The Ultimate Guide to River Tubing
in Vang Vieng, Laos

Everything you need to know about Laos’ most iconic experience

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In the heart of Laos, Vang Vieng is a town that has become synonymous with one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic backpacker experiences: river tubing. What probably began as a peaceful drift down the Nam Song River quickly evolved into a rite of passage for backpackers and travellers, becoming so notorious that it was banned in 2012. Today, this iconic experience is back, a lot more regulated but with just as much fun and beauty as before. For those who want to know what all the hype is about but don’t know where to begin, here’s our ultimate guide to river tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos.

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What is River Tubing?

In the late 1990s, Vang Vieng was a sleepy riverside village, known only to backpackers who were determined to get off the beaten path. Somewhere along the way, tubing was introduced, which involves floating down the Nam Song River on a donut-shaped inflated tractor tyre tube. Gliding past the towering limestone karsts and beneath the jungle canopy became ever more popular, and by the early 2000s, had transformed into a raucous party. Makeshift bars began lining the riverbanks, with cheap drinks by the bucket, rope swings, slides and pumping music, turning this once-peaceful float into a full blown DIY party cruise.

Eventually, the unregulated nature of the tubing scene caught up to it. In 2011 alone, 27 tourists lost their lives due to alcohol-related incidents involving the rope swings and slides in the river. The Lao government responded by shutting down the bars and banning river tubing in 2012. Strict regulations were subsequently put in place and eventually river tubing was allowed to resume – this time, in a much safer environment.

Now, river tubing in Vang Vieng is back and just as popular as ever. Bars still line the riverbanks but alcohol consumption is limited and the dangerous rope swings and slides have been removed. It’s still a buzzing and fun experience, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular and iconic things to do in the whole of Laos.

What to Expect When River Tubing

Tubing begins with renting an inflatable inner tube from one of the tour operators in town. A short tuk-tuk ride will take you upstream, where you’ll hop onto the Nam Song River to float back towards Vang Vieng. You’ll glide past dramatic limestone karsts, lush jungle and green rice paddies. Riverside bars pump music and extend a bamboo pole to pull you in for a drink or two! Rest, relax and mingle with other travellers – river tubing still remains a social experience as much as a scenic one. That’s one thing that has thankfully never changed!

There are lots of local companies in Vang Vieng that provide tubing rentals, transport and a guide. The majority of these companies are located near the main town centre, close to the Nam Song River. Most will provide a full set of equipment for tubing, including a tube, life vest and even a dry bag to keep your belongings safe. You’ll also be given a map or a guide to show you the best spots to visit along the way. If you’re after a quieter vibe, some companies now offer tubing to other spots in Vang Vieng, including swimming through caves!

Things to Know Before Going

As you’ll be floating in the river for hours, make sure you wear clothes for swimming in and pack plenty of sunscreen. The sun can be really intense on the water and the entire trip can take hours, so we’d recommend taking a hat too just to be safe. Use a waterproof bag to keep your phone, wallet and other essentials dry. There is nowhere to store these out of the water, so a bag is essential – most companies provide these with the tube.

Editor’s Side Note

Even though river tubing is no longer the mad rave of years gone by, it still has a distinctive party atmosphere that’s all about mingling, dancing and having a drink or five. Know your limits and don’t feel pressured to drink or do more than you’re comfortable with. If you need a break or want to pass on one of the stops along the way, don’t hesitate to do so. And if the party scene isn’t your thing, chat to the tour companies about alternative, quieter trips, as there are plenty of other options available.

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