Travel to Vang Vieng

This morning we met our minibus and were whisked away to Vang Vieng; a supposed 5 hour trip. Actually, 'whisked away' is not really the right phase, 'slow grinding, mountainous windy slog' would be a more accurate description.

However, the treacherous ride was more than made up for by the outstanding scenery. We didn't have time to do the Mae Hong Son region of Thailand, which is also supposed to be spectacular, but this was definitely one of the most amazing stretches of road we've ever been on. The minibus hugged this serpentine road as it ascended so far into the heavens, we were wondering if we would ever come back down. The bus trudged past small villages with thatched houses hugging the side of the road, just on the edge of steep slopes that fell away below. Villagers squatting, watching the day go by, hens chasing after their chicks, piglets trotting across the road: it was a true Asia moment that lasted the entire day. It was also sobering to think how these people manage to eke out an existence here, farming on the steep slopes above and below.

We descended, then re-ascended a number of valleys and mountain ranges, then began our long descent down to Vieng Vang. Here the landscape became Karst again, mountainous terrain with impossibly vertical cliffs plunging down abruptly into rice paddies. More than once I lamented that my camera was inoperative.

We arrive and Vang Vieng, and once unpacked, begain drinking on the balcony with some Irish travelers (Irish and drinking - there's a dangerous combination), and eventually went for dinner. I tried out my camera. Luckily, it is working again, and all the photos are still there.