We depart from Vang Vieng town after breakfast. After a 14 km transfer to the north of Vang Vieng, we visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), which lies on the banks of the Nam Song River. It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation.
The nearby Tham Hoi cave (Snail cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. 45min of exploration through numerous long corridors with wonderful limestone formations. A cool pool of spring water lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water cave). A perfect place for a swim.
After a picnic lunch, the trek to the Hmong village of Phathao passes through rice paddy fields and vegetable gardens. The trip back to Vang Vieng varies according to the level of the Nam Song. Descending the Nam Song by kayak leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the Limestone Mountains in the background.
