World Laos LA21 Vang Vieng

Indochine Indochine Adventure

Tubing down the Nam Song Jun 3, 2008

So we made it to the Lao National Tourist Office (it turns out Saturday was Int'l Children's Day). They gave us some nice brochures for filling out a survey, but they weren't able to answer any of our questions about Luang Namtha. "Go to the tourist office when you get there." We'll just have to wing it. We finished out June 1st with a few more Buddhist Wats and one more massage - Aubrey was broken in half by a girl that looked about fourteen years old. We also tried STINKY dorian fruit. Aubrey insisted on bringing it up to the hotel room, and it stank up the whole place. Karolyn - stuffy nose and all - couldn't bear it for more than five minutes and made him bring it outside. Even the hotel manager agreed. Dorian fruit stinks! Last night, we spent an overnight in Vang Vieng - a little village on the Nam Song river. It's famous among backpackers for all kinds of adventures, including kayaking, rock climbing, and caving. It's most famous for tubing trips down the river...which we tried, despite the rain. There are a few restaurants and bars along the riverbanks where you can stop for lunch, but mostly we just relaxed and looked at the beautiful views! Our guesthouse was really cute with grass roofs and walls. It felt a little like camping, with a private bathroom and electricity! We also had our first taste of local transportation. We took the city bus up to Vang Vieng, but got a ride from an informal bus on the way back. Informal bus = guy with a pick -up truck (or in some cases, a tractor) and benches lining the back. For four hours! It somehow wasn't as bad as it sounds, though. Downside to Vang Vieng (besides the annoying British students on their "gap year" and roosters that crowed all night long) - after fighting with rain for two days straight, we got surprised by the sun and got sunburned! Karolyn treated it by covering herself head-to-toe in yogurt. Aubrey hates yogurt and thinks she's crazy. Ah well, we'll just have to cover up well with long-sleeves for tomorrow's elephant trek. We're taking an email poll: Which is more annoying? Clogged up ears or bare feet on a sticky floor?

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