Float down the Nam Song river on a rubber tube, stopping at riverside bars for cheap Beer Lao and rope swings. The party that nearly got shut down is back, calmer but still brilliant.
Year-round but best November to March when the river is calm and the weather is dry.
Vang Vieng's tubing scene nearly killed itself in the early 2010s. At its peak, 27 backpackers died in a single year from a combination of strong currents, excessive drinking, and unregulated rope swings and zip lines. The Laotian government shut most of the riverside bars, removed the most dangerous structures, and enforced life jacket requirements. What remains is still one of Southeast Asia's most memorable backpacker experiences, but considerably safer.
The tubing route runs roughly 3.5 kilometres down the Nam Song river, starting about 2 kilometres north of town. Tube rental costs 60,000 LAK (approximately GBP 2.50) and includes a life jacket and a tuk-tuk ride to the starting point. You have until 6pm to return the tube or forfeit your deposit (60,000 LAK). The float takes 2 to 3 hours without stops.
Four to five bars still operate along the route, built on wooden platforms over the river. Each has a rope swing or slide, a sound system, and cheap Beer Lao (15,000 LAK, roughly GBP 0.60). The atmosphere is sociable rather than chaotic: think gap-year backpackers sharing tubes and drinks rather than the dangerous free-for-all of the old days.
The karst limestone cliffs that frame the river are genuinely spectacular. On a clear day the contrast between the green river, white cliffs, and blue sky makes this one of the most photogenic stretches of water in Southeast Asia. Blue Lagoon, a natural swimming hole 7 kilometres from town, is worth a half-day trip by motorbike on a non-tubing day.
Party hostels within reach of Vang Vieng's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
The Laos-China railway (opened 2021) connects Vientiane to Vang Vieng in 1 hour. This is the fastest and cheapest option. Minivans from Luang Prabang take 5 to 6 hours.
Day-by-day breakdown
Tube rental shops line the main road. 60,000 LAK includes tube, life jacket, and tuk-tuk to the put-in point 2km north of town. Go by 10am to maximise daylight and bar time.
The float takes 2 to 3 hours without stops. Five riverside bars along the route. Rope swings are optional and less dangerous than they used to be. Beer Lao 15,000 LAK. Whisky buckets 40,000 LAK.
Return your tube to the rental shop by 6pm. Walk to the Sunset Viewpoint bar on the riverbank for golden hour over the karst cliffs. Street food stalls along the main road open from 5pm.
Realistic costs per person · Verified March 2026
Prices in GBP. Festival week prices may be higher than standard rates. Prices verified March 2026.
Other festivals and parties in the same region
Getting to Vang Vieng Tubing Season from Vientiane , and Luang Prabang