Vang Vieng reminded me of one of those wild west goldrush towns from the movies. The roads were wide, dusty, rock strewn tracks of dry packed earth (outside town there was tarmac!?!), and most of the buildings had large wooden frontages.

We sorted out a guesthouse (a dollar each again, but ensuite!) and after noticing that the bank had shut before it should of, went for a wander. I sent an email to Dirk and Susanne telling them where we were staying while the others enquired about one of the many activities Vang Vieng is known for.

As I came out of the Net Cafe, Dave said (and I quote!) 'We're gonna do some kayaking, tubing and see some caves, you fancy it?'. It only cost 80,000 kip (less than a fiver) so I agreed.

That evening we went for a few beers. Vang Vieng is a strange place for bars. Firstly, you have a choice of either sitting at a table or on a raised platform sat on cushions. Secondly, whoever gets there first chooses what DVD goes on. For half the places 'Friends' is never off. We went in one with a serious looking film on (Day After Tomorrow) and kind of idly watched it while chatting.

We finished a beer when the film finished and so we waited to see what film went on before getting another. Spiderman2 went on so we got another beer in.