Vang Vieng, on Route 13 between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, has become a backpackers' hangout.
The guide books paint a pretty bad picture of the small town as it seems to exist purely for tourists now.
The town itself is pleasant enough but the stunning limestone karst terrain is the real reason to be here.
Smoke from fires in neighbouring Thailand however brought the visibility down to a few kilometers during our visit.

Apparently you can buy 'happy pizza' (marijuana topping) in many eateries. Not this one though...