Welcome to Vang Vieng, Laos
That tubing place. This is a tourist-oriented town in Laos in the Vientiane Province about a four hour bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on the Nam Song River which is most famous for its tubing.
Videos of Vang Vieng
Where to Stay
Since visiting here a handful of times, I have stayed in a handful of places.
Inthira Hotel This is the first place I ever stayed in here. It was booked online while back at home. It is a fairly basic setup. They had a one free cocktail per night service. The staff were always friendly and helpful. They also have a in-house restaurant that cooks up decent food.
Johnny Guest House. After getting off the bus. I was 5 minutes into looking for a place to stay. A guy with dreadlocks came out and asked “what are you looking for?” I replied “nothing special just something basic”. If you are just looking for a cheap place to sleep. This is the place for you. The price. I would definitely recommend this place if you are on a budget. They also have a restaurant or rater a display folder with a wide selection of food. Order it and they may make it or outsource it from nearby.
What to do in Vang Vieng?
- Tubing
What would a visit to Vang Vieng be without going for a tube down the river.
- Caving
Located in a mountainous region of Laos. Vang Vieng has dozens of beautiful caves. I recommenced you hire a motorbike and just g for an exploration ride. You will have a big laugh reading the bad English on the signs. Some spell Cave with a h. Be careful, there are however a few scams going on.
- The bridge scam: Locals mostly a disabled person sets up a sign near a bridge asking for a payment to cross. This occurs on the smaller bridges in close proximity to the caves. There is a toll for the big main bridge in town.
Usually they are just looking for a sucker. If you just start to turn around. they will just say OK you can pass “no pay” - Cave tour guides: Again locals just hang around near a cave and want you to pay them for a tour. I have herd of occurrences where they even get quite upset if you do not leave a big enough tip. I recommend stay away. there are plenty of free caves. I don’t believe anyone “owns the caves”. What gives them the right to charge? If they put the money back into the caves I might understand. Just by looking at the signage this is clearly not the case.
- The bridge scam: Locals mostly a disabled person sets up a sign near a bridge asking for a payment to cross. This occurs on the smaller bridges in close proximity to the caves. There is a toll for the big main bridge in town.
- Visit the Old Thai man:
On the way to the caves there lives an old Thai man. Married to a Laos lady he meet at the bus stop. You can buy a beer or some food from his house which he built himself. He is able to direct you to the good and free caves. Also tells you about the areas to avoid. Unfortunately it is hard to give a location as there is no Google maps street view there. After crossing the main bridge westbound (with a legitimate toll) slightly veer right and keep going straight. He lives somewhere on the right-hand side of the road.
Pictures of Laos
Coming Soon
Map of Vang Vieng