PIXEL VISA

Vang Vieng, a picturesque town located in central Laos, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, adventure tourism, and laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by towering limestone karsts and nestled along the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng's striking scenery is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers flock here to enjoy activities like rock climbing, tubing down the river, and exploring extensive cave networks. Vang Vieng's vibrant nightlife and a variety of backpacker-oriented amenities also make it a hub for young adventurers seeking a mix of excitement and relaxation. While it may lack the historical depth of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng's unique blend of outdoor adventures and leisurely pursuits has firmly established its reputation as a must-visit destination in Laos.

Hot Air Balloons, Paragliding, and Adventuring!

Vang Vieng is the adventure capital of Laos with a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you want to float down the Nam Song River, fly through the sky, or climb limestone cliffs, Vang Vieng is the place to be. Activities offered include booze tubing (a personal favorite), kayaking, hot air balloon rides, swimming in the blue lagoons, rock climbing, paragliding / paramotoring, buggy adventures, hiking, biking, zip-lining, and cave exploration. There is so much to do here!

Blue Lagoons

Although I never visited, many of my friends went on trip to the blue lagoons dotting the Vang Vieng landscape. There are 6 official lagoons, with blue lagoon 1 being the most touristy / crowded. Locals and backpackers alike enjoy the lagoons to cool off in the hot Laotian days.

Korean Tourist Hotspot

Backpackers aren't the only ones in Vang Vieng. This city is also a Korean tourist hotspot with many advertisements and services catering to a Korean speaking population. The best thing about this is the food! There are lots of great Korean places at which to eat in Vang Vieng with my favorite being Kidhod Restaurant and Bar (도가니 국수 맛집).

Booze Tubing

My favorite activity in Vang Vieng was Booze Tubing. Although booking through my hostel proved to be a little pricey (if I remember correctly, it was around 80,000 LAK or $4 USD), it was well worth it. Booze Tubing is the art of floating down a river on a floating tube while stopping at riverside bars to drink lots of booze. The best way to make this affordable is to bring a bag with some beer or soju that you can pick up at your local mini mart for cheaper. I was a bit more bougie and bought mango juice and pineapple soju as mixers for mango-pineapple tequila cocktails, which I ordered shots and ice for at each bar. My group of 40 or more backpackers floated down the Nam Song, visiting 3 bars along the way. The journey took 3 hours to get us to the last bar; at which point I was already wasted and ready to dance the night away. Fate has it that I met a cute girl and ended up dancing with her that night. It was a magical intoxicated experience!

Heartbreak?

This is more of a personal account; So if you're not interested in hearing my personal drama and woes, feel free to continue on through my more factual assessment of Vang Vieng. I had traveled to Vang Vieng with two friends who both happened to be Israeli. I really enjoyed them! Although I wasn't Israeli, they invited me into their social circle and let me join them on their trip. However, there was always a lingering feeling that I didn't belong; a feeling that nagged at my imposter syndrome as we spent week after week together. To try and compensate, I set out to learn Hebrew. I was determined to be able to connect with them on a level which I currently couldn't. I was very fond of them and didn't want to lose them because I was different. However, in the process of trying to learn Hebrew and joining them in their journey, I seemed to rub them the wrong way. They became annoyed with some of my more hyper moments and started questioning my presence. It was in Vang Vieng that I decided to split ways. I knew that I wasn't the traveler that they wanted to spend time with. And, although I would have happily traveled the world with them, we were all looking for something else. Thus, I separated myself; an event which dampened my high spirits in Vang Vieng.

Bus & Van

Vang Vieng is reachable from most major cities in Laos. The most common cities of departure are Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Vang Vieng itself does not have an airport, but both of these cities do. If you're departing from Luang Prabang, you can board a comfortable minivan or bus, embarking on a scenic 6 to 7-hour journey through Laos' stunning countryside. This adventure typically costs between $10 to $20 USD. Alternatively, when traveling from the capital city of Vientiane, buses and vans provide convenient access to Vang Vieng. The road is well-maintained, and the trip takes around 4 to 5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $25 USD.

Train

Traveling by train in Laos is primarily managed by Laos-China Railway (LCR), a joint venture between Laos and China governments. The main railway line, the Vientiane–Boten railway, connects the capital city of Vientiane with the northern border town of Boten, passing through key cities such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay, and Luang Namtha. The high-speed trains are designated as C81/82 and C83/84, offering both first and second-class seats. The ordinary train is known as K11/12 and offers standard seats. Ticket reservations can be made at the railway station, and the prices can vary depending on the distance, but a rough estimate for an hour or so long journey from Vientiane or Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng might cost between $10 and $15 USD. Travelers should arrive at the station well in advance to validate their tickets and board the train.