Vang Vieng

SNAPSHOT

VIENG

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

The striking limestone karsts fl anked by green paddies and the peaceful blue Song river of Vang Vieng present the perfect postcard impression of Laos. Tourism in this charming area has passed through many phases, beginning in the heyday of partying backpackers enjoying tubing the river, and then to throngs of young Koreans exploring the town in dune buggies. Now, with the opening of the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway conveniently reducing travel time to an hour, Lao tourists are rediscovering the scenic wonders of Vang Vieng.

1. The bridge over the Song River at Pha Theung about 15km north of Vang Vieng 2. Tourists enjoy kayaking through incredible limestone scenery 3. Vang Vieng evenings are lively at riverside restaurants

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1. At dawn and dusk, hot air balloons take guests high above the area 2. Paddling on the Song River gets visitors closer to nature 3. Local women collect algae during the dry season which is used in cooking 4. A woman washes the algae she has collected

1. A new attraction, the Vangvieng Inter Park, has landscaped gardens and dinosaur statues 2. The limestone mountains contain many caves with beautiful formations 3. Angel Cave is one of the caves that are more developed for tourism

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