Readme before you journey
Having seen numerous reviews, I finally had the chance to backpack solo in Vang Vieng! While many have shared their experiences, this review will focus on a successful formula for a 3-day, 2-night solo backpacking trip to Vang Vieng for women.
Vang Vieng conjures images of stunning natural landscapes, towering mountains, serene rivers, and exhilarating extreme sports. While embarking on a solo adventure in such a vibrant environment might seem daunting, fret not! I have personally experienced the joys of exploring Vang Vieng alone, and I assure you, an unforgettable experience awaits, even on a shoestring budget. Prepare to immerse yourself in an adventure that will leave you breathless, without breaking the bank.
Our journey began on the night before the first day (we traveled on Thursday night and returned on Sunday).
We started by booking a bus ticket at http://www.busticket.in.th/ to Udon Thani Bus Terminal (the bus will be from Bangkok to Nong Khai). The ticket price was 650 baht. It is recommended to choose the 8:30 PM bus as the earlier we arrive in the morning, the easier it will be to find a bus to Vang Vieng. (Based on the information I found at that time, I chose the 8:30 PM bus).
- Upon arrival at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal (note for those unfamiliar: To reach Mo Chit 2, take the BTS to Mo Chit Station and exit on the side with Chatuchak Market. Then, hail a motorcycle taxi nearby and tell them "BKS".)
- Enter the first building and take the escalator up (have your ticket ready, the one you paid for at 7-Eleven). Once inside the building, turn left and exchange your ticket at any counter. They will give you your bus ticket.
- Following the signs, you will arrive at the platform on the lower floor to board the train (located near the Food Court). At this time, you will have some time to spare as the next train departs at 20:30 but arrives around 21:00. You can grab a bite to eat at 7-Eleven or elsewhere to prepare for the long journey ahead.
The bus arrived on time! We hopped on (I had read online that Nakhonchai Air was the way to go, with their VIP buses and comfortable seats). However, I had booked a bus with the Transport Co. because Nakhonchai Air was fully booked on the day I made my reservation. As it turned out, I was very impressed with the Transport Co. bus (this particular time slot was for a VIP bus). The seats were spacious, allowing me to stretch my legs and recline the seat. The air conditioning was cool, and the seats were clean and soft. The staff also provided us with a bread snack and a bottle of water. (The bus stopped at one rest stop where we could exchange our bus ticket for a free meal. There was a table set up, and although I was initially hesitant and a bit embarrassed to go alone, the staff called for my ticket and served me immediately, which helped ease my apprehension.)
Authentic Day One
After watching the sunrise from the bus, we will arrive at Udon Thani Bus Terminal. The bus will stop in front of the terminal. At this point, everyone needs to be aware of the many motorbike drivers who will approach you, as if you were a celebrity. As a solo traveler, it can be a bit overwhelming. How do you politely decline their offers and avoid eye contact? Don't worry, just follow these steps: First, turn to face the Central department store. Then, look diagonally across the street (the alley will be directly opposite you). From where you are standing, you will see an alleyway. Walk into that alley.
- Then enter the first small door.
- Upon entering, look to the left to find the ticket booth for Vang Vieng.
However, no one told me that I had to book a ticket in advance!! It's sold out. What should I do? I woke up early but there is no bus to Vang Vieng. The tickets are sold out. What should I do next? My brain is processing information quickly. (If we take a bus to Nong Khai, there are many motorbike taxis and vans asking if we want to go to Vang Vieng. They will take us to the border for 200 baht or so. That means we have to take a bus from here to Nong Khai, then to the border, then from the border to Vientiane, and then from Vientiane to Vang Vieng!! Wow, how much will it cost to go alone without anyone to share the cost? T_T Therefore, since we have to change buses in Vientiane anyway, we decided to buy a bus ticket to Vientiane!! It costs 80 baht and leaves at 9.00 am - which was 7 am at that time T^T)
After obtaining our tickets, we waited in the designated area for the Inter Bus to Vientiane. While waiting, we freshened up in the restroom. (One minor inconvenience of traveling alone is the lack of someone to watch our belongings when using the restroom. However, we were able to leave our belongings at the counter in front.)
- At 9:00 AM, a car will pick us up. Please have your tickets ready to show to the staff. They will guide you to your seats.
(Do not expect that you can ask every Lao person you meet on the bus for directions to Vang Vieng. Not everyone knows Vang Vieng. It's like us, not everyone knows how to get to Sungai Kolok by bus.)
- The car will drive for a while and reach the checkpoint at Nong Khai. To pass through the exit checkpoint, it's quite simple. Just fill out the exit form, similar to when traveling by plane. Once you pass through to the other side, the car will be waiting for you. (It might be a bit confusing, but don't worry too much about where to buy a SIM card or exchange money. You can do both at the immigration office.)
- Okay, when the car arrives at the immigration checkpoint, this is where you will need a high level of mindfulness, concentration, and intelligence. Even if you have read the reviews many times, when you encounter the actual task, you may still fail immediately (5555555 laughing with malicious joy). Oh, and it's a good idea to be a little quick, even though the car won't leave you, anything can happen when you're alone.
1. To purchase an entry ticket (similar to a BTS card), look for a machine like this. It should cost around 20 baht (use Thai currency).
2. Upon arrival, immediately head to the Exchange counter on your left to exchange currency. Act quickly, as this appears to be the only currency exchange location in the immediate vicinity. (It is unclear if there are other exchange locations elsewhere.)
After successfully passing through the previous stage, we should quickly walk towards the car we arrived in. Importantly, we must emphasize the need to remain calm and collected, as the layout of the booths and counters can be confusing. The booths for purchasing tickets, immigration, and currency exchange are not arranged in a logical order, making it difficult to determine where to begin. It appears as though booths have been placed wherever space was available, leading to a somewhat chaotic and disorienting experience.
After crossing the border, we entered Laos. The first thing we noticed was the striking resemblance to our home country. The terrain was remarkably similar, and the script used was almost identical (although, to be honest, we couldn't read much of it). The way of life also seemed familiar, except for the fact that they drive on the right side of the road (which initially confused us). Motorcycles were the most common mode of transportation. However, what truly stood out were the houses. Large houses were truly grand, often featuring dome-shaped roofs. Smaller houses, on the other hand, were quite similar to those in our own country.
- The bus will then take us to Vientiane. (During the bus ride or before getting off, we got to know a Thai person who also intended to go to Vang Vieng, as most of the Thai people on the bus were going there.)
- Upon arrival, it is crucial to maintain composure and remain focused. Expect to be followed by individuals as if you were a Hollywood celebrity. Ignore them and proceed to purchase a SIM card from the store across the street. (When you inform the driver who approaches you that you intend to purchase a SIM card, they may either escort you to the store or follow you and inform the store of your intention. Be aware that the SIM card's price may be inflated due to a commission deducted for the individual who follows or directs you to the store.)
- After purchasing the SIM card and activating the number, we walked back. This time, we had to use all our energy and unleash our bargaining skills in a combo. It would be even better if we could find a Thai friend on the bus we were on to join us. The next van ride cost between 200 and 250 baht per person.
- Once the price is agreed upon, they will take you to the van. After that, get ready. If you have a neck pillow, it would be even better to use it. Because the road here is like riding a roller coaster for 4-5 hours (there are so many potholes, I thought I was on the moon).
After a long and bumpy van ride, we finally arrived in Vang Vieng. (Just tell the driver the name of your hotel, and they will take you there directly.)
Vang Vieng town is a small town that can be explored on foot. Don't worry about booking a hotel online and having trouble getting there. Even if the driver drops you off at the edge of town, you can easily reach your destination using Google Maps.
Accommodation: Popular View Guesthouse
Warp: https://www.booking.com/hotel/la/popular-view.th.h...
Room: River view
This is the room we got, the view is amazing! Looking out, you can see everything, from mountains and fog to the Song River and trees. It perfectly captures the essence of Vang Vieng.
And here, next to the mart (there is no 7-Eleven here), there is only this kind of mart instead.
Walking around Vang Vieng felt like being in Korea. There were so many Korean men everywhere! Every shop had Korean signs, and every shop had Korean men working there. It seemed like 80% of the people there were Korean. After we arrived at our accommodation, we changed our clothes and took a shower (which took longer than marinating pork after almost two days of travel). Our plan was to rent bicycles, cycle around Vang Vieng, enjoy the view, and watch the sunset.
Let's go for a bike ride and enjoy the view. We can ride along the riverbank, and next to our hotel, we will find beautiful views of the river. The atmosphere is especially nice in the evening.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves in Vang Vieng, a place of stunning natural beauty. Having witnessed countless sunsets in the past, we were determined not to miss the opportunity to see the sun dip behind the mountains here. But how could we find the perfect vantage point? The answer was simple: we needed to climb to higher ground to catch a glimpse of the mountain peaks. So, we followed Google Maps and headed to Earth Recycled Bar & Restaurant to watch the sunset.
As we cycled, we were treated to stunning aerial views of Vang Vieng's landscape. The scenery was truly breathtaking, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, we opted to sit at the innermost table, offering a breathtaking view of the sunset. This vantage point guarantees a spectacular view of the sun dipping below the horizon.
Earth Recycled Bar&Restaurant: https://th.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g6123...
The recommended dishes are the burgers and nuggets. They are so delicious that you will forget about the floury nuggets from many famous restaurants in our country.
Hooray, the sun has set!
After enjoying the breathtaking sunset, we returned to our accommodation. However, before going to bed, we couldn't resist indulging in the local delicacy, roti.
Day Two in Vang Vieng
Today, we will proceed quickly, focusing on key recommendations. Those who have reviewed the rough plan can improvise on-site.
- Start your morning by waking up to the beautiful fog and view from your balcony (we plan to leave the room at 7:30 AM).
- We rented a motorbike near our accommodation for around 60,000 kip (please choose a motorbike with good brakes, as the one we got had poor brakes, which was dangerous in the rain. Due to the mountainous terrain, with constant ascents and descents, poor brakes can be very dangerous). We then headed to the bridge over the river.
Our first destination is Pha Hin Ngam. We drive across this bridge and keep an eye on the right side of the road using Google Maps. You will see a signpost. Once we arrive, we pay the entrance fee. Then, a Laotian Hmong person will guide us. By the way, it's a long and steep climb to the top of the mountain. I recommend not wearing foam-soled shoes or flip-flops, as you won't get very far.
"Just a little bit"
...If a Laotian Hmong person says "just a little bit," it means "super far." I was told this by a Hmong person in Chiang Mai, and even when I encountered this situation, I still thought it was just a little bit. I climbed halfway up a mountain with slippery ground (it looked dangerous), but friendship always arises along the way. We met someone coming down the mountain, and we asked them to help us get down. We gained a good friendship with the hand they extended to us when we slipped and fell, and a great experience from climbing a mountain for the first time (from someone who is super afraid of heights). Oh, we couldn't understand what the Hmong children were saying, but they were very cute...
The magic of Vang Vieng (Thank you to the people I met in Vang Vieng for the pictures! Thank you for taking these beautiful pictures from above and sharing them with me.)
- Our next destination is the Blue Lagoon. Just follow Google Maps and you'll get there (although there are signs all the way).
Crystal-clear water, revealing the fish swimming beneath.
When I fell in love with the Blue Lagoon, I never thought I'd be playing there myself! This trip was a solo adventure, and it taught me so much. I made new friends, tried new things (things I wouldn't have dared to do with someone I knew), and even took the plunge at the Blue Lagoon. It was my first time doing something so thrilling (I usually avoid scary rides!), and it was a true step outside my comfort zone. I'm grateful for the amazing people I met who encouraged me to do something so exhilarating and terrifying. Even though I was alone, I know I'll take home some incredible friendships. :)
- After an exhilarating afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, we returned to our accommodation around 2 pm to rest and freshen up. A well-deserved break was followed by a delightful indulgence in the local delicacy, Lao sandwiches, a must-try for any visitor.
Laos, as we all know, was once a French protectorate. However, I didn't realize the extent to which French culture had permeated the country until I visited. Initially, I expected a stronger influence of Thai culture, particularly in the culinary sphere. However, I was surprised to find that French-style baguettes were ubiquitous throughout the country. This widespread presence of French bread highlights the cultural fusion that has occurred in Laos, creating a unique and captivating experience for visitors.
Paul, it's huge and very delicious.
After showering and taking a nap, around 5 pm, we headed to the Orange Bridge, a landmark that everyone must visit and take pictures at.
Map: Tham Chang Cave, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Laos.
- During our visit, it was raining, so we couldn't enter the cave. However, we continued our journey to Thara Villa Hotel, where we could admire the rice fields that many people have photographed.
Following our earlier activities, we concluded the evening at the Sakura Bar, which, despite its name, was filled with a predominantly Korean clientele. While I did not capture any photographs, I highly recommend experiencing it firsthand.
Day Three: Farewell, Vang Vieng
As we had contacted the hotel in advance, we used their Airport Transfer service. They were incredibly kind and arranged a car for us. At 6 am, we set off for the airport.
However, however, however! It seems like everything is in order, right?! It looks luxurious, doesn't it? But anything can happen if we are careless and not careful, even during the time before the return trip!!
I almost got stranded in Laos with nothing! "... I was left at a gas station...! While the van that took me from Vang Vieng to the airport (I was the only one in the van) and the driver went to the bathroom. Due to my own carelessness and negligence (and not thinking that the driver would not check if I was still in the van), I left my phone, bag, and everything in the van and went down to the mart below. And when I came out again... the van was gone (right in front of my eyes). I didn't know what to do (I ran after it, but the driver didn't even look at me). I couldn't call anyone, and I didn't have any money. My passport and documents were in my bag...! Thank God a kind employee took me on a motorbike to follow... but we couldn't catch up..! When I arrived at the airport, I found that there was no sign of the van!! What should I do? What should I do? So I decided to go back to the original gas station first and then think about what to do next. And when we arrived back at the gas station, the employee told me... the van had just driven out of the gas station again just now..! In the end, thank you to the kind employee who drove me to the airport again, and this time I found that my belongings were there!!
This incident serves as a reminder to always be vigilant and maintain awareness of our surroundings. It also highlights the importance of seeking assistance from the Thai embassy in case of emergencies. If immediate recovery of lost items is not possible, it is crucial to find a way to reach the embassy. Consider negotiating with locals for assistance in transportation. In the absence of funds, explore options for acquiring resources near the embassy. Further details on specific procedures are needed, and any insights from others who have faced similar situations are welcome.
In conclusion, this journey has taught us why foreigners appreciate the kindness of Thai people. It is a heartwarming feeling that cannot be expressed in words when they need help and we are there to support them. Let's continue to help each other.
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Where have I been?
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Been There Alone
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:32 AM
