Vang Vieng is a great place to stop off if you’re travelling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. We only spent two nights there, so didn’t have much time to do lots of cultural things...but we did have a lot of fun. Below are some tips on what you can (or what we did) squeeze into 48 hours and some useful information on what to expect. I’ll also mention what stuff you should probably avoid.
Day 1: Nana backpacker hostel, Blue Lagoon and Viva Bar
If you want a classy, chique authentic accommodation experience, don’t check into Nana backpacker hostel. If you don’t mind cheap, trashy, run down party hostel in Ibiza kind of vibes, then Nana’s is your place. Don’t get me wrong, I like to treat myself sometimes, but most of this trip I’ve been a budget backpacker staying in the cheapest dorms. The bunk beds in the dorms at Nana’s are pretty lethal, and you may get some cuts and bruises if you’re unluckily on the top (especially after a night of drinking). Although you might come across a man who looks homeless and has been drinking for days without sleep, Nana’s is cheap and provides the basics you need.
In Vang Vieng, there are a number of Blue Lagoons that you can visit and swim in. There’s Blue Lagoon 1, Blue Lagoon 2 and Blue Lagoon 3. I know, must have taken a lot of thought and creativity to come up with such original names. First piece of advice: don’t go to Blue Lagoon 1. Although it’s the closest to the centre of town, it’s the most touristy and you won’t have a relaxing time. Another thing to avoid are the hot air balloons. Yes, they make the sky look pretty, but it’s a cheap company... so I wouldn’t get in one.
We went to Blue Lagoon 2, which is about a 15/20minute tuk tuk drive away from the centre and doesn’t cost a lot. The driver waits for you while you enjoy the lagoon and then takes you back. Located at the foot of huge green cliff like mountains (find name), the lagoon has fresh water and a 10m platform where you can jump in. Another tip: don’t try to see if you can touch the bottom. You’ll only end up with a bad bruise or cut on your foot. The bottom is not sandy, it’s sharp jagged rocks. I learnt this the hard way. After a relaxing day at Blue Lagoon 2, we had some dinner and got ready to go out. The bar at Nana’s has a happy hour where there’s basically free alcohol. Yes, free alcohol. You only have to pay for mixers which cost about 10p a can. You have a choice between vodka, whisky or... right I don’t remember the other one but there might have been another option. They make these drinks strong. Very, very strong. It may be an unpopular opinion, but the combination I found tasted the best was whisky and tonic water with a splash of sprite. I know, call me crazy. We then went out to Viva bar, where there’s even more free alcohol and trashy tunes you can have a boogie to. You also get a free t shirt if you do two shots. Me being me, I bought two shots, gave them away and got the free t shirt only to leave it in my dorm when we left. Typical. Go into long term travel knowing that you’re most definitely gonna lose a lot of shit. Packing a bag in a dark room trying not to wake anyone up when you’re probably still drunk from the night before also doesn’t help. And trust me, you’ll find yourself in this situation more times than one when backpacking through Asia. As long as you double check you always have your passport, money, phone and other valuables... pieces of clothing aren’t that big of a deal and you’ll get over it.
Day 2: Tubing
If you’ve heard of Vang Vieng, you’ve probably heard of tubing. Tubing used to be a lot more hectic, crazy and dangerous than it is today and you might have heard a few horror stories about tourists dying after having too much to drink or taking drugs which didn’t turn out to be what they thought they were. Don’t worry, it isn’t like that anymore, but you still have to be careful. There used to be around 7 bars along the river, but now there are only 2. Everything is much more regulated and controlled than it used to be. We signed up through Nana’s hostel and all got picked up around 12pm (12pm Asia time could be anywhere between 12pm and 1pm)... we then drove about 10 minutes and arrived at the side of the river. The guy basically just handed me the ring and said go! I was the first one in the water and clambered ungracefully into my tube. The current then picked me up and before I knew it I was speeding down the Mekong river with absolutely no idea where I was meant to be going. It was very bizarre, but hilarious at the same time. I just couldn’t stop laughing and wondering what the hell I was doing.
Eventually, I heard some loud music and spotted a small wooden dock over on the bank side. Someone threw me some rope with a plastic bottle attached to the end and I grabbed it, as you do. They pulled me in and I climbed onto this dock. I then saw my friends just behind me also grabbing the ropes...so was quickly reassured that I hadn’t just been abducted by some Laotian gang. I went straight to the bar, got a big beer Laos and was greeted by the friendly tubing party reps. We stayed and partied at this first place for about and hour and a bit then got back into our tubes and floated down to the second bar. Cruising down the Mekong river for 30/45 mins after a few beers is actually a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.
We then arrived to the second party place, which, thank god, was actually on land. I could relax a little more and not worry about the little unsteady dock of the first bar breaking and sinking from all our crazy dancing. At the second place, there was a zip line into the water, a sketchy water slide no one really used and a volley ball net. The party reps also rallied us all up for some games. I think what made the whole experience for me was the fabulous group of people I was with and the absolute bangers that were playing all day.
If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker like me, enjoy a good party and don’t mind getting muddy with a few cuts and bruises, then tubing is a must in Vang Vieng. However, if you have a fear of water and prefer relaxed riverside pubs, I wouldn’t recommend it. Let’s just say it attracts the younger crowd and will definitely get your heart racing. I also recommend bringing as little as possible with you... some money in a waterproof pouch is plenty. The more you bring, the more you have to lose. The whole day (including transport) lasts around 6 hours and you arrive back in town around 6/6:30pm just in time for happy hour at Nana’s. Because that’s just what you need after a full day of drinking!!
Me Ziplining into the river
We were all feeling extremely rough the next morning on our bus to Vientiane. It also doesn’t help that the roads in SE Asia just after monsoon season are pretty much just pot holes. So, if you love rollercoasters, you’ll love these bus rides. They really aren’t the one when you’re hanging though.
So, that pretty much sums up my 48 hours in Vang Vieng. There are many more activities to do like quad biking and motor cycle tours to see the unreal views in Laos. It just depends on how much time you have!
Until next time:)
Big love,
Belle x
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