Travel in Laos Part III

Kayaking in VangVieng during summer season is not dangerous because the water level is low and the pressure of the water was not that strong compare to the rainy season from May to September. The guide allowed to have only 2 people in one kayaking and due to my hangover the night before, I chose to go with the guide and clients instead while other 2 friends of mine sharing the same kayak together. Kayaking was so fun in VangVieng, it allowed us the enjoy the nature of Laos which remains almost as same as what nature gives them with few garbage in the tube but there was not so much of it. The view was fascinating because at the right hand side of mine, there were a range of mountain along the way, so I saw everything green and some animals like buffaloes, goats, donkey along the way. Especially buffaloes, they liked to stay in the water, it was fun to see something nature like this. We paddled for 7 kilometers (well, not for me, I was just sitting because the guide himself can do the work perfectly without my help) then we got to where the clubs and swings were at.

The thing got my eyes was not the swings or big sliders but farang. There were farangs in every bar. It was as if I was in a country in Europe or something because I can hardly find any Asian or Laotians now. I guess it is just because VangVieng is so small and it’s so easy to find farangs because there was only one place for them to go to. The guides took us to the bar with the swing and huge slider. The swing was about 10 meters long at least, it was scary but I had to try it once no matter what. The deal was the customers had to buy something from the bar then you would allowed to play anything you like. Once you bought their drink or food, they will paint the nail polish on one of your nail as the pass ticket for you to use any service in their shops. Friends, customersand me got to the swing right away. I had to admit that I was very scared and almost gave up once I got to the top of the thingy but I had to try because I got to VangVieng already, it’s a must. The swing was very high indeed, they asked you to step on 2 piles of wood for left and right legs then grab the swing firmly and let yourself out. That moment was the scariest moment for me, I lose the swing with the swing so it was pretty high for dropping, the moment I dropped into water was hurt too because it was very high but……. It was very fun and I was so proud of myself that I finally did it.

I did it one more time, still scare but since I can do it once why couldn’t I do it again, right? Second time I dropped into water almost with my back so there was the red mark near to my bum. It was not a so good landing that I had. VangVieng city is all about water adventure, I saw many farang guys got injured with their feet. I suggest you who want to go there that you have to be a good swimmer because it can be a very dangerous place if you can take care of yourself in that deep tube with those crazy activities. After 1.30 hours at the swing, we continued kayaking for another 4 kilometers then we were off and walked back to the room. We were super tired, and then we decided to rest a bit before another night out again in VangVieng.

Laos Vang Vieng Kayaking