I arrived in Vang Vieng last night after a pretty incredible journey. Six hours winding through the dramatic Laos scenery made for an interesting ride. The only worry being denim dressed guard at the front with an automatic rifle. “Should I be happy he’s there or worried he’s needed”. I checked into a guesthouse and got a good nights sleep.

On wakeing the full grandeur of the surrounding landscape was apparent. The flat plane of Vang Vieng is immediately surrounded by gravity defying limestone cliffs. I walked into town, all two roads of it, and hired a large inner tube. Why? Floating down the river is one of the best ways to take in the scenery around here, and that was my intention. I took a ride further up the river so my journey would back in town, hopped on and set off. Despite the 5 hour journey there is plenty to keep you occupied along the way. Laotions hold out long lengths of bamboo allowing you to purchase a beer and keep floating, very relaxing :-) Another stop of point allows you to take your tube hundreds of feet deep into the mountains. Floating in the pitch black is pretty terrifying especially when you loose sight of the only guy with a head torch. I finally found my way out and made it back to town.

Apparently even the most hardened traveler gets sick of rice 3 times a day. Ive held out for a long while but ive finally broke and am off to find a pizza.