OnTheRoad

One of the more popular tourist desinations in Laos, Vang Vieng has a population of around 3000, plus tourists, or so I'm told. I think that leaves us with a total population of around 6000, there seem to be as many tourists as locals, at least in the high season.

It's nestled up in the mountains (not really mountains by NZ standards) beside a great river. Lots of bars and restaurants by the river, kayaking, tramping and caving are also available. Bikes can be hired for less than $US1 per day, 640ml bottles of Beerlao can be had for 7000kip (around $US0.7) in restaurants - although if you want a cosy riverside bar, it may skyrocket to 10000kip... bank breaking, I assure you :D

Stayed at: Amphone Guesthouse, along the road running parallel to the river, quite close. Tidy, small rooms with fan and en suite, hot water, $US3 per night.

A nicer option is the Thavisouk Guesthouse, same price, nicer rooms, motorcycles for rent, tours etc.

Stuff to do: Tubing down the river ($US3.5 at the place, $US4 at the travel agencies), kayaking tours, trekking, caving, biking.