If you’ve read anything about Vang Vieng, you’ve probably already gotten a sense of what tubing is and the bad reputation it gave the destination for decades, turning it into the drunken tourism capital of Laos.
However, since 2012, government restrictions have put an end to the dangerous combination of water fun, drugs, and alcohol, transforming this destination into a perfect place to spend a few days with family or friends, enjoying sports and outdoor activities.
Once known as the stopover town between Luang Prabang and Vientiane where you could get drunk, today it is a reference point for backpackers from all over the world.
We ourselves decided to ignore it the first time we set foot in the country, conditioned by all the bad comments and news we had read. Those were different times, back in 2008…
However, during the second visit, and with a little more time, since we had our own vehicle, a motorcycle, we decided to give it a try, and we were positively surprised.
Vang Vieng itself is nothing special, but it is very quiet, and it has cheap accommodation, markets, bars, travel agencies, delicious local food and, of course, temples. In addition, its surroundings offer dozens of activities to spend the day before returning in search of a Beer Lao, a very cold beer. Take note:
Due to the limestone formations that predominate in the area, there are many caves of different sizes. There are several areas around where some caves are grouped. We recommend renting a motorcycle or bike, or hiring a tuk-tuk, and heading out on the road towards Luang Prabang.
After about 15 kilometers, you will reach the turnoff that takes you to several of the caves surrounding Vang Vieng: Tham Sang, Tham Hoy, Tham Loup and Tham Nam. You can visit them on your own or book a guided tour, depending on your expectations and time.
We did it on our own and, with applications like Google Maps, we found almost everything. In some of them you will find, in addition to Buddhas, impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, so don’t leave your flashlight at the hotel.
To visit Tham Nam, also known as “the water cave”, you will have to do so on a tube, floating on the water that floods it from one of the tributaries of the Nam Song River. A fun excursion.
In another area, you can see the Tham Phu Kham cave, which you will recognize by the reclining Buddha inside and the famous Blue Lagoon, a lake where you can cool off outside the cave.
Like tubing, yes, but without alcohol. Going down the river with a giant float (like a tire) is still an option. The environment is ideal among karst mountains. Of course, depending on the season, rainy or dry, the descent will be more or less exciting.
You can also go kayaking or take a boat ride. The Nam Song River, which runs parallel to the city, offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.
In addition to water activities, in Vang Vieng you can also go rock climbing just a few kilometers from the city or even take a hot air balloon ride to see the area’s landscapes from above.
If you can’t afford to go on a balloon, don’t worry, a trip to Pha Poak Hill is plenty to see a lot. It’s not a particularly easy climb, so wear suitable footwear for the rocky path that will take you to the top of the hill.
One last tip: visit Kaeng Nyui waterfall, at about 8 kilometers from Vang Vieng. This long waterfall of 34 meters will be the end of a short trekking route, so again remember to wear suitable footwear.
However, along the way, on the riverbank, you will find local bars where you can recharge your batteries and rest for a while. A perfect stop to relax for a while.
Accommodation: all prices, from 4-star resorts to hostels for backpackers on a modest budget. It won’t be a problem. Here are 3 of them at different prices, from lowest to highest:
How to get there: Vang Vieng is roughly halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, so getting here is very easy by bus or van. It will take you between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the type of bus you choose and whether you are arriving from one city or the other.
Getting around: If you decide to rent a bike, we recommend a mountain bike, not a touring bike. Most roads are dirt.
Attention vegetarians/vegans! In Laos we also find jey restaurants like those we told you about in Thailand.
These are usually quite simple restaurants where all the food they offer is vegan. Jey means “free of any ingredient of animal origin” and, despite being quite inconspicuous, these restaurants can be recognized by the yellow signs with red letters at the entrance.
