Vang Vieng · Laos
Mad Monkey Vang Vieng
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Had a good time at MM,VV. But the ‘reps’ did not rep at all, they was playing pool 24/7 not allowing guests to use it unless you buy them a beer, or drinking their beer towers all day. Pool and bar area had so much potential to do successful evening drinking games/quizzes! Rooms & bathrooms where nice but our room had an awful sewage smell & bugs over the sleeping areas (not bed bugs, just little spiders & creepy crawlers) Some of the receptionists were really helpful!
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Confirmed Google Maps
I stayed at Mad Monkey Vang Vieng and unfortunately found bed bugs in my room. I let reception know and while the staff were friendly, they denied there were any bed bugs and said I could speak to the manager in the morning. When I followed up, I was told he wasn’t available. I was already planning to leave the next day, but it still made for an uncomfortable last night. They did refund me for one night, which I appreciated, but I think the situation could have been handled a bit more seriously. Overall, a disappointing end to an otherwise fun stay.
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Confirmed Google Maps
Very disappointed while staying here. There was a service charge added onto the prices at the bar for food and drinks as well as the prices being in dollars which made it quite difficult and confusing as well as unfair considering we already paid for the hostel itself. We were told we had a free drink but when we asked for it got told told completely different times. I tried a meal one evening of pasta Alfredo. It was watery, the pasta was undercooked and the chicken was tasteless and grey. The room itself is okay but cleanliness wise since we arrived the toilets and sinks havent been properly cleaned and we heard reports of bed bug infestations in other people's room. I am very upset as I previously stayed at the mad monkey in hoi an and it was a wonderful experience. Very let down and disappointed in general with my experience here at this hostel
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Confirmed Google Maps
Dorm 6 infested with ants and one girls bed had bed bugs so beware! Could be avoided with proper house keeping.... Don't clean under the beds at all
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Good social vibe, which is definitely what you want in Vang Vieng. I felt really safe as a solo female traveler. That said, I experienced both an ant infestation and a bedbug crisis within 24 hours of arriving, and the staff didn’t really have a procedure for dealing with the bugs — they just changed the sheets and gave us free beer to compensate. Overall I’d say it’s worth it for the social life, but maybe bring a sleeping bag liner or sheets lol
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Vibe Analysis
The pool-and-bar zone is the social engine here: mountain views, a lively bar, nightly activities, pub crawls, karaoke, quizzes, card games, cocktail deals, and occasional party nights like Kings Day or St Patrick's Day. The pool may have a volleyball net, and the whole setup leans fun-first rather than quiet-first. Mad Monkey Vang Vieng works best for solo backpackers who want an easy way into a group. The reps and front desk are a major part of the experience, with Emie, Toukta, Will, Liam, Harlie, Savanna, Mason, and others tied to a welcoming, get-everyone-involved atmosphere. There is also a travel desk for tours, transport, hot air balloons, tubing, motorbike rental, and local recommendations. Rooms are mixed but often practical: comfortable beds, lockers, charging points, spacious bathrooms in some dorms, and enough showers in better setups. The hostel is usually close enough to the main streets on foot, while still sitting slightly away from the busiest strip. Food and drinks are available on site, though prices can feel high for Vang Vieng.
Signals to check
- This is a party hostel, and noise can run late in the bar, common areas, and dorms.
- Dorm cleanliness is inconsistent, with recurring issues around dirty floors, marked sheets, bugs or ants, and bathroom sewage smells.
- Tours, transport, food, drinks, towels, and water refills may cost more than nearby options.
- Private rooms may be on upper floors with no elevator, and some rooms can feel cramped or weak on air conditioning.
- There are serious service and security complaints around missing items, lockers, booking mixups, and transport help.