LAOS: Vang Vieng
PHOTO GALLERY
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Located along Route 13 between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng is considered 'Guilin of Laos' for its mesmerizing combination of karst hills, caves and the crystal clear Nam Song River.
Some of the breathtaking photos above were taken right from our hotel, The Elephant Crossing Hotel. Breakfast is served on the riverside patio with the river and hills in full view.
a) The old unused American built airstrip in the middle of town.
b) School children cycling home for their lunch break.
c) An outdoor barber shop.
a) An interesting sign near the kayaking starting point.
b) Kayaking is great along scenic Nam Song River.
Below:
a) & b) You may prefer tubing down Nam Song River.
c) Or maybe just laze around the river's edge...
a) & b) Or you can climb up this platform, grab the trapeze and swing yourself into the river....
a) Crossing Nam Song River to Tham Chang (Elephant Cave). There's a cave shrine nearby with a rock formation resembling an elephant.

b) Bamboo rafting on Nam Song river or rather, delivering recently cut bamboo!
 
 
Locals at Tham Chang village
At the entrance of Tham Nam cave before tubing into the water filled cave.

Below:
a) Tham Nam entrance with rope for pulling oneself in.
b) & c) Have fun tubing into the cave.
a) The bridge that crosses over the Nam Song River to get to Tham Jang cave, the most famous cave in Vang Vieng.

b) Up the stairs to Tham Jang's entrance.
a) Tham Jang cave was used as a bunker in defence against marauding Yunnanese Chinese in the early 19th century. "Jang" means steadfast.
b) A creative photo by Mr. Somboon with the scenery from Tham Jang's viewpoint shot through a shoe shape hole. 
Scenery as viewed from Tham Jang's viewpoint.