Tubing is one of the main attractions that entices people to Vang Vieng.
However, it isn't what it used to be, but to be honest, it's for the better.
We went twice while we were in Vang Vieng, so take our word for it - it is nothing short of an amazing time.
Follow our helpful guide for an unforgettable time floating down the Nam Song River, in Vang Vieng, Laos.
However, it isn't what it used to be, but to be honest, it's for the better.
We went twice while we were in Vang Vieng, so take our word for it - it is nothing short of an amazing time.
Follow our helpful guide for an unforgettable time floating down the Nam Song River, in Vang Vieng, Laos.
What to Bring
- Your memorized passport number & hotel name
You'll need to write this on the form you fill out at the shop for safety purposes. - Dry Bag
In order to keep your important belongings dry. If you don’t have one, there are tons of shops selling them in town. - Sunscreen
There's not much shade on the river, if any. - Sunglasses
Make sure they aren't expensive, or prescription lenses - Bring cheap ones you wouldn’t care about if you lost. - Hat
So you don't burn your precious scalp. - Rope or Shoelaces
The inner tubes don’t have handles, so if you want to float with your friends, two shoelaces tied together work perfectly to stay together. - Goggles
In case you drop something in the river and need to dive down to get it. You'd be surprised how many locals you'll see in the river looking for belongings that tourists have dropped or lost. - Microfiber Towel
To dry off at the end so you're not cold. - Dry Clothes
Once you're finished, you're probably going to want to dry off and change, then warm up by the fire at the last bar. - Beer Koozie
If you bring your own beers from town, or a beer to go from the bar, these will keep them colder longer. You can buy them in town. - Waterproof Camera
To document your fun on the Nam Song River! - Waterproof Cell Phone Case
Wouldn’t recommend bringing your cell phone, but if you can’t part with it, at least have a waterproof case for it. - Cash
To purchase food & drinks at the bars along the river. Also for a tuk-tuk back to your hotel if it's far from the main town.
Cost
- Tube Rental
60,000LAK/$9.30CAD/$6.72USD - Deposit
60,000LAK/$9.30CAD/$6.72USD – Will be refunded if you return your tube by 8:00pm.
Tip: We did notice that the clock was ahead by 15 minutes, so we recommend getting back to the shop no later than 7:45pm to get your deposit back. - Tuk-Tuk
Your rental includes the tuk-tuk drive up to the top of the river, but does not include your tuk-tuk ride back to your hotel at the end of the river. However, it’s right at town, so you can walk for a few minutes to return your tube, and then your hostel shouldn’t be too much farther away.
Where to Rent a Tube
There are actually two places you can rent a tube at in town, but like the bars along the river, they have to take turns being open so only one is open at a time. Luckily they’re both located on the same road - Kangmuong Street, about 50 meters apart.
The first one is across the street from Hally’s Coffee, with a yellow sign that says ‘Tubing’.
The first one is across the street from Hally’s Coffee, with a yellow sign that says ‘Tubing’.
The second rental location is a across the street, 50 meters down the road, towards the water.
Whichever one is open, just look for a shed like shop. You’ll see a couple tuk-tuks parked outside, and tubes stacked against the wall - you really can’t miss it.
What Time to Start
We recommend starting between 11:00am-12:00pm, that is when the first bar on the river starts to fill up. You'll probably want to spend about an hour-ish, give or take, at each bar. If you don't stop at the bars, it only takes about 2.5-3 hours to tube down the river. Also, the sun starts to dip behind the mountains around 3:00pm-4:00pm ish, which is when you can become quite could out on the water in the shade.
Bars Along the River
There are now only four bars open along the river – the first two are fairly close to the start of the river. If you fancy going for a drink, there will be staff members standing close by that will throw a rope to you, just grab on and they’ll pull you in. The third bar is a little farther around the corner. And then the fourth bar is at the end, called Smile Bar. They’ve got a fire pit there so if you’re chilly pop down by the fire to warm up before returning your tube in town. Just remember to be back by 7:45pm!
Looking for another activity in vang vieng?
Are you looking for other things to do in Laos? Be sure to check out the following below.
Blue Lagoons
Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoons, in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoons, in Vang Vieng, Laos.