Tubing, Vang Vieng in its Hey Day!
The notorious zip wires of Vang Vieng
Beer Lao in hand – A Tuber in Vang Vieng ready for action!
Contents
The Bar Closings of September 2012
Following a meeting between officials and the river bar owners towards the end of August 2012, all drinking establishments along the Nam Song were told to close by the 5th September. With the ASEAN and EURO ASEAN meetings being programmed in Laos for November, it was said that the Government had simply decided enough was enough; that it was mandatory to implement changes that would make this a safer place (and in turn improve its image on the international stage). And that was it – no further comments, no other info; just a lot of confusion, hearsay, and thousands of backpackers wondering what on earth would happen next? What would this mean for Vang Vieng as we moved forward to a fresh new season?Will the party live on?
So, what exactly happened on the 5th September? According to Greg Haywood, owner of Fluid Bar on the Nam Song River, “tubing continued, but not as we knew it. All licenses of bars and restaurants were suspended (with the prospect of a 20 million kip fine if they were caught serving). In addition (those to whom this is applicable) were told to remove all platforms, huts and any construction 15m back from the river bank, including the high jumping/swing platforms. The ‘Death Slide’ was demolished.”DEMOLISHED: The precarious ‘Death Slide’ in Vang Vieng is no more!
Demolished Bars along the Namsong River Vang Vieng
The NamSong River October 2012 – Where the Slide Bar and the Death Slide used to be
The quiet NamSong River October 2012
Will there be a Place for Tubing in the New Government Plans?
Greg spoke to an official from the taskforce who’s in charge of implementing new changes in Vang Vieng according to the policies of the government. He found out that between the 7th-9th of December, members from the Ministry of Tourism in Vientiane would be coming to Vang Vieng to survey the area. They will be checking along the river and putting a new improved system in place. Each operation that wants to open on the river will have to submit a business plan to the government which concerns safety aspects, hygiene and their proposed activities. It will also be mandatory for people to wear life jackets if they tube, not rent a tube later than 3pm (and make sure they’re out of the water before 6pm when it gets dark).November 2012: The much quieter tubing scene in Vang Vieng
Safety First.
When we asked about reports of the higher end hotels and guesthouses built recently, the government official confirmed that the policies are not discriminating against a particular type of tourist; they want to welcome everyone here: “Backpackers will always come to Vang Vieng because it’s a great place to be. First and foremost, though, let’s make it a safer place for everyone.” Government plans include a chill-out green space to be made where The Island used to be. This area will still be closed come high season, but steps towards making the park will almost certainly have started. Other improvements will include additional green spaces along the streets to improve the quality of the restaurants and guesthouses, a promenade along the riverside in town for pedestrians and cyclists, and a night market. In addition, all bars/restaurants in this area will be able to open until 2am – and nightclubs that are soundproofed will be able to operate until later. Which means…The Party will not Die!
The Island and the bars that used to inhabit it may be no more, but rest assured there will still be plenty going on in town in terms of nightlife. The owner of Bucket Bar is currently looking for another space in town – and with regards to tubing, Greg believes that when the government has finished compiling their new regulations, some of the river activities may also be able to re-open if they have their safety certificate.The relocation of the legendary Bucket Bar Vang Vieng
Meanwhile Back in Town, some Party Hotspots!
Says Greg: “Gary’s Irish Bar is alive and kicking – always with a good crowd up for some fine pub fare, beers, cocktails and good tunes (Indie, Reggae, Rock, House, Funk and Britpop). If you’re looking for some funky beats, deep house and other electronic vibes, then head on down to DK3/ Milan Pizza which is famous for its tasty wood-fired oven pizzas, great cocktails and other Western foods. Here, you’ll find James playing some old skool hip hop and house there from mid-afternoon and it also opens for breakfast.”Milan Pizza, Vang Vieng
DK3 The party continues back in town!
Fluid – perfectly located on the Namsong River, Vang Vieng
Jungle Raves and Underground Parties in Vang Vieng…
Finally, when high season kicks off again, Greg and co. will be doing the Jungle Raves again at Vang Vieng Mai, which is 2km outside of town (a great club located in the jungle). “Sometimes we’ll play inside, sometimes out – and music-wise, we’ll be dropping deep house, tech (and some DnB depending on what DJs are in town). Anyone who went this year knows it’s the best underground party going on in VV.” All in all, then, the concensus seems pretty final! As we always suspected (and hoped!), the party will continue in Vang Vieng… just in a different way. [molongui_author_box]Join Over 20,000 Happy Backpackers in Our Facebook Group!
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I coughed up blood for 2 days after slamming into the water on my back pff the ‘death slide’… more regulations are definitely a good thing…. on a side note… why do people travel all the way to laos to spend their daytime just layed watching re-runs of friends? And apparently go home being all ‘cultured’ from travelling se asia…. Its sad..
Does anyone have updates on tubing in Vang Vieng. Heard it is still going on but nowhere near as a wild (or dangerous) as before.
Just left VV. Yes tubing is still happening here and yes there are bars operating along the river. The restaurants in town still all serve the same menu with the same tasteless food. It’s great to see the town is pushing the Eco Tourism as the area is stunning. It makes me laugh trying to read the poorly written comments from people suggesting theme parks…an STD clinic… all to be set up in VV. I guess the mentality of these peoples comments is reflected in their really bad spelling…
I had the time of my life tubing, I did it knowing the risks and I think part of the fun was the danger and the hap-hazard nature with which these bars, slides and zip lines were constructed. Not to mention being allowed drink along the way. It was a once in a life time experience! I hope the town recovers but it’s hard to imagine it drawing the same crowds of backpackers.