Just half a decade ago, the main street was a potholed track, crowds were rare, and accommodation was limited to a handful of guesthouses. Now thousands of party-hungry backpackers descend on the “tubing capital of the world” and the likes of “happy shakes” appear on restaurant menus more than authentic Lao dishes, and countless bars, internet cafés and market stalls all compete for the backpacker buck. Despite the tourists, Vang Vieng is still jaw-droppingly beautiful, and you could easily spend a week here cycling, cave exploring, tubing, rafting and hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the idyllic landscape.