Vang Vieng: Reformed And Ripe For Exploring

Vang Vieng made a reputation for itself as an outrageous party town in the 1990s. Today, Vang Vieng attractions are drastically different.

Once a party hotspot, Vang Vieng, a riverside town that lies in between Luang Prabang  and Vientiane, is today an eco-adventure paradise with activities catering to anever-increasing audience of adventurers and affluent travellers looking for aunique Asia experience. So whether you fancy exploring the Nam SongRiver or watching the sun rise from a hot air balloon, here are some of  the best things to do in Vang Vieng.

One of the top things to do in Viang Viengis tubing. Simply hop on a donut-shaped rubber float and gently drift your waydownstream, stopping off at one of the many bars that line the river. We recommend Smile Beach Bar for a refreshing Beerlao (a local beer) and a bite, preferably whilerelaxing on one of its many riverside hammocks. Tubes can be rented in the citycentre (just ask the friendly locals for directions!) and rental includes aride to the starting point of your adventure.

Another perfect wayto beat the Laos heat is with a dip in the Blue Lagoon,one of the top Vang Viengattractions. Half an hour away from the centre of Vang Vieng by car ortuk-tuk, the route leading to the Blue Lagoon is scenic, with extensive viewsof rice fields set against the backdrop of striking limestone mountains.

Life jackets areavailable to rent for children and less confident swimmers while food stallsline the lagoon to cater for hungry swimmers. After cooling off in the clearwaters of the Blue Lagoon, head over to the famous Tham Phu Kham (the“Cave of the Golden Crab”) for a glimpse of the iconic reclined Buddha.

One of the best things to do in Vang Viengwill undoubtedly be a ride in a hot-air balloon — possibly the most magical wayto take in views of the limestone mountains, city and rivers of Vang Vieng. VLT Natural Tours is a highly recommended operator, and also offers balloon rides atsundown if you are not an early riser. While a sundown balloon ride lets youwitness the charm of Vang Vieng as it comes alive at night, a sunrise flightlets you admire the beauty of daybreak from over 250 metres in the air; but packan extra layer as it may get chilly in the early morning.Adventurers who enjoythe thrill of exploring caves should lace up their hiking boots and check outthe limestone formations of Tham Chang,considered to be the most popular cave in Vang Vieng. During the Laotian CivilWar, an entire village sought refuge in this large cave complex. Also highlyrecommended are Tham Nam, a500-metre-long water cave that is accessible only by boat or tube, and themagnificent stalactites of Tham Loup.

For a local farm-to-tableexperience, check out Organic Farm Vang Vieng, a restaurant/farmthat serves authentic Laotian cuisine, with all of the producesourced and prepared on site. The farm also offers tours and cooking lessonsfor those keen on immersing themselves in local culture. Want to have a no-frills Korean barbecue meal with friends? Then fire upthe grill and savour the wide selection of tantalising meats and seafood at Peeping Som’s Bar and Restauarant, located on the mainroad in Vang Vieng. Proceedwith caution when applying the chilli paste dipping sauce — the kick is fiery! Meanwhile, Viman Vang Vieng stands out amongst the other restaurants in the city thanks to its unlikelycombination of Thai and German food. Here you can find dishes like Thai curryand pad thai on the same menu as classic German foods like bratwurst.

Nights in Vang Vieng bring out the city’s playful charm. While it is nolonger the party town it used to be, Vang Vieng is still home to lively venueslike the popular Sakura Bar Vang Vieng, which tends to get crowded early.For a slower pace head to Gary’s Irish Bar instead, where you canfeast on televised sport and comfort food. Whether you arelooking for outdoor adventure or simply want a break, there is bound to besomething to appeal in Vang Vieng.