Vang Vieng
Laos

"Vang Vieng -- City of Backpackers in Laos"

Beautiful and relaxed Vang Vieng is known for its activities, especially tubing on the Nam Song River and caving in Tham Sam Triangle limestone caves.

This backpacker town is surrounded by beautiful limestone hills, and hidden adventure secrets like secret waterfalls, tubing and kayaking opportunities.


In this article you'll find:



Many travelers get stuck here because of the vibrant atmosphere, and the partying! I mean, why not? You go tubing on the river, grab some drinks and meet other backpackers just like you!

But it`s also known for its Western food and Western TV bars, so the place charges way higher prices than any other towns in Laos.

Vang Vieng is known for its notorious "Happy Pizzas" aka Drug pizzas. It's a common sight to see people pass out at the bars because of this.

So some travelers will likely feel that the town lacks local atmosphere...

But I believe that the exciting activities and the Laotian food make up for this!

How to Get to Vang Vieng

  • From Luang Prabang: The buses for Vang Vieng leave the Southern bus station. Take a Songthaew to get there.

    When you're dropped off at the bus station in Vang Vieng, you can just walk to most accommodations in town.

    -- Don't be fooled by the Songthaew drivers who say that it's a long way to go...!

    We took the local bus from Luang Prabang, and it took about 8 hours (in theory 6-7 hours).

    I can tell you that it was one in a life-time experience. Just writing about it now, makes me laugh!

    If you're taking the local transport, be prepared for packed buses and bring a good portion of patience!

    We got tickets with seat numbers, but when we got onboard the bus, the seats were of course taken.

    So we were forced to sit separately. I got a seat by a an old man who kept pealing off his callus in my direction. And my Australian friend was seated next to a mother, 2 kids and 4 large boxes.

    What I remember is that the bus kept stopping, whether the bus driver wanted to take a piss, or people wanted to board the bus. Even if the bus had no more seats, they put plastic chairs in the aisle...

    When we arrived at the bus station in Vang Vieng, a Songthaew driver gathered travelers to be taken into town. We were 7-8 travelers, and all of us had a specific guesthouse in mind. So we told the driver to take us there.

    But guess what...

    He stopped by the guesthouses belonging to his friends (so he could get a commission). We got kind of pissed because he wasn't listening to us...!

  • From Vientiane: The bus takes 3-4 hours

  • From Phonsavan: The bus takes 7 hours

Onwards to other towns and cities

By bus: The bus station is located next to the old airstrip in town.

You can arrange also a minibus ride to Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Phonsavan, either at your guesthouse or through a travel agency.

It's more effective, so I personally think it's worth the money!

Important places to know about:

  • Police station by the Main Rd, not far from Nana Guesthouse 1.
  • Hospital by Ban Sabai Bungalows (towards the river). Phone nr: (023) 511604.
  • Pharmacies on the Market Rd.
  • Immigration office by Agricultural Bank.
  • Agricultural Bank on the Main Rd.
    BCEL Bank and ATM in a side street of Main Rd. Same street as Luang Prabang Bakery.
  • Post office beside the town market.
  • There are internet shops which charge you 300 Kip per minute.
  • Rent motorbikes and mopeds along the Main Rd.
  • Want to see some good maps? Go here.




Vang Vieng Articles



spicy lao backpackers dorm bed vang vieng main backpacking tips asia

Where to sleep

Looking for a place to sleep?

Here are some useful information and reviews of guesthouses and hostels.

Welcome to Laos Accommodation 2

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laos food laotian food vang vieng main backpacking tips asia

Where to eat and relax

Looking for food inspiration?

Heard about the TV-bars?

Welcome to Laos food 4

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Nightlife in VV

Where are the parties in this town?

How much does alcohol cost?

Find out more about nightlife in Vang Vieng Laos

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vang vieng caving tham sang triangle tham loup backpacking tips asia

Caving

Want to go caving?

Why not try the popular and beautiful Tham Sang Limestone Caves? :-)

Here's everything you need to know about the caves!

Limestone Caves

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vang vieng laos tubing nam song river backpacking tips asia

Tubing

Almost every backpacker who goes to VV, go tubing!

Here's some useful information about tubing in the backpacker town of Laos.

Water tubing in VV, Laos

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Where do you want to go next?

Click here to read about Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau.

Stop by charming Luang Prabang.

Visiting the capital of Laos -- Vientiane?

Heard about Don Det and the 4000 islands?

Return to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.





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