This town is a backpackers episode of the Twilight Zone. Because Vang Vieng has a great river for tubing, as well as some climbing and caving, it has become very popular on the SE Asia backpacker circuit. So popular is it now that it seems backpackers support 75% of this small town's economy. The town is now loaded with guest houses and TV bars. We didn't really believe it when Lonely Planet said you could find 5 different bars each playing a DVD from one of the many seasons of "Friends." We found 6 bars playing Friends and one that alternated between The Family Guy and The Simpsons, through all open hours. In each location there were at least 4 large TV's so that one's view is not obstucted. The seating consisted of raised platforms with cushion recliners, with tables for drinks (of course), to give that living room feel. If this wasn't enough the tubing business is so organized that the companies in town alternate days on the river providing tubes and taxi service. The river came complete with numerous bars along the banks at which one could stop to listen to your preferred music style, drink beer or other alcohol, and partake in the semi-safe zip lines and rope swings. All in all not a bad place to relax, but defiantly surreal.
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