Looking for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful natural setting? Then look to laid-back Laos. Landlocked by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China, Laos is accessible through all of these surrounding countries, making it a well-situated destination for visitors to Southeast Asia. Mountains, tropical forests, the majestic countryside, tiny villages and larger cities are just some of the attractions Laos has to offer. Although the city of Vientiane, the nation’s capital, is busy compared to the small villages found here, it remains relatively quiet for a large Asian city. Realtravelers Chris and Vee toured around northwestern Laos and share their adventures in Vietiane and Vang Vieng:
“What a week of contrasts we have had in northwestern Laos. From Luang Prabang we headed south, a spectacular mountain road to Vang Vieng, a small town set amongst rugged karst scenery by the Nam Xong . Our room, in a traditional Lao home perched high above the river, had fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. After a morning trek which had us wading through a flooded cave I drifted down the Nam Xong on a huge inner tube. Traditional village life interrupted by noisy riverside bars with bamboo towers where tourists leapt into the river on zip wires-bizarre! In Vang Vieng you can see locals fishing and washing in the river or watch continuous episodes of ‘Friends’ in the bars on the main street!”