This small idyllic town en route from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is popular with backpackers for an activity called tubing. They sit themselves down in giant rubber tyres and float down the Nam Song river, making stops along the way at little riverside makeshift bars for some cheap Beerlao, making visits to caves where there are, and jumping off swings and cliffs. Near several large complexes of caves you can explore. Don't miss the bike ride you can take off into the hills and local villages. A 10k circuit going past the caves with the pool with the swing and the huge fish. So Beautiful Vang Vieng. Most people traveling through Laos wind up in Vang Vieng sooner or later. Once just a dusty bus station on the way to Vientiane, this picturesque village is really throwing itself at backpackers these days. Many people who arrive in Vang Vieng feel slightly let down by the contrived nature of the village. Restaurants show Friends reruns throughout the day and night, there are plenty of cheap guesthouses and bars, and most restaurants serve a selection of backpacker favorites such as pizza, pasta and spicy curry. However, the tranquil atmosphere of Vang Vieng is very addictive. The landscape is incredibly serene and picturesque; beyond the sparkling river, sheer limestone cliffs rise from a plateau of paddy fields. The river is spanned by a number of wooden bridges, which despite their flimsy appearance complement the scenery perfectly. Walking through the scenic landscape is also popular and there are some beautiful caves to explore on the far side of the river. Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit more energetic, why not hire an inner tube and float away down the river? As they say, if you can't beat them, you might as well join them!
Worth it: Vang Vieng has undoubtedly lost most of its natural charm, but the surrounding scenery is spectacular and this is still a good place to relax for a few days. What to do: rafting, trekking, floating down the river on an inner tube, rock climbing, cycling and motorbike trips, and visiting caves such as Tham Jang. Best time to go: November to March is when the weather is at its best. How long? Two or three days although many people end up staying much longer than they'd intended. Getting there: Most visitors travel to Vang Vieng by bus from the capital city of Vientiane, which takes three of four hours, while others travel from Luang Prabang in the west, which takes around eight hours in total, including time for the bus to break down on the way. Vang Vieng attractions. Tubing down the river: a popular backpacker pastime, floating down the river is a good way to see the mountains that line the river. Tham Jang: climb the 147 steps for enchanting views of the surrounding countryside and sparkling rocks inside. Lao-style steam sauna: the perfect way to sooth sore muscles. Vang Vieng Resort: set in a large, picturesque garden with a large cable bridge spanning the river. Blue Lagoon: take a boat trip down the river and hike through the countryside to discover the Sleeping Golden Buddha in Golden Cave. The scenery: hire a bicycle or moped and simply explore.







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