this is hosha. he's a boy, and he's turning four years old. and he always nips me.and he sits on my head. goodbye! all the best! thanks a lot for being our guests. i hope it's been interesting. we had lots of fun. bye! >> in many western countries it's almost a tradition -- young people travel somewhere far away to enjoy life before hitting university or their first job. sounds harmeless enough -- but not for one of their favorite destinations. back in 1996 the small laotian village of vang vieng only had one guest house. a few entries in some guide books and websites later -- and this sleepy place has become a top "party destination". a development with profound effects on the local population. >> it's afternoon in vangvieng, and thousands of tourists are already partying along the river bank, drinking, dancing, smoking pot and generally living it up. many of them drink whatever they can get -- whisky, liquor -- from whatever they can get. >> the mood is really great, and there are so many people to party with. >> you're getting on a tube and pouring down the river