How many people died tubing in Laos?
Party-hungry backpackers flocked to this tiny town in central Laos to drink, take drugs and float down the Nam Song river on inflatable tubes — the region’s signature outdoor activity. Then the death toll started. In 2011, Vang Vieng’s hospital recorded 27 tourist deaths.
Where do you go tubing in Laos?
Vang Vieng
For many years Vang Vieng in Laos has been an essential stop on the backpacker trail through South East Asia, and the attraction for most is Tubing down on the Nam Song River.
How long do you need in Vang Vieng?
You can stay anywhere between three to five nights in Vang Vieng, depending on how much time you want to spend relaxing. However, three nights allows enough time to see and do most of what this beautiful spot in the Karst Mountains has to offer.
What language is spoken in Lao?
Lao
Laos/Official languages
What is tubing in Laos?
Vang Vieng tubing used to draw thousands of travelers a year to central Laos. After mounting casualties (drugs, drinking and minimal safety precautions in or around a fast-flowing river will do that), the government cracked down on the horde of backpackers partying in Vang Vieng.
What happened Vang Vieng?
The city is served by the Vientiane–Boten Expressway since its opening in 2020; previously the only major road access was through Route 13. By the end of 2021, it will be served by a station on the Boten–Vientiane railway.
What is the capital of Laos?
Vientiane
Laos/Capitals
Vientiane, also spelled Viangchan, largest city and capital of Laos, situated on a plain just northeast of the Mekong River.
What is Vang Vieng like now?
For months, Vang Vieng was a ghost town. The economy suffered, and locals worried about the future. About a year later, officials allowed tubing once again — but with more stringent rules. Now, only three bars can be open at once, and there are no more river swings, drugs, death slides, or dangerous activities.
Is Lao hard to learn?
Lao does not take really long to learn (compared to other languages that might take many years or decades). Both Lao and Thai are from the Tai-kadai language class, so by learning Lao first as the foundation, you’ll be able to understand a variety of Lao regional dialects and Thai quicker.
Is English widely spoken in Laos?
Among of all foreign languages spoken in Laos now, French and English are the most commonly used, especially in the major tourist centers of Laos.
What should I bring for tubing?
GEAR: WHAT TO BRING
- The tube. If you’re not renting a tube through an outfitter, you’ll obviously need to bring your own.
- Water shoes.
- Sun protection.
- Leave your phone behind.
- Rope.
- Portable air pump.
- Clothes (optional).
- Insulated water bottle.
What do you wear tubing?
Clothing Options In general, a bathing suit is your best bet when tubing. You’ll definitely get wet, so you’ll want clothing that is water-safe and dries easily for when you get out or walk back. It will be hot and a bathing suit will be the most comfortable while you are relaxing in the sun.
When to go tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos?
Vang Vieng is a tourism-oriented town in Laos. | © Brostock / Shutterstock If your goal is to be on the river for as long as possible, go in the late morning and ask your tuk tuk driver to take your farther up stream to the bridge. If your goal is to party, go mid-afternoon around 2 or 3 p.m.
Where to go tubing on the Mekong River?
The island of Don Det is an upcoming backpacker stop on the Mekong River along the Cambodia and Laos border. Tubing around the islands is a popular activity and a great way to catch a sunset. | © Danita Delimont / Alamy Stock Photo
What to wear in a cave in Laos?
On your body: Wear a bathing suit or swim trunks under your clothes. Lao are conservative, and, while they they might not say anything, it’s rude to wear just your bikini or trunks in public. Tham Nam (Water Cave) for cave tubing.