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Caves & kayaking around Vang Vieng

After breakfast you will set off to explore on and around the stunning Nam Song River. Today includes approximately two hours of kayaking, depending on the water level and your fitness. You will also spend approximately two hours exploring caves along the way (including some short treks). You can expect to get wet today and should bring your swimsuit for a dip in the river.

The day begins with a short road transfer to the Kamu village of Vieng Samay, roughly 6 miles (10 km) north of Vang Vieng. After an introduction to the basics of kayaking you will head off, with the Nam Song offering various small but fun rapids on the way to the first stop at the Tham Sim Cave. This vast cave contains impressive stalactites, stalagmites and numerous bats. After emerging from the cave a short trek over a pass leads to your riverside picnic spot. Take your time to enjoy lunch, and you may wish to cool off in the river.

The next section of kayaking leads to an organic farm, where you might like to try a refreshing mulberry tea. The Tham Non Cave lies further downstream and will be your next stop. As one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng, it served as a rescue shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. Today it is home to a bat colony and 'The Magic Stone of Vang Vieng'.

The final leg is a gentle paddle back into town. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

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Audley Travel specialist Hayley

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.