SURVIVING VANG VIENG | Tourist Heaven Or Hell?

[@Oooohhh]

I am Vietnamese, also part of the ASEAN community... Lao people are very kind and honest. The Laos tourism market still has a lot of potential. If done right, it will develop very well. The government needs to pay attention to easy connection infrastructure. I also hope they can still maintain their wildness and not sabotage what we are doing in Vietnam.

[@ueckbueck]

maybe they are kind only to ASEAN community. I heard the same from a Thai I met in Laos. but when I had a trouble with my phone and trying to get a used/prepaid phone, and getting a C type lightening, they tried to charge me 4 times expensive than in my country for a cheap Chinese copy. Needless to say about tuktuk. It felt like they see me either a dumb tourist to rip off or to annoy to deal with who doesn't speak either Lao or Thai. I mean, dumb tourist thing I get it. but it wasn't as bad as like this when traveling other developing countries. It seems to be there are some dirty middle age men culture going on in Vang Vieng in the backstreet also. I loved the vibe of Luang Prabang overall, but not so much of Vang Vieng.

[@Harry-gb2tr]

Your Dad is a legend doing that hike. Total respect and give him some time off :)

[@AlinaMcleod]

Agreed! He got lots of rest when I was sick in Vientiane and couldn't go anywhere :)

[@anyaroz8619]

Wow! You are daring! I'd never be able to climb up that trail! Kudos!

[@briannabee812]

I hope your days with Pops are bright and happy ones dear! Looks like a fab time you two are having and its great seeing you smile. ❤❤💙💙

[@JuanCarlosSanz-h1g]

I climbed in 12 minutes but I am used to climbing mountain peaks. The main handicap for climbing is humidity, physical condition and footwear. Another of Vang Vieng's peaks, the Pha Ngern Silver Cliff viewpoint, is much more challenging as it has more gradient and distance if we go up to the second viewpoint.

[@PetrenaSchell]

I loved this video! So fun, but also, very interesting about the dark history. I never knew.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you! Yeah I had never really heard anything about Vang Vieng before I considered taking this trip but it seems like it has had quite a reputation!

[@ericastier1646]

@@AlinaMcleod I liked too that you exposed the dark tourism history. Another video tourist did not mention it and seemed not to be aware that this had been going on. There was this wave of Anglo youth bums that went to these emerging tourism south asian country to backpack, to do drugs, alcohol, sex and live on penny on the dollar and really had no interest in the tradition and culture of these places but just wanted loud music and hedonistic entertainment. They were all from Australia, England, Canada somehow a ring of degenerate young people. I saw it in youtube video around 2010 - 2015. It disgusted me, the anglo saxon culture.

[@dinab7852]

I have no idea how you do what you do, you are one of the bravest women I've come across in my life. I always think this each time I watch any of your videos. All the traveling and long plane rides mostly alone and having to research each place you visit and memorize all that information to deliver on camera and all the recordings and editing involved for each video etc... HUGE KUDOS TO YOU! 👏 👏👏

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thank you very much!! It does take a lot of effort and perseverance but it's a labor of love!

[@bipinkotak]

Adventurous awesome Alina video ❤

[@reneerikolsen9694]

Alina, hope that you are back to full strenth again. Your dad is just doing spectacularly! This place look cool as well, never been there, but seems definitely worth a thorough visit. Thanks for your always nice energy and stay safe out there.

[@JourneyBeyondBorder]

Outstanding video. Very informative and well presented.

[@P.Whitestrake]

Your face at the thumbnail is priceless! 😂👌 Jokes aside, I read about Vang Vieng few years ago. Vang Vieng is included in what they called "The Golden Triangle." It was known for the opium trade in South-East Asia. Glad you're enjoying your South-East Asian trip. One thing for sure, South-East Asian food to me is the best food group in the whole world. Stay awesome & stay safe, Alina.

[@AlinaMcleod]

lol thanks. It is a great place in its own right.

[@P.Whitestrake]

​@@AlinaMcleod Sounds true. 👍

[@darellnewsome4459]

Great video Alina and your Dad is amazing! That last thing you did looked kinda dangerous for sure. Really enjoyed the entire video and thank you so much!

[@TimeToTravel-u2x]

How is he amazing?

[@brucelumsden94]

Thankyou Alina and Gordon, most interesting.

[@nickycharoenprasit3772]

Your dad is amazing, so much respect

[@AlinaMcleod]

He sure is!

[@robertomontel12345]

very entertaining video alina that was a great and entertaining adventure your dad was really brave to make that incredibly and dangerous hike the place was incredible thanks for sharing

[@khenglim]

Thank you Alina for bringing us to amazing places with all its history, adventures and food. What is more amazing though is the shared bond and love between you and your dad. This will become treasured memories in years to come. Enjoy your travels in this part of the world. Stay safe.

[@John-K-N]

Your Dad's deadpan humor is quite endearing. I also think he bears some resemblance to Christopher Plummer. What an adventurous trip this has been! 😊

[@DavidL23.]

Hi Alina! 🙂🙏👋🌟 I hope your having a super marvelous day! This is a fantastic excellent video! 😄👍❤️👏📹🇱🇦⛰🥇💯💫✨🌟 The town of Vang Vieng looks really wonderful! Also Tham Jang Cave and the Blue Lagoon is so magnificent! Even the view from Nam Xay viewpoint is absolutely marvelous! I would definitely like to visit the town of Vang Vieng one day. It’s a great place! Thank you very much Alina to share with us this wonderful video. You are the best and greatest world traveler adventurer! 😃👍👏✈️🌎📹🥇🏆💯💫🌟 I wish you Alina and your Dad a magnificent excellent glorious blessed day. 😊🙏❤️👋👍✨🌟

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much!

[@Omega32231]

Merry Christmas Alena🎉

[@hiteshmorzaria7254]

How Wonderful! Good activities. And You have confidence 👍

[@ArcAudios77]

Was a good watch, thanks Alina. Not watched much on Laos so a nice introduction. Also great to see & hear from your Father. Best wishes are passed from Western Scotland.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much!

[@winnerwinnerchickendinner8809]

I must say as a someone who was born in Vientiane and left since 1975 right after the war. You are much more well versed about Laos history then I am. Good job with your resreach and thanks for visiting Laos. The most underrated country of all southeast Asian countries

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you very much!

[@maxplanck9055]

Fun to see Gordon is not so keen on dangerous sports, paragliding at nearly 80 in Laos is a little ambitious if you’re a farmer used to being firmly on the ground, I think I agree with him. It’s always amusing to hear alina’s embarrassment when she’s talking to her father, you can hear her cringing, generational values differences? They make a good travel pair to watch ✌️❤️🇬🇧 much love Alina good to see you two enjoy Laos

[@ericastier1646]

Come on that viewpoint climb was a major enjoyment for you. It's the difficulty that made it more so. Risk is linked with reward. It's amazing that you are travelling with your dad. I liked how he was able to get that high in the climb, i think he only needed your reassurance to get to the top. This benefited him for sure healthwise.

[@michaelatopalov1990]

I can’t believe you made it to the top of that view!! Love your white blouse!

[@miro1000u]

You are always wonderful Alina, you add a life to ours ❤. Thank you

[@AlinaMcleod]

Aw thank you very much!

[@ShigeruWakita]

You did a good job both Alina and Gordon🙌I'm not good with heights, but I definitely want to participate in that tour.😅

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Gordy Magoo keeping up with you Alina. He is legend in our hearts. Thank you for such a thorough look at what to do in Vang Vieng. I don't know if Harriet and I would do the zipline. Alina, you are legend. By the way , Alina it looked like you were sweating a bit , Dad looked fresh as a daisy. As always, Hugs🫂 and Kisses 💋 from Harriet, Jim and Yuki

[@AlinaMcleod]

haha yeah he did great!

[@robbiewotherspoon6042]

Enjoying you're video ! Appreciated your companion with you ! Not much winter here in south west Saskatchewan Canada !

[@AlinaMcleod]

Hope it stays reasonable for you guys!

[@JohnVogel-dt9uf]

Your dad's great, just like my dad! I haven't been to Vang Vieng in 12 years, it was a party town back then. I saw a lot of wasted backpackers there (I wasn't one of them) and vowed to never return. I'm glad to know that Vang Vieng is cleaning up its act.

[@1234lesy]

Had to chuckle through most of that video (sorry Alina but at least you saw the funny side too). Your dad was certainly ready for a good night sleep at the end 😆

[@ralfmoll5727]

Hello Alina, Thank You for your comprehensive testing and review. I appreciate You reporting also the down sides. Take care! Best regards, Ralf

[@gabriellagirardi4741]

Wow Alina! That was a great adventure,! Your dad was really brave doing that incredibly and dangerous hike! The place was amazing! Thank you very much.

[@AlinaMcleod]

He sure is!

[@user-rg6wi4wq4d]

Thats great you did stop over (. I previously commented on your last video, train journey) and enjoyed yourselves. Yes, a lot of activities and reminds me of my adventures just recently. Enjoy & your Dad looking well.

[@InspiringgrowthIG]

ur dads so sweet, you can tell he enjoys being in the videos!

[@hueyang5943]

I've been back there long time ago. I hope you enjoyed your trip.👍

[@bellyhungry]

Crossing off van vieng from my to visit list.😅 Happy new year Alina. 🎉

[@AlinaMcleod]

Fair! HNY to you as well!

[@starboy1887]

Thanks Alina for another very interesting vid. Hope you have recovered from your illness ! All the best wishes to you. 😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉

[@ryshabh11]

Thanks

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@jimross7648]

One thing about much of asia is that it is not bubble wrapped safety first culture. You are expected to keep your wits about you and judge your own capabilities to do activities, or quiet bluntly just walk the street. The state of things can vary greatly in different parts of the country. That is also true of different parts of the towns and cities. That is not to say things are usually obviously dangerous, just the tolerance for sketchy is different. I've not been to Laos so what you're introducing me to is interesting to say the least.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Yup it sure is. You definitely have to stay present when things aren't as well marked safety wise.

[@vinodpund1574]

The natural cave is interesting 🎉🎉🎉 wonderful video

[@LAOBASS]

I grew up in Winnipeg. Good to see u go on an adventure in Lao

[@pmull252]

I'm in my early 40s and did it in 20 minutes without issues. Yes, i do keep fit by running regularly. Keeping fit in any age is important

[@Steve-xf4uv]

The scenery and views are awesome; so glad you visited here and shared it with us. I could not do most of those activities nor would I want to but your Dad trying them out is amazing. The restaurant in North Korea where you had the bad service might have thought you were Americans (which they hate) but I'm sure they took your money cheerfully. So sorry you got sick there, as we get older we must be more careful as we don't get over things as quickly, hope your Dad did not get sick too. Happy New Year to you both and take care.

[@garyprong1003]

So nice of you to bring your dad along. ❤

[@AgeCobra]

Thanks Alina .Hope you and your dad had a Happy New year beat your mom at it and Us .Have a good time over there .

[@lightgearwire]

The Pullmind Cafe is a great find, thanks for the info. 🎉 Be safe.

[@franciscoespiritu9020]

Nice video Alina😀

[@Jsh-cf6ux]

Was the zipline at the water cave attraction?

[@Tex_Symbol69]

They have north korean restaurants in Cambodia as well, i went to one about 10 years ago

[@agentm83]

amazing place in the mountains...I've scrambled up some mountains in my day, but just watching those treks makes me tired, haha...

[@laurajeninga5409]

Thanks for sharing your adventures ☺️

[@vir72l]

Alina loving your videos, please keep them coming! BTW think you might have gotten sick in Laos from that water the guy flicked on you whilst canoeing as some of it might have gotten in your mouth, not sure but hopefully you're better now and continuing on your SE Asia journey, all the best, take care and happy travels to you and your father!

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thanks! No, I don't think it was from the water, just a flu bug. Had a very high fever and exhausted for about a week.

[@naturalexplorer]

I would enjoy this place. Active, fun and adventurous in the midst of foreign nature. Magnificent elevated scenery once again. Closer to Gordon's age than yours Alina so take my hat off to your Dad for all his energetics - top effort. Would take that steep, rugged climb but maybe borderline. Know all about being the one who has to do all the canoe paddling - at least you guys were not at sea to have to deal with major currents. Really liking the look of Laos - never been and it is highly appealing. Your showcasing is fantastic.

[@PassportDreamGetaways]

Thank you for your honest review of the adventure activities. I would be concerned about the zip lines.

[@janellek21]

Not sure if I would have gone to the North Korean restaurant - I'd be worried about my money ending up in the hands of the regime - but Vang Vieng looks amazing and I'm glad you and your dad had a great time! Hope you've recovered from being ill in Vientiane.

[@AlinaMcleod]

I mean they can have my $20, was worth it to be able to see some of their people perform and at least some of them get to leave even for something like this.

[@Screenfunfacts]

@@AlinaMcleod I just had confirmation that Kim Jong Un just purchased a nuclear bomb with these $20. Well done, Alina.

[@behnaz7810]

I enjoy your videos. You and your dad are very strong and brave God bless you 🙏

[@AlinaMcleod]

Thank you!

[@be7journeys912]

Thank you for visiting Laos ( my home country), and sharing this memory with your father. If I may ask, what camera are you using for the cave/vang Vieng trip, the quality of pictures and audio is so good Thank you for sharing your experience with us

[@lorainestjames4181]

Alina i am very curious if there has been any talk by tour guides or information posted in regards to the vietnam

[@viexay]

She's not in Vietnam . She's in 🇱🇦 Laos. Vang Vieng, Laos 🇱🇦

[@davidhumphrey2593]

Hello. I grew up in a college campus. I then was raised in the Northeast Megalopolis. Then, after I received my bachelors degree, I went back to teaching in Thailand where I had previously taught in Bangkok. So only those few short days where I could be away from the masses, such as here in Vang Vieng, or in Chiang Mai or Phuket in Thailand, could things really be different in my life!! 😄

[@vealtzioncliff]

Ahhhhhina! Zdrastivyette, kak dela? There is always a secret to everything and always remember to grow, to live, and to love the way you love. Who's going to save the world? YOU. Where I'm from, there is lots of fresh water, lots of ice, lots of snow and lots of nature. And that's the 6ix! Enjoy your time there and let the road be yours to discover. But I did hear about a lot of corruption over there sooooo... good luck lol ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JustTravelJT]

Hi Alina, After watching the Laos series I feel there's no place like Thailand in the East Asia 🌏 I visited only Chiang Mai Thailand in 2019. 7:07 These Caves are amazing ❤ 12:30 Funny 🤣 15:25 These are rough paths 🛣️ 17:14 You're quite right 😅 18:51 This is better and calmer 😊

[@samvho2000]

that's what peoples called a true adventure climbing up those dangerous mountain sides and water cave. you looked more like a city princess than the highlander warrior when it came to those challenges requiring physical fitness. you helped mading your dad became INDIANA JONES.

[@khamchanhsengvilay1866]

Thank you for your visit LAOS ❤

[@Unplugged704]

Lovely video! Great experiences to remember for a lifetime! Hope you and dad enjoyed Laos! Thank you for visiting my native country! 🥰😘 Single? 😁🤣

[@martiltl]

Great adventure stuff...👏

[@hongthong2756]

alina mcleod video the best thank you

[@TripLaos]

Hopefully you all enjoy traveling in Vangvieng ❤

[@josephmarino2285]

Who was older? Mr. Mcleod or Ms. McLeod? Alina sounded like she was the older one.

[@AlinaMcleod]

I run the show!

[@memori365]

This is why I keep watching your vlog. You dare to do (and show us) challenging task with precaution and know that it’s OK to bow out just like what your dad did. Kudos to your dad for going as far as safety allows. I would’ve retreated a few minutes seeing the lack of safe terrain. Imagine those jagged rocks and jutting roots of trees, I’m happy roaming around the flatted ground. Thanks to you I made my solo trip to Montréal last year. And this April, I’ll be going to Japan. I hope you can do a train travel in Canada which I also want to try. Take care of you both. And keep having fun. Greetings from Calgary 🇨🇦.

[@adoz.p]

Hello dear Alina, this is your new suscriber. Great video, I like your white shirt looks comfortable. Your dad is an amazing man, say hello to him. Thanks for sharing, greetings from Méxiico.

[@geovarghese3496]

Nice video ❤️👌👍👍

[@NightOwwl728]

I enjoyed watching your Indiana Jones adventures in the jungle in this vid.

[@liborkrupica5686]

Hello Alina Very nice , ... cheers to your dad ...

[@sediqmohmand9996]

I focus more on your beauty than the vlog content. You are such a sweet and lovely girl ❤❤❤❤

[@oppoooppoo9546]

Hello Alina. ❤❤

[@ThongvanNonsithanh]

Hello Dad, how old are you? You're great. Very beautiful video. Thank you. Liked it.

[@utkarshsingh5875]

YOUR DAD IS A GENTLEMEN AND GREAT HUMAN BEING.

[@TheMightyAgency]

Not sure if other have mentioned it, the NK restaurant is not there to serve North Korean tourists. It's basically a route for the NK government to earn USD. You usually see this sort of places in countries that have friendly tie with NK. The local government gets a cut and NK gets the USD they need. In short, it's basically a North Korea government restaurant. When you patronize such a place, it's the same as you visiting NK to give them the precious USD that they need. The people working there are imported from NK and they are being watched to make sure they don't bolt.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Well no I would not think that anyone from NK is randomly in Laos patronizing their restaurant lol.

[@Constellasian]

I don't know why some businesses don't want filming or cameras. It can actually help their business; especially with KZbinrs doing this. Free advertising.

[@mohammedali5092]

The eye roll on the thumbnail 😂

[@roygbiv6010]

Vang Vieng isn't quite my cup of tea, or at least it wasn't when i was there a decade ago, despite my love of hiking and rock climbing. Most people are good but there was definitely a moronic element there, mainly Western tourists. Thankfully I only encountered respectful tourists in Luang Prabang, which is possibly my favourite place in South East Asia. 😍 Looks like Vang Vieng is improving thankfully. 👍

[@AlinaMcleod]

Yeah I totally agree. The locals in VV were great and we met some nice tourists, but a good chunk of the foreigners there just seemed like stoners and wanting to party. Not my kind of crowd whatsoever. Luang Prabang is way better.

[@rudypoeschek2814]

i was just in vang vieng in start of dec, i loved it so much but did end up in the hospital tho lol. it was so much fun tho n the hospital only cost me 5 bucks cad. i loved it there so much had such a charm to it but def ruff around the edges

[@AlinaMcleod]

Omg what happened??

[@СергейЭккерт-к1п]

All on all, a great experience ❤😇😎

[@VinLao-jb3cw]

Amazing👍👍

[@sarahadi3174]

Hi, if u still remember. How long climb up and down.

[@AlinaMcleod]

At least an hour!

[@sarahadi3174]

@@AlinaMcleod thanks

[@hewolivia9642]

😂😂😂very honest video 🙏🙏🙏🎉🎉🎉

[@icevoss9917]

❤ beautiful view, but I have to say, them boulders could come off and kill some one, at the last climb. Gosh it was actually dangerous.. Hope you feeling better....Was it that food from the North Korean restaurant that made you ill??

[@AlinaMcleod]

Hope you get to visit there sometime!

[@Cr-uf3db]

Thanks million my sis for vangvieng

[@peterhoward8727]

Vang vieng another great place if you like activity. tubing down the namsong when the rain as been heavy is not for those that cant swim.

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

A very excellent video and happy 2024, Alina!❤

[@AlinaMcleod]

To you as well!

[@viexay]

How long will you be in Laos 🇱🇦? Your father is a real trooper. Strong man. That's weird that north Korean law still applies even when their in Laos. N.korean are so strict with the no filming.. sorry you had a bad experience at that N. Korean restaurant. Your brave for even trying to going in to that restaurant

[@thychea2579]

Just watching I get informed that Vang Vieng is 6/10 rating Westerner safety (myself included as English speaker). Thanks for entertaining informer of this video only.❤🎉😮

[@AlinaMcleod]

My pleasure and hope you have a safe trip!

[@evak9690]

Been to Vang Vieng a couple of times. It’s really beautiful. But also full of hazards 😅 during my last visit I was riding a motorbike and was hit by a minivan. Had to go to the local hospital as I had huge abrasion wounds on my leg. The „nurse“ was cleaning my leg using her left hand and talking to someone on the phone using her right hand. They barely know about even the most basic wound care and the wound dressing was ridiculous. Ended up taking a plane to Bangkok the next day where the hospital staff at Suvarnabhumi airport was super professional. So yea, beautiful place but very poor health care in case something goes wrong! And I didn’t even have a serious injury.

[@AlinaMcleod]

Oh that's terrible. I'm glad it wasn't worse!

[@srichaitanyanalgonda]

Hi, your videos are awsome dear friend

[@inspyr9]

No Vientiane video?

[@dave3k]

I climbed that last year and was quite unwell at the time. It was a horrible climb. My T-shirt was soaking wet by the time I got to the top 😂

[@AlinaMcleod]

You are brave to do that!

[@dave3k]

@@AlinaMcleod I definitely regret it but got an amazing picture or two. But it’s very dangerous climbing up there.

[@AlinaMcleod]

It sure is and also insanely difficult to get taken out of there if a person gets injured.

[@icefishing6592]

He is lucky to be able to travel with you 🎉

[@Hm-ky3nu]

I enjoyed the viewpoints in Vang Vieng . (Even if there are always crowed even in low season) but the town itself was not my cup of tea at all

[@JustTravelJT]

20:53 You Started experiencing it even before the food.