Vang Vieng is a town built for backpackers. If you take tourism away, the town will lose its energetic soul. Vang Vieng (4 hours from Vientiane) has become a pit stop for backpackers who are heading to Luang Prabang. This town is generally known for its “happy” pizzas, booze and party. Apart from that, here are a list of things you can do and find in Vang Vieng.
1) Tubing. If you only have limited time to spare, I reckon river tubing along Nam Song since this is one of the popular activity among backpackers. You can read more about tubing here.
2) Caving. There are a few caves to explore, you can hire tuk-tuk to bring you around.
3) Kayaking along Nam Song. If you are fit enough and up for the challenge, you can take a one day trip kayak from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Otherwise, a short kayak along Nam Song is sufficient.
4) If you want more of outdoor activities, buzz one of the many tour operators lining up in town for rock climbing, biking and trekking tour packages.
5) Party. There are lots of bars in town especially along Old Market Riverside Road. Loud music, whiskey bucket (mixture of Tiger Whiskey, Coke, Red Bull, lime, lemon juice, honey and ice) and beer lao all night long.
6) Chill out at one of the restaurant while enjoying (if not annoyed) by the endless re-runs of Friends and Family Guy. You pick your restaurant based on Friends or Family Guy preference, period.
7) Hammock is a common sight especially at the guesthouse. If you’re a hammock person just like me, this is a good place to spend a quiet afternoon with a good book to keep you company.
8 ) Local fishermen can be seen along Nam Song with fishing nets. Casting fishing nets required a lot of skills and it isn’t easy as it seems. If you’re lucky, they might ask you to give it a try.
9) To witness a typical routine by mostly women and children, head up to Old Market Riverside Road for the morning market at 7am.
10) Head to Norkeo for Lao food. The typical sticky rice, grilled fish/chicken/beef without any TV (Friends or Family Guy re-runs) insight.
For more interesting trails in Asia, check out Elaine's website - Trail of Asia
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