I’ve secretly been trying something new—making short videos! I used to avoid the camera because I was camera shy (and I hate my voice), but really, who cares? So, without further ado, I present a video of me. It’s from about a month back, when I was tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos. “Tubing in Laos” …
Vang Vieng
Travel blogs, photos and features from Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in Vang Vieng
Famous for tubing, beer and good times, this party-centric backpacker town has more to offer than just hedonism with some stunning natural landscapes and friendly people. Start here with my basic Vang Vieng travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Vang Vieng travel blogs.
When to Visit
Like the rest of Laos, Vang Vieng has more or less two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is from October to April when temperatures are very high, and humidity lower, and the wet season is from May to September, with lower temperatures, higher humidity and often chances of flooding from the nearby river.
The dry season is generally speaking more popular with visitors, but this means that prices are often higher: by travelling during the wet season, you’ll likely find good deals, especially when it comes to places to stay.
Top Outdoor Activities To Do
Tubing – Probably the thing Vang Vieng is most known for is floating down its river in an inner tube while watching the passing scenery and enjoying a few Lao beers! It’s one of those things you hear about for ages and then when you actually see and do it, it’s completely what you expected—only better!
Hot air ballooning – Another popular thing to do in Vang Vieng is to get up before dawn and ascend above the hills for sunrise in a hot air balloon. Floating silently through the sky while the sun comes up behind the mountains and over the river is a spectacular thing to behold, and one that you won’t soon forget. It’s also relatively cheap to do it here than many other places known for this.
Swimming – There are three beautiful natural lagoons within easy reach of Vang Vieng, and it’s worth visiting at least one of them for a dip. Best to come during the dry season as this is when they are their brightest blue color.
Vang Vieng Tours
Vang Vieng is perfectly situated for taking day tours from to the surrounding nature. There are many to choose from, and given how unreliable transportation can be in rural Laos, it’s pretty much always going to be the best option in terms of convenience, so definitely consider booking one.
LGBTQ – Gay Vang Vieng Travel Guide
There is no specifically gay life in Vang Vieng, though there are a lot of bars and clubs where everyone is welcome. Generally speaking, compared to neighboring Thailand, the attitude towards homosexuality in Laos may seem quite conservative, but Lao culture is quite open and visiting as a gay person is quite easy.
It should be noted that public displays of affection are frowned upon in Laos, regardless of the genders of the people involved.
More gay travel resources here.
Follow @travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!