Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang was a place with a magical feel to it, the town of Vang  Vieng turned out to be the complete opposite. The nature around Vang Vieng is breathtaking. Then town is situated next to a river surrounded by a wall of steep limestone mountains. It could have been a dream destination.

Ten years ago it probably was a dream but today it is a proof of how tourism can go very wrong. The town is filled with very young and very drunk westerners who come here only for the party scene. Most of them behave (and look) as though they are on holidays without their mom for the first time and are not able to handle it when the beer is so cheap.

Now, we should not only be negative because the nature around Vang Vieng is absolutely beautiful. We went on a full day combined cave tubing and kayaking trip that was great. Paddling and drifting down the Nom Song river with high mountains all around was an experience that made the area worth visiting.