Finally, while it may be tempting to wander around in your swimming gear (and it's very
common to see travellers walking around town half-naked), always remember that in Laos
gratuitous displays of flesh are considered a form of rudeness and disrespect.
ACCOMMODATION
Despite its small size, Vang Vieng is one of the best-value spots for accommodation in the
country - it's possible to find a perfectly decent en-suite double here for under $10. On the
downside, most of the town's
guesthouses
seem to have been built by the same architect,
whose forte is huge, concrete monstrosities with Corinthian columns. Most visitors seem to
end up in these cheap but less-than-atmospheric digs in the centre of town. For something
with more character, try one of the boutique hotels or bungalow operations along the river,
which have views of the Nam Song and mountains beyond.
Banana Bungalows
Just north of
Otherside Bungalows
, on the western side of the river
020 5501 4937,
banana_bungalow@hotmail.com
.
If you're on a budget and want relat-
ive peace and quiet without being too far from the action, these plain bungalows do the job
nicely. The cheapes
t have a
shared bathroom, while for 30,000K extra you can upgrade to an
en-suite bungalow.
50,000K
Ban Sabai Bungalows
Opposite the hospital, towards the south of town 020 7755 3225,
inthira.com
.
Reasonably well-equipped bungalows on stilts, built close to the Nam Song
and with shared use of a small pool. Rooms come with a/c
an
d spacious verandas, but are a
looking a bit worn. The view from the
restaurant
is divine.
$30
Central Backpackers
On the main road, just south of the junction with Kangmuong St
023 511593,
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
