go.bo.travel

I remember the drive into Vang Vieng. This place wasn’t what I expected. Seeing those mountains created this beautiful backdrop and the first thing we wanted to do was grab some beers and sit along the river watching the sunset. The one thing we heard about this place is the river float, which has significantly toned down over the years due to the amount of dummies who get too drunk. Regardless though it was definitely an experience and a reason to check this place out.

We stayed here for a total of 4 nights and spent our days floating along the river and exploring the town with lagoons, caves, and stunning mountain views.

Getting Here

The only way to get here is via bus, plain and simple. You can get there via Luang Prabang or Vientiane which both have airports. We came from Luang Prabang and will have to say it’s not the most pleasant drive. Travelers warned us about it and I read some blogs that call the drive scary and dangerous. It honestly was not that bad but I have to admit there were some uneasy parts. The roads are windy with potholes everywhere. I literally got air going through one of them and this older woman next to me literally wrapped her arms around me lol we were so freaked out, but hey it was an adventure. Although the drive is actually quite beautiful going through the mountainside and seeing the cute huts along side road. The pure height and elevation of the drive creates an awesome view but will admit it’s kinda scary since the roads are pretty windy.

The bus station in Vang Vieng is about 5-10 minutes drive from the city center and it’s really easy to cram into one of the tuk tuks once you arrive.

Location

Honestly, this town is so small location doesn’t really matter. Everything is pretty much in walking distance but of course the closer to the river the better. We stayed only 2 blocks from the river and it made for finding restaurants and of course the river quite easy.

Accommodation: Real Backpackers

Compared to what we heard from other travelers about their hostels, this one definitely seemed to be the best. It had a great location just a couple blocks from the river and had nice common area where everyone ate breakfast or played foosball and pool. The free breakfast was actually quite good and of course a huge plus! The rooms I will have to say were pretty average, the showers were terrible, and security was pretty poor. Not the greatest in terms of accommodation but considering we are in the middle of a 3rd world country and hearing the circumstance of others, I’d say we had it pretty good!

• Cost per night: $7

Activities

River Float

Pretty much the only reason why we decided to come here was specifically for this river float we had read and heard so much about. It had toned down a lot compared to what it used to be but I still thought it was really fun. You can rent a floatie at one of the store locations in the city center and from there they have tuk tuks that will take you to the start of the float. Do NOTE that the store closes at 6pm so you must be back before then to return your floatie.

Compared to the 16 bars it used to have along the river there are only 2 that are open each day and generally very close together at the start of the float so you have to get the partying done pretty early. You will find that you will spend less time floating and more time drinking.

But there is definitely a method to the madness. Because the mountains cover the sun you gotta leave the last bar no later than 3pm or else the sun will go behind the mountains and you will freeze your ass off. We made this mistake the first river float we did and ended up spending all afternoon shivering like crazy and wondering when it would be over! It’s a really beautiful float and fun when you are with tons of others who are doing it with you but I HIGHLY recommend planning out your float based on the sun. OR like we did on the second float we decided not to float down all the way and got out early. They have exit points all over the river and usually there are tuk tuks waiting. It’s one of the major things to do here and their business thrives based on it so you won’t run short of someone waiting to take you back.

Rent bikes

There are plenty of spots throughout town where you can rent all sorts of bikes and toys. Because the town is so small there is no real reason why you wouldn’t want to explore on bikes. For only a couple of dollars you can cruise around the city looking at the beautiful mountainside and explore the small villages. The roads are pretty bumpy though since the roads and pathways are pretty shit but you make it work and makes for a fun adventure!

Caves

There are a few different caves you can see while here in Vang Vieng, although we only explored one: Lusi Cave. The main reasons we chose this one over the rest is because it was on the way to the lagoon and had a pond inside the cave we could swim in. It’s definitely off the beaten path to get there and it cost some money to have the guide take you through. It was not as impressive as the cave we saw in Koh Lanta but still cool to go through. The lagoon inside was very small, I’m pretty sure I was the only one who actually went in because I was the only one that could squeeze around the limestone to see the other side! The guide said you could swim underneath the limestone to get to the other side but because it was so dark everyone else opted out of that, fair enough. It might not be the best cave but it was only a dollar.

• Cost for entry and a guide: 10,000kip

Blue Lagoon

I wish we had come here first before seeing Kuang Si in Luang Prabang but it’s a nice place to tan and jump in clear blue waters to refresh yourself. The overwhelming amounts of tourists kinda takes the scenery away but a great place to go for a swim. There is also a big tree you can dive and swing rope on which is a great place for people watching!

View Point

On the way back from the lagoon is an awesome view point that overlooks the villages and farmland of Vang Vieng. The hike is pretty much all up hill and steep stairs but the view is worth it. Make sure to allow enough time to get down before sundown because there is no lighting along the path and the roads back to town.

Food

Earth

This was the first place we checked out once we arrived. It’s a great spot to have a drink and take in the view. It sits right along the river with the mountains in the back. The vibe is pretty good here as well and has a cute outdoor area in the back that has hammocks, a fire pit, and live music. Great place to check out the sunset!

Amigo’s

If you have a craving for mexican food definitely check this place out. It’s probably the best non-Asian meal you will have here. It’s not the best mexican food but I’m from California so we are pretty spoiled here and it’s a bit pricey too compared to getting local food but whatever, it’s still good! Come earlier too here because the place is packed.

NOTE: One thing to also note around here is there is a strip of restaurants, about 2 or 3, that only play Friends episodes on their TVs. It’s really random, but so awesome.

Nightlife

Sakura Bar

This place is on another level. They offer free house drinks from 8-9pm EVERY night and also have a bar you can buy balloons from to inhale the helium?! Apparently that’s a thing and will have to say the people watching here is hilarious.

Gary’s Irish Bar

This is actually across the street from Sakura Bar and is a great spot to have some beers and play pool. We actually stumbled upon this place since they had a sign promoting the NFL Superbowl viewing at 5:30am. Too awesome to not attend so we actually got up early to watch, and there was actually a pretty good turn out for it too minus the annoying Americans. I can see why so many people find us ridiculous!!