I read in the New Zealand Herald, “If teenagers ruled the world, it might resemble Vang Vieng.” It only took about five minutes to see why…
One of the river’s many treehouse-like bars
We rolled up to the small, dusty backpacker town for an overnight stop on the way to Vientiane, the Laos capital. Vang Vieng’s main event is the Nam Song River with its towering limestone karsts and noted inner-tubing-based party scene. I say noted… though I’m not sure those who experienced said party scene on the day we visited were noting much of anything.
Laos revelers try to wake their intoxicated friend
Still in the throes of celebrating the year 2554, the usually placid (and clean) river was crammed full with thousands of hard-partying Laotians and falangs. The party was in full swing when we floated up on our tubes in search of fried rice.
The wildest week of the whole year in Laos
Vang Vieng was fun I suppose, but I would rather have experienced the beautiful river and the town in a more organic setting. Each side of the tubing stretch of river is lined with bars and restaurants blaring Miley Cyrus and the Black Eyed Peas, and each place has rope swings, ziplines, water slides and other semi-dangerous attractions. Fun? In its own way. It’s a unique stop on the trail to be sure, but it doesn’t reflect Laos culture at all and was absolutely filled to the brim with drunk Westerners. It could be any river in any college town… except apparently mushrooms & marijuana in the form of “happy shakes” are legal and on the menu here.
Mud volleyball… Well, that’s one way to get deathly ill
To be fair to Vang Vieng, it does offer loads of other activities – climbing, hiking and visiting with the local tribes, but if I’m being honest, one day here was more than enough for me.
Up next… Vientiane!
Heard a few stories about this place, and they all fit your description very well, the people I know who have been there have all said it’s good fun. Guess it would be after a happy shake or two.
Haha, yes I think the happy shakes must help a lot!
I’m not sure it’d be my kind of place, since I don’t really drink and usually just feel awkward at parties… BUT, I’d still be willing to give it a try!
Yes! It’s definitely a one time deal. I met folks who went and stayed forever, going down the river in tubes every day for weeks… no thanks!
I would definitely hate this place. Thanks for the warning 😉
Sounds intense!
I don’t mind a good party but I heard some crazy stories about this place and I think I would skip it on my journey! Friend of mine visited and didn’t say good things. Even for a party animal like him it was too much!
Unless you love Miley Cyrus and happy shakes, it might be a bit too much =)
I was thinking of skipping Vang Vieng altogether when I get to Laos. The Miley Cyrus just sealed its fate… 🙂
WHAT?! No Party in the USA for you?
Strangely, it reminds me of Austin… Laos is so far away, probably a place I’ll never visit. I love your adventures!
It has grown crazy since we were there. It was quite calm and placid. shame, I really loved it there. Don’t know if I would so much anymore
I agree! I didn’t like Vang Veing – getting drunk and acting like an idiot isn’t high up on my list of things I enjoy doing
We traveled in Laos in 1998 and back then Vang Vieng was a small, little visited community on a river… looks like things have changed considerably.
I definitely think it used to be special and now is just a backpacking stoner-fest. Sad!
It seems to have changed big time. When we were there, we also did some tubing. But there were only 2-3 bars. I had fun.
I just wonder since when the “happy meals” are legal in Laos?
I don’t even know if they’re legal, but they’re prevalent. Every bar along the river has happy options…
I’m pretty sure that they are not legal. But there will be some police men, who will have a nice extra income. 😉
I really like Vang Vieng, but I confess it’s a guilty pleasure. Got a funny taste in my mouth seeing young Buddhist monks crossing the river in the pull ferry, though…
Was htere in 1998 – a piece of tranquil paradise. Went back in 2001 and it was completely changed with pubs and loads of tourists. Now it sounds like hell on earth. Glad I have the memories..
They’ve actually shut down most of the riverside bars recently. I guess those in charge finally tired of this particular brand of tourism.
Interesting. Hadn’t heard that. Thank you for sharing!