Vang Vieng

A village surrounded by spectacular karst formations and green paddie fields Vang Vieng was used as a US airbase during the indochina war in the 60's and 70's. After the war and the subsequent withdrawal of US forces from Laos Vang Vieng slipped back into a sleepy existence. But fast forward now to the present day and you'll see Vang Vieng has again been occupied by foreign forces only this time it is backpackers looking for a good time at one of Vang Vieng's many bars rather than soldiers and pilots of the US force! The main draw is an activity called tubing where for a few dollars you get to hire a big rubber tube and then get crammed ...  Read the complete review

Vang Vieng - the Ibiza of Laos. You hear a lot about it from fellow travellers; loud, expensive, no curfew, only drinking and tubing. My expectations were not so high after the 5 hour Minibus ride (100000 kip) when we reached a rather quiet town - but this town has one of the most stunning views I've ever seen. Vang Vieng is surrounded by high limestone mountains, a crystal clear river and lots of rice paddies. And soon you'll discover that there's a lot more to do apart from tubing: caving, rock climbing, kayaking or - our favorite evening choice - having a Pizza in one of the many "Friends" restaurants. Yes, you heard right, from morning till ...  Read the complete review