Molina Bungalows, Vang Vieng, Day 3

It's our final day in Vang Vieng and it starts almost identically to yesterday. The only difference is we decide to head over the bridge to get breakfast and bikes instead of getting them this side of town. This turns out to be a mistake. We soon realise after walking over the two wooden bridges that there isn't anywhere to eat. We find a bike shop and rent a couple of bikes for cheaper then we paid yesterday, but boy does it show. As we bike along, my bike rattles and whines very loudly, destroying the peacefulness of the surrounding areas.
After a bit of biking we stumble across a restaurant called Valhalla, which serves us some good fried rice and some good Laos tea, before we head off in search of the blue lagoon (of which there are plenty).
It only takes around half an hour to reach blue lagoon 1, and it would have been a lot quicker if we didn't stop to gaze at the views on the way. We only really share the road with a few bikes, and a couple of groups of quad bike buggy style things that seem to be the in thing to rent. It is a thoroughly enjoyable ride despite the awkward bikes we use.
When we reach the lagoon, it is clear to see this won't be the serene blue water lake we have imagined. The car park is packed full, and it is obvious why. We were warned this was a busy spot, an it certainly is. The lagoon itself isn't very big and isn't even that blue. People are jumping in off a nearby tree and joyfully splashing around on inflatables which is fun to watch for a while, especially when someone tries to dive in and ends in awkwardly landing headfirst, arms flailing at his side in panic. Despite us being clad in swimming gear, we decide we don't fancy a dip, and soon get back on the bikes and head off in search of something a bit quieter.
While eating at Valhalla, we were told blue lagoon 5 is the one to see, and we see a sign that is advertising it outside blue lagoon 1. It is only 8km away, and that can't be hard on a couple of bikes, right? What the advert didn't mention was that just after the sign, the nice, smooth road transforms into a dirt track covered in rocks. We immediately slow down, as it feels like we are pedalling through syrup, and watch in anger as people on mopeds nip past us.
It is a hard ride, and the Sun beats down on us as signs telling us every kilometre passed seem to get further and further apart. At least the views are good!
After over an hour we realise we have gone wrong somewhere, and the lagoon we were aiming for is back behind us far down one of the turn offs we struggled past and ignored. Luckily, we see we are doing a loop that will bring us out near the mountain we climbed yesterday, which is near home. We struggle on for probably 10km, stopping often to rest our legs and admire the view (but mostly to rest the legs). We pass by limestone cliffs in the distance, looking green up close and then fading to nothing but grey outlines against the clear, blue sky as they get further away. We also pass a lovely bridge that is a nice place to stop, and through villages where locals wander by, going about their jobs that their daily routine entails. Despite the road being tough, it is a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
When back at the mountain and back on the smooth road, we stop at a restaurant. A very playful toddler entertains everyone by running about mischievously, as a jealous dog cries loudly in the garden as his friend is walked around the neighbouring field.
We return the bikes, this time without the mad rush of yesterday, and head back to the room to rest our legs. They have taken quite the beaten the last few days, and need a few hours to stop feeling like jelly.
All the work during the day has made us hungry, and after a disappointing meal of pizza and chips (that are advertised as covered in cheese and gravy, but are served with a few bits of grated cheddar and a small dish with a gloopy brown liquid that is passed off as gravy next to it) we head over the road to a sandwich stall expecting a light snack before bed. What we get is a huge baguette packed full and coated in mayonnaise so much it looked like there had been a paint spillage. It tasted blooming good though. We eat it in bed, and fall asleep. What a place Vang Vieng has been!Read more