Riverside Eco-Activities in Vang Vieng

VANG VIENG

eco-excursions

5 to 15% OFF all Green Discovery ACTIVITIES

In Partnership with:

www.riversidevangvieng.com

overview Riverside Recommendation

Activities

Difficulty level

If you like

Walking

Easy

Local villages, waterfalls, beautiful landscapes

For everyone

Vang Vieng Experience Half day / Full day

Kayaking, caving/walking

Easy

Beautiful landscapes, caves, being on the river

For everyone exept guests with limited mobility

Discover Vang Vieng Half day

Trekking, caving

Easy to Moderate

Beautiful landscapes, caves

For everyone exept guests with limited mobility

Discover Vang Vieng Full day

Trekking, caving, kayaking

Moderate

Beautiful landscapes, caves, being on the river

For everyone exept guests with limited mobility

Secret Eden Full day

Trekking

Moderate

Beautiful landscapes

For everyone who can walk for several hours

Nam Lik Experience Full day

Kayaking

Moderate

Beautiful landscapes, being challenged on the river

For everyone, except small children as rapids can be strong during wet season

Cycling caving/walking

Moderate

Beautiful landscapes, caves, cycling

For everyone but probably too tiring for children unless a support vehicle is used

Climbing

Moderate

Beautiful landscapes, rock climbing

For everyone in good physical condition above 10-year old

Trekking, canyoning, ziplining, climbing, caving

Difficult

Physical activities and challenging yourself

For adults in good physical condition and not scared of height

Cooking

Easy

Cooking

For everyone interested in organic farming and cooking

Ethnic villages Half day

Cycling & Caving Full day Hot Climbing Half or full day Vang Vieng Challenge Full day Cooking at Organic Farm

.

Riverside Prices June 2014

Price per person

Private surcharge per group, w/ normal transport

Private surcharge per group, w/ minivan

Duration

1

2

3

Ethnic villages

1/2 day

$65

$37

$27

$23

$22

$33

Vang Vieng Experience

1/2 day

$51

$34

$23

$20

$17

$44

Vang Vieng Experience

Full day

$69

$43

$36

$32

$23

$61

Discover Vang Vieng

1/2 day

$48

$27

$20

$17

$16

$33

Discover Vang Vieng

Full day

$75

$47

$36

$36

$25

$40

Secret Eden

Full day

$60

$37

$32

$26

$20

$36

Nam Lik Experience (starts/ends in Vang Vieng)

Full day

$108

$62

$51

$40

$37

$131

Nam Lik Experience (starts in VV / ends in Vientiane)

Full day

$114

$67

$56

$45

$40

$183

Cycling & Caving

Full day

$40

$32

$28

$25

$13 *

$59 **

Hot Climbing

1/2 day

$41

$26

$22

$21

$16

$28

Hot Climbing

Full day

$51

$33

$28

$28

$21

$33

Hot Climbing

3 days

$143

$86

$72

$72

$53

$64

4 +

Vang Vieng Challenge

Full day

Cooking at Organic Farm

1/2 day

$83

$45

$40

$31

-

-

Regular cruise

45 mn

$17

$9

$12

$9

-

-

Cruise + stop at Organic farm

90 mn

$34

$18

$24

$18

.

* No support vehicle

** Truck as support vehicle

Half Day Village tour

(1/2 day sightseeing, caving all seasons)

Great and easy half day tour in the surrounding areas of Vang Vieng. Visit two ethnic villages to learn about local people’s way of life and the cultural differences between lowland Lao and Khmu people. Explore the famous Tham Chang Cave and enjoy a great lunch in the pioneer Organic Farm of Laos.

Vang Vieng > Ban Naduang > Tham Chang Cave > Ban Nakae > Vang Vieng At about 9:00 a.m. at your hotel, you board the waiting Tuk-tuk, Laos’ ubiquitous mode of transportation, and rattle on an unpaved farm track to Ban Naduang. In this village about 5 km east of Vang Vieng, two ethnic groups (lowland Lao and Khmu) live side by side. It is interesting to discover the different lifestyles of these two groups. However, one has to pay close attention to details and observe, for instance, the architecture of their houses.

You spend about 20-30 minutes here before heading further to one of the most important caves in the surrounding area- the beautiful Tham Chang Cave that offers an amazing view of Vang Vieng. During the civil war, this cave was used as an refuge for the village people.

Todaythe cave is home to beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and a very refreshing natural pool.

After having enjoyed the cave and the view, we head further to Ban Nakae, a village with merging populations of Khmu and Hmong people. Here again you have a chance to see the differences between these two ethnic groups.

On the final leg of this half day tour you will visit the well-known Organic Farm, the first of its kind in Laos, where you can get an introduction to their pioneering work and a nice meal at lunch time. From here you return to your hotel.

www.greendiscoverylaos.com www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Half Day Village tour

(1/2 day sightseeing, caving all seasons)

Village Tour Half Day No. Pax

Information

(VV-Y-1) Price/pax

1

69 $

2

39 $

3

29 $

4 up

25 $ e r Private surcharge per group o 23 $ f e b nt s u e o c i Pr t disc or res

Depart from

River

esort

Return to

River

esort

St

9:00 am

End at

13:00 pm

Dura

Half day

Departure date

Daily

River Grade

n/a

Transport

Private Tuk-Tuk or Songtheow

Meals

Lunch Sightseeing, Caving, Cultural Experience

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

What to bring

Hat, sun block, sarong for bathing, mosquito repellent

What is included

English speaking guide; water; meals and e transport as men

Discover Vang Vieng (Half or 1 day trek, caving and kayaking, all seasons)

This half or one day tour takes you to several sites surrounding Vang Vieng and introduces you to the thrill of cave exploration! Gain an insight into the Lao people's way of life and kayak down the beautiful Nam Song River.

Half day program: Vang Vieng > Tham Xang > Tham Hoi > Tham Nam Phathao > Vang Vieng Only 14km up north from Vang Vieng, discover the amazing Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) on the bank of the Nam Song River.

It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to the remarkable limestone formations in the cave.

Next we head to the nearby Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) which winds its way deep into the mountains. Here we spend 45 minutes exploring the numerous long corridors and wonderful limestone formations. We will also explore the Loop Cave and its amazing stalagmite formations before continuing on to Tam Nam (Water Cave) At Tham Nam cave a cool pool of spring water lies at the mouth.

It is a brilliant place to cool off by going for a swim! We tube through the cave which is full of water. In the dry season the water is completely crystal clear!

After this we trek 2km to the Hmong village of Phathao. The journey there passes through rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens. Up on arrival there is transport to take us back to Vang Vieng.

Approximately: 25 minutes transfer, 1.5 hour trekking, 2 hours caving/tubing/swimming

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Discover Vang Vieng

(Half or 1 day trek, caving and kayaking, all seasons)

1 Day Program Vang Vieng > Tham Xang > Tham Hoi > Tham Nam Phathao > Vang Vieng Only 14km up north from Vang Vieng, discover the amazing Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) on the bank of the Nam Song River. It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to the remarkable limestone formations in the cave.

Next we head to the nearby Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) which winds its way deep into the mountains. Here we spend 45 minutes exploring the numerous long corridors and wonderful limestone formations. We will also explore the Loop Cave and its amazing stalagmite formations before continuing on to Tam Nam (Water Cave).

At Tham Nam cave a cool pool of spring water lies at the mouth. It is a brilliant place to cool off by going for a swim! We tube through the cave which is full of water. In the dry season the water is completely crystal clear!

After this we trek 2km to the Hmong village of Phathao. The journey there passes through rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens.

In the afternoon, we start the trip back to Vang Vieng by kayak. The duration of kayaking trip depends on the water level in the river.

Enjoy paddling down the Nam Song river through idyllic scenes of rural life in the first plan and the unique limestone mountains views in the second plan.

Approximately: 25 minutes transfer, 1.5 hour trekking, 2 hours kayaking,

Information

Half Day Trek and Cave - VV-T-01.2 No. Ppl

Price/ppl

1

$ 51

2

$ 29

3

$ 22

4 up

$ 18

re o f be nt s u e o c i Pr t disc orKayak and Cave - VV-T-01.1 1 DaysTrek, e r

Private surcharge per group

No. Ppl 1 2 3 4 up

Private surcharge per group

$ 17

Price/ppl $ 79 $ 50 $ 38 $ 38 $ 26

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Depart from

Riverside Boutique Resort

Return to

Riverside Boutique Resort

Start time

9:30 am

End at

12:30 pm/5:00 pm

Duration

Half or 1 day

Departure date

Daily

Activities

25 minutes transfer/ 1 ½ hours trekking/ 2 hours kayaking/ 2 hours caving-tubing-swimming

Trekking Grade

2-easy

River Grade

1 easy

Transport

Private songthaew

Meals

Half day no Lunch, Full Day - Lunch

What to bring

Hat, sun-screen, torch, clothes/footwear to get wet

What is included

Water, meals, English speaking guide and transport as listed above

Secret Eden

(1 Day trekking and kayaking, all seasons)

This one day tour takes us trekking and caving across the 1500 m high ridge of Vang Vieng to remote places that even locals don't know about. The beauty of the Limestone Mountains must be seen to be believed.

1 day program Vang Vieng > Pathao > Tham Nam

We depart from the Riverside where the trek starts.

Resort and transfer 12km north to Phathao

We begin with climbing the steep mountains which lead us to some spectacular panoramic views! Near the top of the ridge lies the Tham Hok Cave, which we will take some to explore; it contains some of the most impressive st es and stalagmites to be found in Vang Vieng. er we begin the descent down the far side of the mountain to where 'Secret Eden' is reached! Here is to swim before returning to Vang Vieng.

Secret Eden

1 Day-VV-T-02.1

No. People

Price/ppl

1

$ 64

2

$ 39

3

$ 34

4 up

$ 28

re$ 21 o f be nt s u e o c i Pr t disc or s e r

Private surcharge per group

Information Depart from

River

esort

Return to

River

esort

St

9:30 am

End at

5:00 pm

Dura

1 Day

Departure date

Daily

River Grade

1-easy

Transport

Private songthaew, kayak

Meals

Lunch Transfer, trekking, kayaking, caving, jumping

What to bring

Hat, sun-screen, clothes/shoes to get wet, o repellent, change of clothes for the evening, sarong for bathing

What is included

Water, meals, English speaking guide, transport as listed above

www.greendiscoverylaos.com www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Vang Vieng Experience (Half or 1 day kayaking and caving, all seasons)

This half or one day tour combines all the activities that Vang Vieng is famous for. Including kayaking on the beautiful Nam Song River which is surrounded with towering mountains! Explore the beautiful rural scenery and amazing limestone caves as well as swimming in the crystal clear spring water.

Half day Vang Vieng > Viengsamay > Tham None >Riverside Boutique Resort

We will transfer around 10km North to the ethnic Khmu village of Viengsamay where after an introduction to the basics of kayaking we shall set off down the beautiful Nam Song river. The river offers various small but fun rapids along the way to Tham Lom (Winding Cave). After exploring the cave we continue traveling downstream to Tham None (Sleeping cave). Which is one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng and served as a rescue shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a family of bats and the ‘Magic Stone’ of Vang Vieng. In the rainy season we will swim through the entrance to the cave. The final leg of the journey is a gentle paddle which will return us to Vang Vieng just in time to catch the sunset from the swimming pool at Riverside Boutique Resort.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 2 hours kayaking, 45 minutes caving.

Full day Vang Vieng - Viengsamay > 0rganic Farm >Riverside Boutique Resort

We will transfer to ‘Viengsamay’ a village around 10 km north of Vang Vieng. After an introduction to the basics of kayaking we shall set off down the beautiful Nam Song river which offers various small but fun rapids along the way to our first stop at Tham Sim cave. Here we will walk up to the massive theater like cave which is full of impressive stalagmites, stalactites and bats!

After emerging from the cave a short trek over a pass leads us to a picnic spot on the riverside where we shall enjoy lunch. After lunch we shall continue down the river until the next stop at the Organic Farm where mulberry tea and a variety of different fruit wines are produced.

Continuing on down stream we arrive at Tham None Cave which is one of the largest caves in Vang Vieng! It served as a bomb shelter for local villagers during the Second Indochina War. However, today it is home to a bat family and the 'Magic Stone of Vang Vieng'. The final leg of the journey is a gentle paddle downstream to Vang Vieng where we shall arrive just in time to catch the sunset from the swimming pool at Riverside Boutique Resort.

Approximately: 15minutes transfer, 4.5 hours kayaking, 1.5 hour caving/walking

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Price Per Person

Half Day - VV-K-22

1 Day - VV-K-21

No. Ppl

Price/person

1

$ 54

$ 73

2

$ 36

$ 46

3

$ 25

$ 38

4 up

$ 22

$ 34

Private surcharge per group

$ 18

Price/person

re o f be nt s u e o c i Pr t disc or res $ 24

Note: 1 Day Kayaking The above itinerary can only be done in the dry season. In the wet season, we start from Pathang village, which is 8km further than Viengsamay village. Lunch will be served at Viengsamay village. Only one cave will be visited, Tham Xang (Elephant cave) due to the fast water running.

Approximately: 25 minutes transfer, 4 hours kayaking, 2 hours caving

Information Depart from

Riverside Boutique Resort

Return to

Riverside Boutique Resort

Start time

9:00 am or 13:00 (Half day) / 9:30 am (Full day)

End at

13:00 pm or 17:00 (Half day) / 17:00 (Full day)

Duration

Half or 1 day

Departure date

Daily

River Grade

1-easy

Trekking Grade

2 easy

Meals

Half day no Lunch, Full Day - Lunch included

Activities

Kayaking, caving

Transport

Private songthaew, kayak

What to bring

Hat, sun-screen, clothes/shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, sarong for bathingy

What is included

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Water, meals, English speaking guide and transport as listed above

Vang Vieng Cycling & Caving (1 day cycling and caving, all seasons)

Mountain bike through rice fields and wade through rivers amidst mountainous limestone scenery. Pass through villages next to the Nam Khouang River which are towered over by amazing peaks of up to 1400m high!

Itinerary: Vang Vieng > Tham Poukham > Phonxay > Ban Nathong Tai > Vang Vieng Depart from Vang Vieng and cross the Nam Song River via a bamboo bridge before starting off the day with exploring one of the most unusual caves in the area 'Tham Poukham' the amazing "Cave of the Golden Crab". After this we shall head off via mountain bike on a tour which covers approximately 26km through the karst range of the Nam Song & Vang Vieng. After reaching the far side of the ridge, a steep hike leads to the Tham Poukham Cave. Its hidden corridors are filled with an endless array of stalagmites and stalactites, underground lakes, deep wells and up to 80 m high chimneys!

Continuing westwards the trail gets increasingly rough as we follow the narrow valley of the Houay San stream until Pha Deng 'red cliff' comes into sight to the right. Depending on the season, the bikes may have to be carried a short distance across the muddy patches.

Continuing on we arrive in Phonxay the first village on the banks of the Nam Khouang. The road here continues south and runs beside the Nam Khouang; we follow it until the crossroads in Ban Nathong Tai where the road to the Nam Song Bridge is met which leads us back to Vang Vieng where a sunset drink by the river marks the end of a great cycling adventure.

Approximately: 4 hours cycling, 1.5

hours caving/walking

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Vang Vieng Cycling & Caving (1 day cycling and caving, all seasons)

Vang Vieng 1 day (Cycling & caving) - VV-C-41 No. ppl

Price/ppl

1

$ 43

2

$ 34

3

$ 30

4 up

$ 27

re o f $ 14 Private surcharge per group be s unt e o c i c Pr t dis or res

Information

Depart from

Riverside Boutique Resort

Arrival at

Riverside Boutique Resort

Start time

8:00 am

End at

4:00 pm

Duration

1 day

Departure date

Daily

Cycling Grade

2-3 easy

Trekking Grade

2 easy

Meals

Lao style lunch

Activities

Cycling and caving

What to bring

Torch, hat, sun-screen, shoes to get wet, sarong for bathing and water for the day

What is included

Mountain bikes, English speaking guide, lunch, bridges and cave fees

Note: Cycling A loop of 36km can be made via the route No 13. But it is not recommended due to the traffic.

Note: Support Vehicle A support vehicle can be arranged during the cycling part for an extra charge.

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Nam Lik Experience (1 day kayaking, all seasons)

For those of you looking for an exciting alternative to mere road travel between Vientiane and Vang Vieng this trip offers the answer! An amazing adventure on one of the most scenic rivers in Laos!

Vang Vieng > Hin Heup > Ban Vang Mon > Vang Vieng/Vientiane The trip starts from Vang Vieng where after a ride via public Songthaew you shall arrive in the town of Hin Heup. Here we shall meet others at the 'Kayaking Meeting Point' sign board situated at a local shop. The kayaking trip itself then begins where Route 13 crosses the Nam Lik River over an old iron bridge.

We begin with some basic instructions and practice before our experienced river guide escorts you downstream through the first section of rapids! (Grade 1-2, suitable for beginners) We continue onwards until stopping for lunch which is a delicious Lao style picnic served on banana leaves! Here is time to relax or for the more energetic why not take a swim in the river? This all whilst of course under the careful supervision of our professional and thoughtful guides.

The afternoon is spent in calmer waters where we shall see the local fishermen at work as they cast their nets. As we continue paddling we end up within a stunning steep gorge which provides perfect platforms for exhilarating cliff jumping! Into the cool deep river below. The day ends at a ethnic Tai Dam Village of ‘Ban Vang Mon’ in the dry season or at the ethnic Lao Loum Village of ‘Ban That’ in the wet season. Here a pick-up truck awaits us for the transfer to either back to Vang Vieng or Vientiane.

Approximately: 3 hours transfer & 4 hours kayaking

Note: There are different options of departure and arrival point 1. The trip can start in Vang Vieng and end in Vang Vieng 3. The trip can start in Vang Vieng and end in Vientiane

www.greendiscoverylaos.com www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Nam Lik Experience (1 day kayaking, all seasons)

Start-End in VV (VV-K-23.1)

Start VV-End VTE (VV-K-23.3)

No. Pax

Price/pax

Price/pax

1

$ 121

$ 127

Nam Lik Exp. 1 Day

2

$ 69

3

$ 57

4 up

$ 45

Private surcharge per group

$ 40

$ 75

re o f e $s 42 b nt u e o c i Pr t disc or s e r $ 63

$ 51

Information

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Depart from

Riverside Boutique Resort

Return to

Riverside Boutique Resort

Start time

Vang Vieng 9:30 am

End at

Vang Vieng/Vientiane 5:00 pm

Duration

1 day

Departure date

Daily

River Grade

1 easy to 2-novice depending on the river level

Transport

Public songthaew, kayak

Meals

Lunch

Activities

Transfer, kayaking

What to bring

Hat, sun block, clothes/shoes to get wet, sarong for bathing, mosquito repellent

What is included

English speaking guide; water; meals and transport as mentioned above

Hot Climbing in Vang Vieng (Half or 1 or 3 days course, all seasons)

Over the past three years, Green Discovery has been working with climbers from all around the world to develop the amazing potential for world class sport climbing in the Vang Vieng area. Two areas were developed with a total of 50 routes ranging from 5a to 8a+ (French rating).

Classic jagged steep limestone climbing. Simply climb and enjoy! There is a massive selection of amazing rocks in shady crags by the river just waiting for you!

Course Information Half Day Course: Instruction: learn basic knots, climbing techniques.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 15 minutes instruction, 3-4hours climbing

1 Day Course: Instruction: learn basic knots, climbing techniques, and how to work belay device.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 30 minutes instruction, 6 hours climbing

3 Days Course Day 1: Instruction: learn basic knots, climbing techniques, and how to work belay device.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 30 minutes instruction, 5-6 hours climbing

Day 2: Instruction: Build on basic climbing techniques with the security of top rope and begin to learn lead climbing basics through second climbing.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 1hour instruction, 3-4 hours climbing

Day 3: Instruction: What it's all about! Lead climbing basics and then time to push yourself as hard as you want on top rope.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 1 hour instruction, 3-4 hours climbing

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

Hot Climbing in Vang Vieng (Half or 1 or 3 days course, all seasons)

Information Depart from

Riverside Boutique Resort

Return to

Vang Vieng

Start time

9:30 am

End at

5:00 pm

Duration

½, 1 or 3 days

Departure date

Daily

Climbing Grade

From 5a to 8a+

Transport

Private songthaew taxi

Meals

½ day - No meals, 1 day - 1 lunch, 3 days - 3 lunches

Activities

Climbing with tuition

Gear rental per day Rope: US$ 8 Harness: US$ 6 Shoes: US$ 6 Set of quick draws & belay device: US$ 10 Full set of gear for 2 people: US$ 35

Note: Climbing Guide book

All permit and access costs were waived from the beginning of 2005. The Rock Climbing Guide to Vang Vieng is available for $5 USD at all Green Discovery offices.

Dry Season (Dec-May)

½ Day - VV-R-51.1

1 Day - VV-R-51.2

3 Days - VV-R-51.3

No. Pax

Price/pax

Price/pax

Price/pax

1

$ 46

$ 57

$ 159

2

$ 29

$ 37

$ 96

3

$ 25

$ 32

$ 80

4 up

$ 24

$ 32

Private surcharge per group

$ 18

$ 22

www.greendiscoverylaos.com

re o f be nt s u e o c i Pr t disc or res $ 80

$ 56

Last update: 24/03/2008

Cooking Class at Organic Farm (HaLF Day, all seasons)

This half-day activity is for anyone who wants to discover Lao cooking and learn how Lao people use natural materials and traditional methods for growing their crops and raising their animals.

Half day program Vang Vieng > 0rganic Farm > Vang Vieng At 8:30 am, we will bring you by boat directly from Riverside Boutique Resort to the Organic Farm located in the village of Phoudindaeng, about 4 km north of Vang Vieng.

After a welcome drink, you will visit the Farm, which is a vibrant hub for a variety of projects that center around the organic production of mulberry trees, along with organic fruits, vegetables, poultry, and goat cheese.

You will then learn about the ingredients and flavors that make Lao food so special and prepare several Lao dishes with your guests, using organic products from the farm that you will have selected yourself.

Examples of dishes you may experience, depending on the season, include: Mulberry leaves tempura (an Organic Farm specialty), Jeaow Mak Khua (spicy eggplant dip), or Jeaow Hate (spicy mushroom dip), Bamboo Soup or Lao Vegetable Soup, Stir-Fried Greens Curry, and much more.

Lunch will be served at the Organic Farm restaurant where you will also get an opportunity to procure local souvenirs that support community projects.

You will return by tuktuk to Riverside Boutique Resort on time for an afternoon of relaxation and digestion by the pool.

Information Depart from

River

Return to

River

St

8:30 am

End at

1:30 pm

Dura

Half Day

Departure date

Daily y

River Grade Tr

Cooking Class

Half Day

No. People

Price/ppl

1

$ 83

2

$ 45

3

$ 40

4 up

$ 31

Lunch

What t

Wha

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Ha