Kayaking in Vang Vieng, Laos: Higher than Tubing

Regardless of all of the horror tales of backpackers partying non cease and indulging in drunk river tubing, Vang Vieng is definitely a very fairly place. And I’m not speaking concerning the downtown social gathering streets – they honestly are lined with low-cost bars exhibiting reruns of Associates all day lengthy. However the space surrounding Vang Vieng – the river, the mountains, the countryside – is beautiful. And among the finest methods to see the realm is by going kayaking in Vang Vieng. It’s a good way to expertise the Nam Music River and the encompassing mountains – right here is our journey report with photographs.

Vang Vieng is legendary for tubing. Each afternoon, the crowds take tuk tuks out of city and tube down the Nam Music river. They cease at a bar right here and there, hearken to terrible techno music whereas getting drunk (and excessive) on the best way. The city is working laborious to wash up its act, most of the bars have been shut down and it’s not as loopy anymore because it was once. You CAN have a great time river tubing even for those who’re not a twenty-something backpacker on the lookout for a celebration. Nevertheless, for those who actually need to chill out and benefit from the river, my private advice is to attempt kayaking as a substitute (or hey, do kayaking along with tubing!).

Go kayaking within the morning

To let you know the reality, we primarily went within the morning as a result of that’s the time our pretty visitor home host recommended. However we quickly realised it was an incredible alternative: Firstly, it wasn’t as unbelievably sizzling but because it will get within the afternoon. That’s a great factor, even if you’re in or on the water. Secondly, we had the river nearly to ourselves. Many of the manner, we had been the one folks on the river. We simply got here throughout a couple of locals taking a shower within the river or looking for river weed (extra on that later). Solely on the final stretch, nearly again on the town, did we come throughout a couple of early tubing folks. Lastly – and that is necessary – a lot of the bars weren’t open but, which meant the dreaded techno music was very restricted. Nearly all of the time, we loved the river in silence. Nature appropriately.

Why kayaking is best than tubing

What I preferred about kayaking in Vang Vieng was that being in a kayak and having paddles gave us a little bit of management. We had gone tubing in Kasi the week earlier than, and three of us fully worn out in a present that we simply didn’t see early sufficient. I wasn’t comfortable. Within the kayak, I felt extra in management and safer. The paddles additionally allowed us a bit extra velocity the place the present was gradual, which was good, because it was dry season. We did see a couple of tubers getting caught on the best way and having to get out and swim or stroll. And naturally, it was additionally a little bit of a exercise – although I need to admit I took full benefit of the truth that we shared a double kayak. I spent nearly extra time taking photographs and admiring the surroundings than I did paddling. However that’s what I’ve a robust accomplice for, proper?

Impressions from our day of kayaking in Vang Vieng

The corporate we went with picked us up at our visitor home and drove our group to the outskirts of city with all our tools

That is what the river is like within the dry season. In some spots, the water could be very shallow – we really grounded our kayak a few instances.

Preparing for our kayaking session

Off we go!

Our information was apparently involved about us getting too sizzling in sunny Laos climate. He stored splashing everybody together with his paddle!

Not a nasty backdrop for a kayaking picture!

The views from the river are gorgeous. Surrounded by inexperienced mountains.

There aren’t many bars left, most of them have been closed down. However there are sufficient there for a brief break everytime you want one. And they’re going to make it easier to get your kayak or tube to shore.

Our trusty kayaks ready for us at our solely bar cease. Even that was fairly brief as none of us had been very eager on the techno enjoying at full energy!

Me being a lazy kayaker and posing quite than paddling

A closed down bar by the river

Extra gorgeous surroundings

See? An empty river. Good, quiet place for kayaking, for those who time it proper

That is quintessential Laos: Intense inexperienced mountains proper subsequent to the river

Fortunately, our kayaks had been a bit sturdier than these boats. Need to admit these are extra photogenic although!

Anybody else all the time really feel like a turtle with life vests which might be too massive?

This lady is looking for river weed. It’s a Lao specialty. They mash it up, make skinny sheets of it, dry it and toast it, making it actually crispy. It’s often served with a spicy tomato dip and ideal paired with some Luang Prabang sausage. And it’s manner nicer than it sounds!