Vang Vieng has been a staple of the Asian backpacker circuit for a number of years and as with so many other places we have visited it bears the scars of overdevelopment. A friend who had visited first over 10 years ago lamenting the decline, from tranquil haven, the misty river gently rippled by drinking water buffalo, to noisy party town. That said the town may be busy with drunken 18 year olds showing scant regard for Laos sensibilities, bare chests and bikinis abound, yet still sits in a stunning spot.
Famous mostly for its 'tubing', floating down the river, in a tractor inner tube, beer in hand, there have been significant changes to this activity over the last year. With a death toll reaching relative epidemic proportions, 20 plus backpacker deaths a year recently, change was required. Most deaths resulting from drunken dives into all too shallow waters. The authorities have acted, pulling down all but three bars on the tubing stretch making this a more sedate pursuit.
We gave it a go and time spent floating down the river in the sun with a cool drink will always be fantastic. As its less of drinking pursuit than it was though you have to wonder if Vang Viengs star will wane. There are nicer places to go tubing in Laos. A sleepy town returning albeit hosting a glut of empty concrete hotels. Or maybe its location as convenient stop off point between Luang Prabang and Vientianne will keep it ticking over for the foreseable.
We did try a days rock climbing however rain stopped play so instead we decided to head on to Luang Prabang.
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