Readme before you journey
The initial spark for this trip to Vang Vieng was ignited by reviews I saw 3-4 years ago. The moment I saw them, I knew I had to go. Back then, I envisioned it as the perfect place to sip beer, soak in the scenery, and pen articles while engaging in self-reflection. That was my vision 3-4 years ago. However, the circumstances surrounding this trip were different. This time, it was a friend's invitation that sealed the deal. The timing was perfect, as I had been harboring a desire to visit for some time. Once the decision was made, we delved into researching travel logistics and accommodation. When it came to attractions, we deliberately avoided reviews. A faint memory from 3-4 years ago guided our itinerary, reminding us of the activities we wanted to experience. The primary motivation remained the same: to sit back, enjoy a cold beer, and engage in introspective conversations.
The time for rehashing old stories is over! Let's talk about this trip. When we arrived in Vang Vieng, the first thing that came to mind was, "What the hell is this?!" The scene before us resembled Koh Samui 10-15 years ago (Lamai, Chaweng) - a complete mess. Where was the urban planning beauty? Where were the stunning views we had dreamed of? But oh well, let's move on.
The first day, we had time to walk around the city in the afternoon and evening. There wasn't really anything to do in Vang Vieng, but I have to admit that there were a lot of Korean tourists. My radar was broken; everything was either white or Asian. Haha, just kidding! Let's take a look at some of the natural attractions in the city (and I mean in the city, I can't stress that enough). I have to admit that the natural scenery is beautiful, but you have to find the right angles. On the first day, we walked around as much as we could, and the pictures below show what we saw.
The first night, what are we waiting for? "Sakura" of course. Sakura is a bar, an open pub. The younger brother who went with us looked at the reviews, which said it was a must-see. We didn't want to miss it either, so we went on the first night.
Upon entering the establishment, English conversation became a necessity, as the owner was a foreigner. Each of us received a bottle of beer to enjoy while waiting for other patrons to arrive. The beverage selection was limited, ultimately leading us to choose Lao beer due to the lack of alternatives. Each bottle cost 20,000 kip (approximately 80-100 baht). Regrettably, we were unable to capture any photographs of the female clientele; if you're interested in seeing them, you'll have to visit the establishment yourself.
The night grew lively as people started arriving and the party atmosphere intensified. Korean girls began showing off their dance moves (no beautiful pictures to share, as I was busy soaking up the fun). The main contenders for the "dance king" title were three nationalities: Koreans, foreigners (nationality unknown), and our own Thai people. As an impartial judge, I made my decision based on pure skill and good looks, regardless of nationality. Oh, my heart was racing! If I didn't have a girlfriend, my heart would have been shattered (but I always think of her, and no one can take her place).
After spending one day in Vang Vieng, we realized that it is primarily a tourist destination. As mentioned earlier, it resembles Koh Samui 10-15 years ago. From our perspective, there are numerous business opportunities available. For those interested in investing or starting a business, now is the time to explore and identify potential ventures. We have some ideas in mind for what we could do in Vang Vieng. Tourist destinations always present opportunities for profit, but it depends on what you choose to pursue. If we have the chance to invest there, we will share our experiences.
This is just the first day. For the second day, let me just say that we were on the go all day. I'll write more later after I rest my eyes. ^^
Pandacameraman
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:30 PM
