The Best of Cambodia & Laos

GETTING THERE
Vang Vieng is a smooth 3-hour bus ride north on Rte. 13 from Vientiane. There are
numerous daily departures from the Morning Market (& 021/216-507), and tickets are
57,000 kip on a VIP bus and 90,000 kip on a minibus. Bus connection to Luang Prabang
is a popular option, a bumpy but scenic 6-hour ride for just 105,000 kip. However,
attacks just north of town mean that road travel must be undertaken with caution. Ask
around about the current situation, and do not be surprised if there is a bus-company
employee toting a machine gun onboard.
The bus station (& 023/511-341) is just outside of town on Rte. 13 heading north
about 2km (1 1 ⁄4 miles) from the main junction, and there are plenty of tuk-tuk drivers
there who can take you to the town center or the guesthouse of your choosing.
GETTING AROUND
Vang Vieng is a very small place and you can walk everywhere. Many choose to do this
without shoes, despite the health risks. You can also hire bicycles for $1 a day or motorbikes
for $8 a day from many guesthouses.
VISITOR INFORMATION & TOURS
Quite a number of local guesthouses and operators offer tours of various sorts.
Other operators offering the same mixture of outdoor activities are situated on the
road that runs down from the main junction to the old market and on to the river. They
include Wonderful Tours (& 023/511-566), Riverside Tour (& 023/511-091) and
Namthip Tours (& 020/562-3536).
Green Discovery If you are looking for eco-tours and adventure activities, Green
Discovery is the acknowledged expert with a full range of kayaking, rafting, caving,
climbing, cycling, and motorcycling tours. They have an excellent safety record. They
provide tours where you can enjoy a mixture of activities. Their office is right on the
main junction next to the Xayoh Restaurant (same company). They will also tailor activity
tours to your personal needs. In addition to the potpourri of outdoor activities on
offer they also offer a 1- to 3-day tutorial climbing course.
Main junction next to Xayoh Restaurant. & 023/511-230. www.greendiscoverylaos.com. Daily 8am–
10pm.
X-plore-asia X-plore-asia offers a range of caving and trekking tours. They also specialize
in kayaking.
Luang Prabang Rd. & 020/255-5176. www.x-plore-asia.com. Daily 8am–10pm.
Vang Vieng
Banks & Currency Exchange The BCEL (& 023/511-434; Mon–Fri 8:30am–
3:30pm) is on the main street south of the main junction. There is, however, a
convenient exchange kiosk (open daily 8:30am–3:30pm and 5–8pm) in the center
of town opposite the Dokeun Guesthouse near the main junction. They change
cash and traveler’s checks and make advances on Visa and MasterCard. There is
also an ATM issuing kip only (up to 700,000 kip).
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VANG VIENG & SURROUNDING AREA 12
FAST FACTS: VANG VIENG