What used to be just a few streets and a bus stop has morphed into one crazy party town complete with late island booze and dancing, whacked out natural drugs and enormous rope swings into a raging river.

Oh . . .do I have your attention?

A huge attractionin this town is grabbing your mates and big plastic tubes and go floating down the river with amazing scenery and, perhaps more importantly, six bars chock full of hotties lining the river banks. Bar staff literally pull you in as you hold on to a stick of bamboo. I borrowed the impromptu “Pump Stick” and fished out a few females for my friends . . .and two for myself! “Ladies, grab the stick and pull . . . NO LADIES! THE STICK THE STICK!”

There is no shortage of free Laos whiskey floating around that river – Sheesh! Beerlao, the only beer available in the country, is a decent drop and a couple of huge bottles are essential when you get back in the tube for another float to the next drinking station – You heard of “Road Beers” -now we have RIVER BEERS!.

Rope swings and beach volleyball ensure all the kiddies are having half-naked fun, in the sun and when the sun goes down so do the girls . ..er I mean – the party just gets even heavier (like my dates when I drink).



An island of bars with lights, DJ’s and bonfires start up every night and draw the young crowd out from every hotel. If you want to sit back and chill try asking for the ‘happy menu’ at any of the local restaurants. Suffice to stay there is something very funny about the happy menu cocktails and snacks, and I assure you that you won’t find a better price for a “Mushroom Shake” or “Opium Tea” on the planet (well maybe Afghanistan but those burkas as so itchy during making out.

Be warned, with the fun you get at these prices, a lot of people fall in love with the party town and never want to leave.


Source: http://coedmagazine.com/2010/02/25/worlds-best-party-spots-vang-vieng-laos/

Domestic and international tourists alike are looking for new and exciting places to celebrate the coming New Year, and the popular tourist town of Vangvieng in Vientiane province is ready to hold its own special countdown party on an island!

According to Head of Vangvieng's Tourism Administration Office, Mr Phouvieng Sykaisone, the district has organised a trade fair at the old airstrip, where tourists can enjoy browsing amongst stalls of local handicraft, fruit, household appliances and clothes.

“The trade fair, which opened yesterday and will continue until the end of the year, is a central component of our celebrations for the upcoming new year. But best of all, we will join with a variety of entertainment venues in hosting New Years Eve celebrations on Don Kang Nam Xong (Xong River island), in Savang village in the centre of town,” he said.

He added that the island was a suitably large area, on which organisers had prepared open fire places for visitors to sit or dance around if it took their fancy, as well as lucky draws, games of petanque and volleyball and musical acts to attract revellers on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

“Many people like to visit the island because it is a beautiful area surrounded by the gently flowing river and limestone mountains, and it is located right in the centre of town,” he explained yesterday in a telephone interview.

“Savang village is currently under development,” he added, “there will also be a local trade fair here, at a village meeting area in the old market.” The fair will sell local skirts ( Lao sin ), traditional handicrafts and food to tourists who come to welcome in the New Year.

The district currently has 86 restaurants and more than 1,000 rooms available, including three hotels and 63 guesthouses, he said.

“In Vangvieng you can open your window and drink in the beauty of the stunning natural scenery, in refreshingly cool weather,” said Mr Phouvieng.

Vangvieng has in the past attracted a generally younger crowd, who come to relax and enjoy the Lao countryside by floating down the river on inflated tyres (tubing), kayaking and swimming in the Xong River.

There is also a range of trekking options and many people go out to explore the caves hidden in the limestone outcrops. On the gastronomic front, one can sample organic wine, shakes and pancakes made from mulberries, along with healthy mulberry leaf tea and deep-fried tempura leaves eaten with honey.

The tourist town of Vangvieng is now booming, as it is a convenient stopping point for many travellers journeying by road between the two World Heritage Sites of Luang Prabang in the north and Vat Phou Champassak in the south.

By Panyasith Thammavongsa