f it hadn’t been for the disastrous condition of the seats on the bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, the 100km route might have been a nightmare. Instead, the bumpy ride became part of the adventure.
The frequent stops and the rugged road running alongside the Nam Song River made the four-hour journey exciting. While many travelers choose a slow-paced river cruise through the Mekong to see Southeast Asia, this overland route offered a different, raw perspective of the Laos countryside.
These breaks offered the perfect chance to appreciate the scenery, with pit-stops set against lush paddy fields and steep mountain terraces. I even caught glimpses of distant waterfalls within the Phou Phanang National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area, made even more impressive by the rainy season. If you are still planning your itinerary, check out these 8 reasons to visit Southeast Asia to see why this part of the world is so addictive.
The History of Vang Vieng: From Military Base to Backpacker Hub
Vang Vieng is a small town of fewer than 25,000 people, but it has become a legendary stop for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia.
The town’s history dates back 700 years to its origins as a staging post between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Its current name has French colonial roots from the late 1800s, but its real expansion occurred during the Vietnam War when the U.S. Army established a base here. Today, travelers aren’t drawn by the military history, but by the stunning limestone karst formations, hidden caves, and emerald rivers.
If you are heading north after your stay here, don’t miss out on the incredible trekking opportunities in Luang Prabang, which offer a deeper look into the region’s rural beauty.
Where to Stay: Finding an Oasis in the Party Chaos
The main road of Vang Vieng is an uninterrupted strip of guesthouses, hostels, bars, and tourist agencies. While accommodation deals are everywhere, the “24-hour party atmosphere” can make sleep nearly impossible in the town center.
Knowing this, I booked my accommodation in advance to find a balance of comfort and tranquility.
- My Choice: Inthira Hotel VangVieng
- The Experience: A riverfront oasis away from the village chaos.
- The Cost: Approximately $32 USD for a cozy bungalow with A/C and a balcony.
While you can find beds for much less, the peace and the view of the mountains were worth every penny.
Tubing and Kayaking: Adventure with a Warning
Floating down the Nam Song River in a tractor tire (tubing) or kayak is a “must-do” Vang Vieng experience. However, it’s important to stay safe.
Historically, the river has seen its share of accidents due to intoxicated travelers. In August 2012, Lao authorities began a massive crackdown, closing many riverside bars to promote Vang Vieng as a safer ecotourism destination.
Pro-Tips for the River:
- Stay Sober: The river is much more enjoyable when you can remember the scenery.
- Watch Your Vessel: Keep an eye on your tube or kayak during stops. If someone “borrows” it, you’ll lose your rental deposit!
- Drug Policy: Be aware that authorities have significantly strengthened policing regarding “magic” menu items.
Beyond the Water: Hiking and Caves
If you prefer solid ground, Vang Vieng offers incredible hiking and rock climbing. The surrounding cliffs are honeycombed with caves featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
I highly recommend the Tham Chang (Tham Jang) Caves. For a small entrance fee of about 15,000 Kip (€1.50), you can explore the cavern and enjoy a natural balcony on the mountainside that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.
Final Thoughts
My time here was far too short. I am already planning my return to visit the Vang Vieng Organic Farm and perhaps spend some time volunteering at their local school. Vang Vieng is transitioning from a wild party town into a stunning nature lover’s paradise, and it is well worth the visit.
Have you been to Vang Vieng recently? What was your experience with the new ecotourism vibe? Share your stories in the comments below!
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
This is the only post I have ever read about Vang Vieng that ISN’T about partying. Personally, I have never been enticed by the destination, as it sounds like a giant, never ending frat party, which is far from my style. However, your photos and experiences definitely show that there is slightly more to the city.
I was not really excited about going to Vang Vieng for the same reason. Luckily I decided to go: it’s easy to find what you want, probably now even more since the majority of the bars from the start of tubing all the way down into town have now been shut down. I will go back for sure: too nice to stay so short time!
I have always wanted to go to Vang Vieng, but not because of the tubing, but because of the beautiful landscape surrounding it. I always felt that you cannot really escape those young partying backpackers, so have decided against going there, as this is just not my type of thing anymore. However your article showed me that you can actually escape the madness, so maybe I should go.
… go, go, go! If you want to see beautiful landscapes Vang Vieng is the right place! I’ve already planed to go back with my parents (not exactly backpackers 🙂 ) after Christmas… Now I am in love with Laos and Isaan!
I skipped it on my way to Luang Prabang, even though it would have broken up the twelve hour bus ride nicely.
The waterfall is definitely worth going to here, a good day trip. I really enjoyed stopping at the bars on the way down and just socializing – never jumped off of anything and never got drunk. It just made for a more fun ride. Bummer that people got so irresponsible – you could see that one coming a mile away.
@ Michael Hoyt … it’s a “natural” stop between the 2 main cities in Laos and it’s in a perfect location to relax and enjoy nature and landscapes. You should go back, I wanna go back!
@ Tom Gates You are right! I could see irresponsible people coming a mile away and it was not fun. Laos is an amazing country and I hope they will take back control of the situation, not just in Vang Vieng 🙂
Great shots!
The tubing is fun, but my best memory was renting mountain bikes and seeing the scenery.