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You may know Vang Vieng as the former party capital of South East Asia. Chances are, you may have heard about it from friends, or even in the news. Likely about ‘another’ traveller’s tragic death. But after a strict government crackdown, the town has now shed its old reputation, has reinvented itself and seems to now have a promising future. This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission but come at  no extra cost to you . Half way between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, travellers from all over the world used to flock to Vang Vieng’s infamous party and tubing scene. Within a few years of it becoming popular, things got out of control. Alcohol and drug excess coupled with lack of regulations, turned Vang Vieng into a wild hedonistic town and a deathtrap, claiming 27 lives in 2011 alone. A year later the government stepped in and closed most of the riverside bars, where the shenanigans took place. Rumours that tubing was dead spread...

Laos is one of my absolute favourite countries, a little gem nestled between 4 countries China, Thailand , Vietnam and Cambodia. Despite there being so many things to do in Luang Prabang, there’s a slower more laid-back feel about the place compared to Vietnam where I travelled to Laos from. Even the temperatures are more comfortable. The locals are friendly but conservative, traditions are important. The scenery is spectacular, lush, green and mountainous with rivers and caves galore. If you want to travel to Laos, read my Laos backpacking guide. My favourite place to explore in Laos is without doubt Luang Prabang, a Unesco world heritage site . I could happily while away several weeks there exploring the colourful night markets, sipping cocktails overlooking the Mekong river and failing spectacularly at yoga! What you can expect from this article... 1 Things to do in Luang Prabang 1.1 Give alms to monks 1.2 Swim in Kwang Si Waterfalls 1.3 Visit the nig...