Vang Vieng Tourist Trap Tips by davidjo

I don't mind paying 1 or 2k kip for toilet charge as the locals built the toilets for a business and have to clean them and provide water, but it seems like in Vang Vieng these small charges can add up. There are several bridges in the surrounding area that can be crossed by m/bikes, but there is up to 10,000 kip charge. There is a charge to climb a hill, but no charge for the locals. What is the difference between a foreigner and a local climbing a hill or crossing a bridge ? Surely by visiting Laos we are helping the economy by spending out hard earned cash and i sometimes feel ripped off at these extra charges. I can understand that foreigners may pay more to see local temples, buildings etc but don't mind that, it's their country, they are poor so we cannot expect the locals to pay to see their own country.