Editor Pick
Ride a Bike in Vang Viang
- May 22, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Hun Ohm from small town, Massachusetts
Ride a Bike in Vang Viang
By Hun Ohm
Songthaew, kayak, walking shoes – the ways to get around Laos are varied, and each is a great experience in its own right. However, don’t overlook the age-old classic. As they say, no one forgets how to do it, so there are no excuses. Ride a bike in Vang Viang.
Equipment
Bike rentals are easy to find around the town – just look for the freshly shined rentals lined up outside various shops. We rented our bikes for approximately $2.50 for the day. Some venues may offer "mountain bike"-style rides, which look rugged, but our tip is this: go for the bike with the extra seat padding and pay little attention to knobby wheels and purportedly reinforced frames. The paved roads of Vang Viang are easy enough to navigate, but the dirt roads across the Nam Xong tend to be dusty, rocky affairs that have the potential to end any familial line before it’s begun. Get the picture? Anyway, it’s up to you, but we say go with the comfort ride
Recommended Path
Head south down the westernmost road that runs parallel to the Nam Xong (i.e., just follow the direction of flow of the river), and soon you will hit a right turn that will lead you to a bamboo bridge across the river (near Bungalow Thavonsouk). We were required to pay a small "tourist toll". Pay it, cross the river, and continue on your way. Bear in mind that there may be other tolls along the way, so bring along some extra kip.
Be forewarned: the road is occasionally a bone-jarring ride. There are various techniques that you can employ to ease the jostles (stand tall, place a rolled towel atop the seat, walk your bike). Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged and head back to town. You will be rewarded with some spectacular scenery – limestone karsts soaring around you, horses grazing in fallow fields. Phou Kham cave (approximately 5-6 km from Vang Viang) serves as a good destination goal as you bike this road. The steep, challenging climb up is a decent workout, and the small turquoise pool of water at the foot of the karst housing the cave is a refreshing break from the dust and heat. Jump in from the overhanging tree branches, or swing like a simian on the attached rope before dropping in.
Most Impressive Impression in Brief
While you’re bouncing along your way, you’ll note the groan of the bike’s joints, or the sporadic crank of chain as you struggle to grind along the rock-ridden path. It can be a taxing ride, but keep your ears alert. You may soon begin to sense the essence of this path outside of Vang Viang. Stop in the middle of the road and lower the kickstand. Notice the momentary buzz of insect wings. In the distance, hear a neigh, or just the wind’s breathing. Now close your eyes. Yes, that’s right. Exactly.
From journal The Notorious Route 7 in Laos, and Other Tales