Balloon Trip Take 2

Above Laos

Getting up early was worthwhile today as the balloon trip went ahead. The sky was cloudy so only a slight sunrise was visible, however this was made up by our balloon going over 4700 metres high and above the cloud giving us a view of the top of cliffs and mountains over the clouds. This was really impressive. The ride lasted 50 minutes, and is governed by the wind, we were happy with this as he said early on can sometimes just be 35 minutes.

We finished with breakfast and a glass of champagne before heading back to the hotel for a sleep.

Flipping Tuk Tuks

In the afternoon we headed to Vang Vieng Brewery. A pattern has started to develop with Laos tuk tuks in that a price is agreed but then they don't drop you were you want. Either, road closed, language issue, or this is your boat when we were on a boat tour. It's only when you get off do you realise your nowhere near where you want to be.

Vang Vieng Brewery

Anyway after a tuk tuk ride and a 1km walk we got to the brewery. The door was open, but they weren't fully set up, the owner said just wait for a little while. Then after he'd run beer through all the taps he gave as 4 samples of their beer, apologising as a fifth wasn't on! Emphasising these were free, until they were ready to serve us when they officially opened at 4pm.

We had a couple of pints including a passionfruit beer and a cherry beer both were great! We also had pizzas, and French fries. I got the feeling the chef wasn't due in until later but was summoned for us the most important/only customers.

The brewery is about 4km from town and set in some nice gardens and surrounded by mountains. It is a big place with a stage in the bar and another outside in a campsite. We were treated really well. It looks like it gets really busy during the main season and the campsite full.

After the beer and pizza, we caught a tuk tuk back to town and agreed a price to the hotel. But the driver stopped at the night market street and indicated he couldn't go down due to the stalls, this was despite there being 3 parallel streets he could have used to get closer to our hotel! We didn't have the energy to argue so got out and walked the last 1km, again!

Looks like another early night before our last day in Vang Vieng. Karen has hurt her back (not sure when but just getting more sore) so likely to be an easy day, although the dune buggies might be calling us.