My day spent in the fast growing town of Vang Vieng in Laos. A day that was very nice, but also turned a little ugly.
I had previously visited Vang Vieng some 15 years ago, but now upon my return I found that I hardly recognised any part of this town any more. The old runway/airstrip and the Nam Song river are the most iconic features of Vang Vieng, along with the stunning landscape that peacefully overlooks the town and guards its secrets.
Although Vang Vieng has vastly increased with size, the charm of the town is still very special and refreshing.
Laos is a very beautiful Country, and the local Laos and French population are very warm & friendly indeed.
Vang Vieng was first settled around 1353 as a staging post between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Originally named Mouang Song after the body of the deceased King Phra Nha Phao of Phai Naam was seen floating down the river, the town was renamed Vang Vieng during French colonial rule in the 1890s.
Significant expansion of the town and its infrastructure occurred during the 1964-73 Vietnam War when the US constructed an air force base and runway that was used by Air America. The airstrip was then called "Lima site 6". In more recent times, the town has grown substantially due to the influx of backpackers attracted by the opportunities for adventure tourism in a limestone karst landscape.
Filmed & Edited by Tony Burch
An Off the Rails Production
Music by Blue Wednesday & DJ Quads
Track 1 Title: Sink or Swim by Blue Wednesday ft DJ Quads
Track 2 Title: I Like To by DJ Quads
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