South East Asian Trips

Vang Vieng (also Vang Viang) is a tiny riverside town located in Laos. Once no more than a bus changing station on the long haul between Vientiane at the Thai border and the World Heritage Site city of Luang Prabang, it has managed to become a destination of its own. There still isn't more to the town than three streets and a bus station, the attractions comprising the nearby river (on which there is a rope swing), laid back countryside and cave-filled rock formations. However, the backpacker scene is so enthusiastic that many people stay for nearly a week and consider it the highlight of their trip. There is one ATM that takes Mastercard and Plus cards. Otherwise you can take money out at one of the banks with a Visa card, make sure you have your passport ready and if it's not a recognized institution they won't let you take money out. There is one government office where you can change traveller’s checks and that's about it. Locals will accept Thai baht or US dollars. There's a Lao Development Bank where you can change money at a good rate and get cash advances.

The newly instituted killer pool competition at the Xaliph cafe bar finishes at about midnight, then the tendency is to migrate down to the Island Bar (really several places on a bridge across the river) offering bonfires and beer. Nearly all bars screen movies during the evening (mostly episodes of friends). Buy dinner, stay for the movie and order a milkshake. Be prepared to listen to a lot of Bob Marley, (It seems someone in the village went and bought the complete Friends box set and Bob Marley Legend and burnt copies of them for the entire town!) Hang out on the river. Play some cards. Some places will build small bonfires. Some bars near the river have DJs or at least loud music and an outdoor dance floor. This is the scene for people looking for a more ruckus time.