The area around Vang Vieng boasts countless caves and viewpoints, but at one point a local tour guide started promoting a swimming spot as the "blue lagoon". It became such a hit with the ever-increasing number of tourists that countless other "blue lagoons" popped up. While some lagoons now see large tour groups pulling in, this one called "Blue Lagoon 4" is one of the lesser-visited lagoons and made for a fun day chilling in the water and jumping off the rope swing.

Vang Vieng has seen a rapid transformation from remote backwater to hidden gem to an infamous drug-fueled backpacker party hotpot to an upper-end destination for Korean and Chinese tourists, but it still makes for a convenient base to explore the breathtaking landscape surrounding the town.

On our way back to Vang Vieng from exploring the natural wonders of the region, it got dark quickly and driving the motorbike on the small and bumpy roads in the dim light of the headlight was quite an adventure. But then, who wants to leave early from such a beautiful sunset?