Tubing in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is/was long known as the party capital in Laos. Especially tubing attracts backpackers from all over the world. You float down the Nam Song River in a tube and can stop at a few bars along the river. Here you can drink, party, and jump into the water from swings and zip lines. Everything very relaxed. 

A few years ago, things got out of hand. On the menus, in addition to the usual menu, hashish, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and opium were offered. Due to excessive alcohol and drug consumption during tubing, visitors have repeatedly died. Many of them drowned or broke their necks when jumping into the water. In 2011, for example, there were 27 (!) dead tourists! 

After that, the government intervened and put an end to it. Nowadays, tubing is possible again, but it is more "civilized". 

For me, it was definitely one of the best experiences in Laos! I was traveling with three other Germans whom I had met in the city, and it was so much fun! Luckily, there were still a few bars! ;-) 

In addition to tubing, there are many other things you can do here. I went kayaking, rented a bicycle, went on a trekking tour to a waterfall, rode a scooter to a lagoon, and went out in the evenings. 

Also, many Koreans and Japanese seem to have a great time in Vang Vieng! Someone told me that a few years ago there was a TV show in Korea where a man was driving around in Vang Vieng in a buggy and trying out all the activities. Since then, everyone wants to do the same. Everywhere you see Koreans driving towards you in beach buggies, and you see huge halls filled with them. 

The city itself is not beautiful, but a visit here is definitely worth it because of the great surroundings and the many things you can do!