As a group we hadn't been particularly sure that Vang Vieng was for us - the main focus for most others going there was to go tubing down the Mekong and generally party - this all sounds OK but it's often described as an Asian Magaluf.It was much to our surprise that we found a whole brick house that we could rent for the four of us overlooking the river and spectacular mountains run by a very chilled Norwegian.We enjoyed some good grub with this view and wandered around the numerous bars playing 'Friends' before settling on one showing the football with half price buckets (there's something strange about drinking alcohol out of a child's beach toy) - and surprise, surpise we settled down for a game of cards.Over our drinks we agreed that led by Kevin (who had decided by this point that they would definitely be going to live in the jungle soon to save money) we would attempt to climb the mountain the following morning.So the next day fuelled by crepes and baguettes we set off in 35 degree heat (and 85% humidity) with a map and guidance from our Norwegian friend - this generally consisted of 'take the river bed that is by the banana plantation after the 3rd pole on the left'.Needless to say several hours later we hadn't reached the top but had had a good walk down lanes, through streams and over rocks to an impressive view and a cave.We had also seen the largest butterflies I have ever seen.Rather than go back the way we had come (never a quiet life) we plotted our route from our view, which took us through a thigh deep stream and across the paddy fields, along the river side and over a rickety bridge where we met a hoard of tiny squealing naked Laos children jumping in the river clutching large pieces of polystyrene.

Trainers squelching and trousers caked in mud we made it back to 'our house' and decided if we can't beat 'em, join 'em - the afternoon would be spent tubing.This usually entails hiring the inner tube of a tractor wheel and being taken 4km up stream where you start floating down the Mekong - the main thrill (for the crazy gap year kids) however is to by pulled to the shore by a rope to join a 'spring break' style party.If you're lucky you make it back to the town before dark alive and still clutching your tube otherwise you loose your deposit (or with approx 10 bars en route drunkenly whacking you head on a rock).As usual we wouldn't being doing it this way - Kevin and Rhys decided the cheapest option would be to swim whereas Sam and I weren't quite as confident so we bought 2 tubes (children's rubber rings) from the shop and we all hopped in a tuk tuk to the first bar.The majority of partiers don't make it past here with free shots and a massive rope swing into the river to play on so this is where we left the boys - Sam and I were virtually the only two on the Majestic Mekong with mountains towering over us.We popped into a couple of bars to watch the mud volleyball and people flying from a giant slide but settled on a chilled bar for an afternoon beer.Heading back down the river to the town (only having to manoeuvre our flimsy tubes around rocks a few times) we drifted along with the sun setting behind the mountains - we suddenly wondered how we would know where to get out - never fear - this is Asia and when there's a dollar to be made you can be sure a couple of kids will pop up.These two jumped in and swam under water to us grabbing our tubes (with Sam shouting for them to get off as his was toppling) and dragged us to the shore - panting from their efforts they were most disgruntled when they weren't paid.Rhys and Kevin did later appear with a few more buckets in their systems and several scrapes from the rocks.

The time had come for us to part company- Sam and I were going to head straight to the 4000 Islands and the boys were set on living in the forest (after Kevin had re-tackled the mountain and Rhys had slept on the floor outside all night as a result of too many buckets).We just had time to borrow a head torch from the Norwegian and walk to a cave where we could swim in some tunnels - this was lots of fun after we'd made it past the strong current and soon it was time bid farewell (to Rhys at least - Kevin was still up the mountain) and get on our bus to the south.

Liz