Nevertheless She Travelled

From Luang Prabang, we took the train to Vang Vieng. We bought tickets through our guesthouse owner the day before, and he arranged transportation to the train station for us. BE WARNED: there is no food, water, or aircon inside this train station (which made for a really fun time for two very hungover fools). The train ride itself was comfortable and quick, and I’m pretty sure Alec and I both slept the entire time, as our bodies were fighting off post bowling alley exhaustion.

After arriving in Vang Vieng, you will have to show your ticket to exit, so make sure you keep track of it (otherwise your friend will have to negotiate with various Lao security guards to let you escape). There will be a number of songthaews waiting in the parking lot to take you to your destination.

Our first morning in Vang Vieng, our alarms went off at 4:30am (appalling hour I know) and we were soon picked up for a bucket list experience–HOT AIR BALLOONING. Laos is one of the cheapest places in the world to ride a hot air balloon, so obviously we took advantage of the opportunity. We went through the company Above Laos, which I definitely recommend. We were provided with pre-flight snacks and coffee, up to 1 hour and 15 minutes in the air depending on weather, post-flight breakfast and champagne, and a certificate! Even though it was burning season, it was still an insanely cool experience worth the early wakeup.

After a much-needed nap, we decided to seize the day by unlocking a new mode of transportation and driving a dune buggy to the Blue Lagoons. We rented the dune buggy through our hostel and after being loaded into the back of another songthaew were taken to the side of a dirt road where our new whip awaited us. I highly recommend renting a dune buggy instead of motorbikes to get to the Lagoons, as the roads were little more than dirt and large rocks. (Also, driving a dune buggy is insanely fun).

We went to Lagoon 2 and 6 and someplace called Vang Vieng Interpark which we mistook for another Lagoon. If you end up here and are intrigued by a sign that says “Cave 30m” turn around and don’t look back. Otherwise, you will end up hundreds of meters into the jungle, climbing vertically along an unbeaten path to reach a severely underwhelming cave. You will then have to belay yourself back down the mountain, laugh-crying at the absurdity of the situation you’ve found yourself in. You’re welcome– I do these silly things so that you don’t have to! Aside from this misleading hike, the Interpark also offers a janky rope swing.

Lagoon 2 has a high platform to jump off of, bamboo rafts, lounge chairs, and tubes. We had a blast jumping off of the high platform to the amusement of the large tour group that had gathered to watch. Lagoon 6 is more for relaxing and enjoying the backdrop. There’s a dock to lay out on and little orange boats you can take for a spin around the lagoon. Apparently, Lagoon 3 is the best and the one you should make sure you visit, as it offers a more solid rope swing, zipline, and bamboo rafts.

Our final day in Vang Vieng, we did their famous tipsy tubing. In classic Emily-Julia-Alec fashion, we chose the most overcast day to tube and instead of a large group ended up with an intimate tubing group of around 7 people (us + some Dutchies). But honestly, we still had a blast. I would recommend bringing or purchasing a dry bag to store your phones and clothes in and/or a waterproof phone case. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people losing phones while tipsy tubing here or in Pai. The tubing takes a few hours and there are 3 stops for drinks/food along the way. However, it’s a good idea to bring some beers or prepare a mixed drink beforehand (SE Asia has allowed me to revert to my high school ways and embrace the mixie in a water bottle).

Vang Vieng is not only known for its adventurous daytime activities but for its unique nightlife as well. And by this, I mean the consistent routine of pregaming at your hostel, heading out to Gary’s Irish Bar, and then (once Gary’s closes) venturing down the street to Jaidee’s. And the best nights end with street food.

I recommend 3 days in Vang Vieng, so you get the chance to do all the activities this town has to offer! Some we missed include the rest of the lagoons and Nam Xay Viewpoint.

I also want to acknowledge the unfortunate incident that occurred here when multiple backpackers died of methanol poisoning from drinks at Nana’s Hostel (which I actually stayed at the year prior). Obviously, this was devastating and should serve as a reminder to backpackers to stay vigilant about what they’re consuming; however, I would hate for this to be a reflection on this beautiful county and its people. Horrible things like this can happen anywhere, and it should not be a reason for you to avoid visiting Laos.