Vang Vieng

Two sides to the coin
By surferRosa (dabbler - 1 review)
Written on 31st December, 2009 after a visit to Vang Vieng in October, 2009
Vang Vieng is a good example of Tourism Gone Wild, but it's almost worth going there just to see the circus in full-swing, plus there's some lovely natural beauty spots if you look for them.

In the town you can stare at red-faced, brain-dead, backpackers reclining in front of non-stop reruns of Friends and Family Guy, while depressed-looking locales shovel baguettes and banana shakes down their monged-out gullets. Once it hits 8 or 9pm the semi-bovine crowds shuffle into the bars where more depressed locals serve them copious amounts of alcohol, and watch as they spill out onto the roads, obstruct traffic, shout incomprehensible words, and fight each other (yep you guessed, most of the participants are British). Still, suppose it's a good laugh for a few days.

Plenty of cheap drugs on offer too, just ask for the happy menu, though be careful. Don't do anything on the streets, and don't light up in a bar unless you're 100% certain it's safe (I never saw any arrests etc, but heard way too many stories). Best bet is to stay at one of bungalows across the bamboo footbridge (Paradise bungalows is pretty good) and do your inhaling there. No police, and your in nice, natural, surrounds!

Other than drugs and booze, there are some cool caves and karsts to check out. All of the caves (to my knowledge) are across the bamboo footbridge so, again, if you're not too concerned with being a 10-minute walk away from all the video bars then it's best to stay somewhere in that area - you can just hire a bicycle and ride to the caves.

Stunning Vang Vieng
By Saphir (dabbler - 1 review)
Written on 10th October, 2009 after a visit to Vang Vieng in June, 2009
I was in two minds about going to Vang Vieng, having heard of its reputation for attracting the Truly Ghastly. Made the decision to go, and found the town itself pleasant, the townspeople friendly and the surrounding scenery STUNNING. Careful to avert my gaze from the Truly Ghastly, I busied myself exploring the town, taking photos, sampling some wonderful food and climbing up to Tham Jang cave for great views. The view from my hotel was also breathtaking, and I enjoyed sitting and having a leisurely breakfast by the Nam Song. Glad I went after all.