We left Luang Prabang on a minibus to get to Vang Vieng. It was quite an experiencce. We were told we had air conditioning for the 5 hour journey, but it was turned off within 15 minutes because the engine would overheat. THe driver was consistently chain smoking. We travelled over huge mountains, with no barriers. THe moutains were very smokey and the view was not good, as the Laos people burn away the forrests before the rain season. AT one point, our driver was on the phone, driving with one hand, over taking two lorries round a blind bend with no barrier, which to be honest was a little bit scary.

Once we reached Vang Vieng we were very suprised. THe whole town is incredibly western, with pubs, clubs and activity centres everywhere. THere are about two temples here, maybe with a monk or two in each one, but it seems like no more. Everyone is drunk most of the time, for the first two days we were quite disaproving. In all fairness there is only a few things to do here - activities like rock climbing, caving, cycling, tubing and drinking. We went to the caves yesterday which were amazing. We cycled for an hour or two and were very shocked, the caves were huge with stalagmites glistening all around us.

THere are also bars which constantly play family guy, friends, simpsons etc, which is a nice relaxing place to chill in the evenings.

Today we thought we would try out tubing. From the start, we could see how everyone got so drunk in the day before the late afternoon. We went in our Tuk Tuk up the river to the start point and were dropped off with our rubber rings. We were given free shots stright away before we had even set foot in the water. For about 5 hours, we paddled along, stopping at the odd bar to buy a drink and get a free shot so we could swing off the river bank into the water, zipwire, and slide in. It was so fun but we are feeling the effects now! So sorry if this is long and rambling! Vang Vieng is a party town, and although we didnt like it as much at first, after the tubing we have a ciompletely different view!

We are off to Vientiene tomorrow and the day after Vietnam