“Viva Vang Vieng!”
It’s a tattoo, inked words that forged histories and futures in Laos. During its heyday as a party heartland, Vang Vieng was a wild and hedonistic destination. The place attracted backpackers and party-goers from all over the world. Once known as the world’s most unlikely party town, now it has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Vang Vieng’s Party Scene
The bars often hosted parties that lasted from the afternoon well into the night, with themes like “glow-in-the-dark” and “jungle” parties. The main attraction was tubing, where travellers floated down the Nam Song River in large inner tubes. The riverbanks were lined with makeshift bars, each competing for the attention of passersby with loud music, cheap drinks, and free shots. : Tubers would stop at these bars, hopping from one to the next, with attractions like rope swings, water slides, and mud pits adding to the allure.
However, the party culture was largely unregulated, leading to dangerous situations. Accidents were common, with some party-goers getting injured or worse due to risky behaviours like diving from swings into shallow water or mixing substances. The influx of tourists and the party scene placed significant pressure on the local community and environment. Noise pollution, litter, and disrespect for local customs and traditions were major concerns.
Back then, Vang Vieng’s reputation as a hedonistic haven overshadowed its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Now, A Nature Paradise
In the early 2010s, the Laotian government took decisive action, shutting down the most notorious bars and curbing the rampant drug use. The move was a wake-up call for Vang Vieng, which had become a cautionary tale of unchecked tourism development. The crackdown marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter for the town.
While the bars and parties have toned down, the town’s natural beauty remains its greatest asset. Although the rave joints, rope swings, and potentially deadly falls into ankle-deep water are no longer present, tubing down the Nam Song is permitted once more. Of course, there are still spots to let loose and have a wild time, but there’s a lot more going on these days.
Easy access to motorbike rentals from the town allows visitors to take part in some of Asia’s most breathtaking tours, see the breathtaking Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, or spend a day swimming in one of Vang Vieng’s five turquoise lagoons—Landlocked Laos’ answer to Thailand’s beaches. Hot air balloon tours have surpassed lazy riverside lazing with a drink as the town’s favourite TripAdvisor activity in 2023.
The rise and fall of Vang Vieng’s party scene highlight the need for responsible tourism practices to ensure that mistakes of the past are not repeated. Visitors can now savour the tranquillity and authenticity of the place, knowing that this picturesque destination has found a way to shine brighter in its new, more sustainable light.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons