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THE CLIMB - Nam Xay Viewpoint

THE CLIMB - Nam Xay Viewpoint

January 2020 · 2 min read · Vientiane Province

Warning signs: Only do this hike if you're in good health.
Warning signs: Only do this hike if you're in good health.

It's time to take of your slippers and to get your proper pair of sneakers. Or even better: Hiking boots! Get your backpack and equip yourself with a big bottle of water, you're gonna need it.

That's right: We're going on a hike today.

One of the most popular things to do in Vang Vieng is without a doubt the famous hike up to Nam Xay Viewpoint. The entrance is about 8km away from the heart of the town. You can rent a motorbike for 50,000 Kip ( around 5€) to get there but since the hike itself was going to be quite exhausting we decided to pay 100,000 Kip for a tuk-tuk to take us there and back. If you decide to take a motorbike, keep in mind that you will have to pay an additional 10,000 Kip to cross the bamboo bridge to get to the other side of the river.

Entrance fee is 10,000 Kip which is approximately 1€
Entrance fee is 10,000 Kip which is approximately 1€

The beginning doesn't look too hard
The beginning doesn't look too hard

Without breaks, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. That doesn't sound too bad, even for a couch potato like me, but we would soon discover why this hike is considered to be intermediate to difficult.

Rocks everywhere on the path.
Rocks everywhere on the path.

Does anyone know why this tree spirals like this? I have seen quite a lot of them and would really like to know.
Does anyone know why this tree spirals like this? I have seen quite a lot of them and would really like to know.

Once you get here, you're almost done! It's time for a short rest, the most difficult part is still ahead of you.
Once you get here, you're almost done! It's time for a short rest, the most difficult part is still ahead of you.

Hope you brought good hiking shoes.
Hope you brought good hiking shoes.

The last third of the hike is certainly the hardest part! The path continues like this until the very top. I have found myself on my knees many times, trying to crawl up these huge and slippery rocks. I've lost my balance more than once! People with longer legs definitely have an advantage here.

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Finally - THE TOP! It took us about 45 minutes to get up here, including one long break.
Finally - THE TOP! It took us about 45 minutes to get up here, including one long break.

What a view! Definitely worth the struggle!
What a view! Definitely worth the struggle!

Got my picture of the famous motorcycle after all. I think I really earned it!
Got my picture of the famous motorcycle after all. I think I really earned it!

I don't know why, but someone brought a Thai-flag up here.
I don't know why, but someone brought a Thai-flag up here.

This is when I realised I took my picture at the wrong motorcycle....

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To sum it all up: Climbing Nam Xay Viewpoint is hard but extremely rewarding. I can only recommend it if you're ever in Vang Vieng. It's beautiful up there, even someone like me who is terrified of hights can appreciate this million dollar view.

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