A few years ago, the scene around here might have looked a little different then what it does today. What was once a mecca for the young backpacker has now turned into more of a family vacation spot. Don’t get me wrong, there are still a lot of backpackers here but not compared to even just a few years ago. Making this area go from a sleepy farming village to a raging party town was the introduction of “tubing” down the river over 10 years ago. As you floated down you were bombarded with countless bars full of swings and slides, beer pong and mud wrestling, free shots of Lao whiskey and DIRT CHEAP buckets. I was not around when these activities were taking place so I am only going by what I have heard and read. There are still a few bars down the rive (4 to be exact) and they do still give out free whiskey but hardly a mere speck of what it probably once was. Yes, it was a great day out floating down a river in January in 32 degree weather, meeting some amazing people and sharing a few beers but I would not come back to Vang Vieng for the tubing alone but for the multiple activities it has to offer.

After having the ruling socialist party crack down on the tubing party and almost bringing it to a close, the city has been promotion itself as an outdoor destination, back to what it originally was. Biking, Kayaking, Rock Climbing and hot air ballooning are now the star of the show in Vang Vieng.

We had originally intended on staying for 3 days but ended up staying for 6. You defiantly don’t need 6 days here to fit in all the activities and sites, but I would give it more than a day or so if you have the time. The bus ride from Vientiane took around 3 hours and cost around $10.00. This was the easiest and quickest bus ride we had taken through Laos. We stayed on the river in a great little hotel for around $30.00 a night but there were accommodations starting from around $5.00 to $300.00 so there is something for everyone.

 

Blue Lagoon

 

 

The first day there we rented bikes from the middle of town for around $6.00 for a full day and went to the Blue Lagoon. It is about a 7km bike ride of very bumpy, dusty and less than desirable road. Rob didn’t seem to mind it that much but I was very uncomfortable. Maybe its because I have not rode a bike in so many years and the seats were worn down to nothing and the suspension was … wait I don’t even think there was suspension. Completely worth it! The blue lagoon was beautiful (although arguably the most crowded tourist place in Vang Vieng) with turquoise blue water and a rope swing in the middle. There is also a cave located behind the lagoon, a 200m climb up a steep mountain side to a labyrinth of pitch black chambers. This was the only cave we have been in that you did not require a guide. Walking through with the mandatory head lamp revealed drop offs and holes everywhere. Not exactly the safest. We spent around 40 minutes walking through the cave and then headed back down to the lagoon for a cool off before the bike ride back. Alternatively you can take a Tuk Tuk or go on a rented motorbike.

 

 

 

Cave at Blue Lagoon

 

The next few days we spend hanging out on these perfect little bed huts set up on the river. There was great music playing from the local bar while we drank some ice cold Beer Lao ($0.50) and watched the kayakers go down the river. Just a few great days not doing much.

 

 

One evening we took a long tail down the river, it was about a half hour journey costing around $10.00 USD for the two of us. Don’t leave it too late as the bugs start to come out when the sun is setting.

 

 

Another night we took a hot air balloon ride which cost $80.00 per person and lasted just under an hour. I was not very excited at first seeing as my biggest fear is heights but it was a spectacular ride. Before we knew it we were taking off and as we reached our top height there was no fear as the beauty of Vang Vieng was all I could concentrate on. It was a perfect sunset ride over the town. The only negative I would have to say was that the fire blowers were so hot I felt like my hair was going to burn. I would try to stand in a different spot next time, or bring a hat!

 

 

Between the river boat ride, the leisurely days spent lounging in the river, the amazing food, unique night life and the sunset hot air balloon ride, this is truly a trip I wont forget. This was my favourite time spent in Laos.

 

 

 

 

SIDE NOTE: In 2011, 27 tourists died alone due to injuries sustained on a 1km stretch of bars along the river from diving in head first into rocks or drowning, and sometimes 10 or more tourists were arriving a day due to broken bones, gashes and alcohol poisoning.