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Vang Vieng The New Mecca For Backpackers
Bordering Vietnam, the country affectionately called The Jewel of the Mekong, Laos, became a popular travel destination for backpackers in the post-Vietnam War era, when publications like Lonely Planet began to highlight the majestic scenery and karst hills of the Southeast Asian country. A drive into Vang Vieng in Laos will find a laid-back main street, guest houses, bars, internet cafes and the shoreline of the Nam Song River (The Song), littered with rope swings, water slides and inter tubes. Brimming with drunken backpackers in bars and on inter tubes floating down the Nam Song River, the town has become a cultural phenomena. To inner tube The Song is nearly a prerequisite for backpackers to the region, with points given to those inebriated when honoring it. In recent years, the popularity of the activity has spread beyond backpackers to develop a cult-following, and now garners the reputation as "the place to go," taking over the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan in Thailand. If drinking in the river's lush landscape on inner tubes has sparked Vang Vieng's tourism-oriented growth, then the the second largest contribution is made from those that arrive for spelunking and rock climbing. The limestone mountains surrounding Vang Vieng are not just beautiful, but are also crowded with caves, caverns and unique rock formations.
On the surface, the description of Vang Vieng may seem like an organic, Asian version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but its more the ideal outdoor playground. The tourism-oriented town has limits in a communist country, where all businesses must close by midnight. So, while topping off a day at a small bar alongside the the river must be done before midnight, hopping in inter tubes and meandering along the river has to begin early morning. Around the time a tourist to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras stumbles back to the hotel, the Vang Vieng traveler awakens to begin the day's drinking. Strategically placed alongside the river, bars lining the shore of the Nam Song river often have swing ropes or water slides, accommodating both the tourists on the water and land. The perfect playground oftentimes becomes the jumping off spot where the drunken inter tubers themselves become the main attraction. The real attractions of the area are the excitement in the midst of gorgeous limestone hills and the fun and character it adds to the journey.
About the Author
Photographer and author of Vang Vieng Laos travel blog.
Traveling to Italy in November/December?
Hi Everyone
I’m traveling to Italy in late November/December this year and I was wondering if you could help me with some things…
To anyone who has traveled to Italy during this time…
Couple of questions. 
1. What are the best things to wear? I mainly plan on wearing jeans, fitted jackets, boots and thermals because it will be cold.
2. Is colours like reds and greens common or should I stick to neutrals like blacks and browns?
3. What was the best thing you took or you wish you took with you?
4. How did you carry your things? Backpack or handbags?
5. Did you hesitate on buying things and wish you bought it later?
6. Were internet cafes any trouble?
7. Were there any good websites you visited to gather information?
I know I have a lot of questions.
I really appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Ciao, I'm italian! I suppose I can answer...
1. Wear what you want... jeans, jacket, boots, overcoat are great for this season (it's usually cloudy... and during the morning and evening, it's not very hot!!!).
2. Red is the must color of the season! 
(during fashion week in Milano some week ago every stylist proposed it!). Also green is good! We love purple, too! But certainly you can wear every color you want!!! No probs!
3. Mm... when I travel I use a shoulder bag! Very confortable! And also take a vocabulary (and try to speak our language!).
4. Both!
5. I wasn't able to understand this question, maybe... in Italy you'll find lots of shops! Don't hesitate!!!
6. There aren't many internet cafès! You're on holiday... in Italy... why do you need internet?
7. http://www.enit.it/otp.asp
http://www.turismoitalia.it/
If you can't understand anything write me an e-mail... my english is not perfect, but I try!
The Backpack Cape Town Internet Cafe