Years ago, VangVieng is no more a quiet unfamous stops on the way from LuangPrabang to Vientiane. However, now people talk about VangVieng as a small beautiful town, located in Nam Song River bank with lots of amazing thing to offer. VangVieng and the surrounding landscape is spectacular with mountains, caves, rivers and waterfalls as well as river rapids. That's why this town is chock full of adventurous activities.
VangVieng has three main climbing areas, the closest is a short hike to the mountains on the other side of the river, and the farthest is about 20 minute drive fromt he town - but it totally worthwhile.
The first rock climbing was by a half-French half-Lao man named David in 2002. PhaDaeng, 2km west of VangVieng by the Nam Song, is the first place he consider to climb.
Nowadays, the most famous agent doing bussiness with mountain climbing course is Adam. He started rock climbing in 1997 in Southern of Thailand. After many years working as a rock climbing instructor in Krabi,Germany and France, he decided that VangVieng would be his place to start rock climbing business. That was in 2005. He believe that VangVieng is the perfect place to learn how to rock climb for beginners.
Another agent offering climbing course is Green Discovery. Adam's is probably the better choice given that rock climbing is their sole purpose for existing while Green Discovery is more interested in offering tours across the full range of activities in town.
In the day of rock climbing adventures, you will be taken to the region of limestone karsts by a tuktuk a short relaxing boat ride down the Nam Song river.
The instruction and climbing routes cover different areas and levels of skill from basic knots to multi-pitch climbing. The adventure would be half or full-day according to your ability under the watchful eye of your qualified instructors. You can even extend it to two or three days for higher-level training if your are interested.
Good time for rock climbing in VangVieng is from Nov to Mar when it is dry and not too hot, but Jan to Feb is the best.
Make sure you are fit and active enough before attending this special adventure.
