Vang Vieng is a small town located between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, so it is a perfect step between the two cities. With these 25,000 inhabitants, Vang Vieng has become a well known young “backpackers” in seeking entertainment of all kinds …
Young alcoholic tourists died because of an unconscious practice of tubing. The bars that served alcohol along the route were closed and the drug is now strictly forbidden to Vang Vieng and in the rest of the country.
I live in Vang Vieng for three years now and I must say I have often thought of moving because of the hordes of asshole who landed only for booze and take drugs with impunity. There are about three months, the government, or rather the police did the housecleaning, even our dear president dictator came to town, the result was rapid and dramatic, there is no bar on the river, all have been destroyed, the island that served ditto for night parties, Vang Vieng is finally once again a quiet town, like all cities of Laos.
Most travelers know or have heard of Vang Vieng and tubing. Often, the opinions are divided, ranging from the adoration of the place, the total terror … For my part, I could not decide one way or another, all I can tell you is that I I spent a pleasant stay in Vang Vieng … Stunning scenery, restaurants with stunning views of the mountains that serve Western food for cheap (and believe me that after six months of traveling, a tuna sandwich / Mayonnaise it feels good), lovely people, villages a few hundred meters from the center and the many activities!
I found this little town rather quiet despite the dozens of young tourists who come to party. It must be said that a curfew is in place and at 11:30 p.m. all the bars in town are closed! It is therefore possible to sleep like a baby in Vang Vieng and detach from any nightlife to make the most of the surrounding landscapes the day. But do not deprive yourself of a few evenings with “backpacker” in the great restaurants along the Nam Song River; the food is perfectly suited to the tastes of Westerners and the atmosphere is friendly.
A stay in Vang Vieng may well happen without Tubing. I also decided to “zap” this famous activity to devote myself to something more interesting in my opinion. Admittedly, the choice is vast since it is possible to climb, small treks in the surrounding area, visit caves, to kayaking or ballooning … For my part I opted for feet rides and tours of some caves around Vang Vieng and for a baptism in a balloon!
I dreamed for years of flying off into the air in one of those giant balloons but the price has always seemed too exorbitant for the plunge … To Vang Vieng, a flight 45 minutes with fabulous views of the karst peaks costs as little as € 55 … So, even if budget was not planned, it was an opportunity not to miss! You can choose to fly at 6:30 am at sunrise or in the evening around 17h. But the morning flight, in my opinion, a better choice because the view is often released in the early morning. I assure you I have not had to regret my € 55; the experience is unique and the landscapes seen from above are absolutely magnificent …
Certainly, there are a few places in France where it is possible to make the balloon … A nice spot to find elsewhere in the Rhone delta in the Luberon natural park but the rates are much higher. You will understand why I have not long faltered upon seeing the price of balloon baptism Vang Vieng.
One of the other pleasant activities Vang Vieng and visit the many caves that are nearby. First, to access the landscapes are often very pretty, and you certainly have the chance to recontrer few Laotians … Generally the cave entrance fee costs about 10,000 kip (less than one euro) and headlamp (and sometimes the guide) are included. But when there is no guide (where you do not want), the experience can be memorable …
It must say that it is not every day that one plunges headlong in the heart of a cave with only companion, an old headlamp. He does not particularly hot in a cave but I assure you that you will sweat! The excitement and apprehension one feels by playing “small grass caver” in a cave are puzzling but pleasant feelings. But do not like me, do not mention “Gollum” (that filthy thing in the Lord of the Rings) as a loud noise could then be heard in a corner of the cave! I was afraid of my life, but it was only a tiny frog …
You will understand, Vang Vieng was an important stage of my trip in Laos. I liked the surroundings of this small town and the side “backpacker” downtown did not bother too