Laos
Vang Vieng - Freedom Backpackers 2 - 28/11 > 03/12

Vang Vieng for some tourist activities!

- The previous town, Lang Prabang wasn’t suiting me, I can’t put my finger on why, but I’m enjoying Vang Vieng much more, happy to extend my stay here if need be.
- Off to a flying start with the activities,
1) Floating down into a water cave with a group of people on rubber rings armed with head torches, screaming, making animal and ghost sounds, and shouting there’s a waterfall ahead, some immature moments but good fun. We were told to switch our head torches off on the way back out which was scary but amazing, complete darkness, I couldn’t even see my hand in front of me whilst we’re all bumping into each other.
2) Next up zip lining from the treetops. To say we were up high is an understatement, never seen trees so tall in my life! To paint the picture, this activity started with a demonstration from the instructor, “if you are a short person you need to jump up to attach your harness rig to the zipline”, as he jumped his foot broke and went through the rotting wooden platform we were all standing on, knocking the fear of God into me. As we continued through the course, I was having major squeaky bum time, a lack of preventative maintenance one would say. To finish the course, you get lowered down to the ground from the treetops by the instructor, who has quite the laugh letting you free fall a few times. It was all great fun but was glad to get my feet back on solid ground!
3) Kayaking down the river was next, we had water fights along the way flicking water at each other with our paddles, a race to see who could row the fastest, river rapids which were tiny but seemed massive at the time. This part of the day went on for quite a while which was great to chill out. Passing locals shouting “Sa-bai-Dee” (hello) and waving, the kids playing in the river loved it.
- The local kids seem so content in life, they have a bike and football and their happy, no screaming or bad behaviour. I’ve never heard a parent shout at their child the full time I’ve been in Asia. When their hungry they get handed whatever is available and they eat, there isn’t any “I don’t like that” here.
- Right, the ants? I’ve lost count how many different colours and sizes I’ve seen. From the small black ones found in the UK, to ma-hoosive red fire ants the length of your thumbnail!