white-water rafting

Just back from a 2-day white-water rafting trip on the Nam Ngum River...

Day 1 was a little disappointing because we spent far longer travelling than actually in the raft...but once we got started (at 3pm) it was tons of fun. We had 7 in the group + 3 guides (one was in training!) - dutch, german, 2 israeli, aussie, irish, & scottish. Our guides To & Kong definitely knew what they were doing (always good to have confidence in the leaders!). This is strong-man Kong on our raft -->



We had a superb campspot beside the river, and a really fun evening. Kong & Noi cooked dinner, and To told some stories about other rafting adventures. Sleeping bags and mosquito nets were provided (which was just as well or we would have been eaten).


Day 2 was definitely worth it - the rapids were super fun, ranging between grade 2 and 4. We did a 360 degree turn in the middle of one (never really know if the guides are just having fun with us or really out of control!), but never capsized (although the german girl did fall in!). We jumped in to swim at the calm spots (very nice way to cool off), and finished off with a cliff jump.




A longtail boat picked us up for a 3-hour cruise across Nam Ngum lake. Great views of the mountains, and some friendly (?) water buffalo. Finally a short bus journey back to Vang Vieng...fun fun fun :)