Located in the Vientiane province of Laos, Vang Vieng is a small town that also doubles as a thriving tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural escape and adventure to those who seek it. Also known for its panoramic views, the Nam Song River, the turquoise blue water lagoons that look like they’re picked out of a fairyland, and the Karst limestone mountains, Vang Vieng is a sight for sore eyes.

In this blog, we have listed all the activities that one can indulge in for the experience of a lifetime and the spots you should never skip while visiting Vang Vieng. As an added bonus, we’ve added tricks, trips, and snippets of information! 

A Complete Travel Guide To Vang Vieng

How to Reach Vang Vieng?

From Vientiane,

You have two options to reach there: by road or by train. The roads are well-paved and in good shape. A minivan costs 110,000 KIP (5.5 USD) for a 2-hour journey, while a train ticket starts at 123,000 KIP (6.15 USD) for a 50-minute ride.

From Luang Prabang,

Your only choice must be trains, and only trains. Trust us on this. While the trains take two hours, the minivans take about six hours. Beware that the roads are prone to landslides and are quite bumpy in the stretch between Kasi and Vang Vieng. The chances of getting a flat tire are quite high. Also, trains are much cheaper, starting from 117000 KIP (5.9 USD). Remember that the Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km from the city. You can hop on a Songthaew or a green-colored bus for 3000 KIP per person or simply take a walk.

Network Availability

Both Unitel and Lao Telecom have strong networks in town, but signals may get patchy in remote areas. To navigate smoothly, download offline maps from OSMAND and maps.me.

Languages Spoken

The Lao language is widely spoken in Vang Vieng. Very few people speak English or French.

Parking Availability

Free parking is available for most of the tourist spots in Vang Vieng.

Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng

You can visit Vang Vieng any time of the year, but the best time is from October to February after the monsoon season. The weather is pleasant then. March to May are the hottest months, and the view may be hazy due to crop burning. The rainy season starts in June and lasts until September when the rice fields are lush green.

Where to Eat?

Various restaurants in Vang Vieng will offer Indian, Lao, Italian, French, and Thai cuisine. Nightclubs and bars stay open until late at night.

Where to Stay?

Vang Vieng has many accommodations to suit every preference and budget, from hostels to riverside villas. During our stay, we chose the Vang Vieng Backpackers Hostel. Here are some other options worth considering.

• Vang Vieng Chill House ($)
• Vang Vieng Freedom View Hostel ($)
• Maylay Guesthouse ($$)
• Vang Vieng Charming Boutique hotel ($$)
• Confetti Garden Hotel ($$$)
• Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng ($$$)

Commuting Around

Walking to nearby places is an option, but renting a bicycle or two-wheeler is the most convenient. Rental shops are near the school. Songthaews is a good choice for groups. Remember that many roads, except the main ones, are unpaved, so drive carefully and slowly.

10 Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng

1. Explore the Caves

Vang Vieng boasts stunning caves nestled amid Karst limestone formations. Each cave has its own entrance fee. Don’t forget to bring a torch, as the caves are not illuminated, and your phone flashlight might not be enough. Renting a torch is possible but may not be available at every cave. Additionally, if a bridge is on the way to the cave, it might be a small fee to cross it.

Vang Vieng boasts stunning caves nestled amid Karst limestone mountains. Each cave charges an entry fee. Don’t forget to bring a torch, as the caves are not lit, and your phone flashlight might not suffice. Torch rentals are available, but not at every cave. Also, be prepared for a small fee if there’s a bridge on the way to the cave.

During our trip, we visited the Tham Nam Water Cave, Tham Poukham Cave, and the Elephant Cave. The water cave was particularly memorable and unique. We’re eager to explore more caves next time. Feel free to read reviews and choose carefully.

• Tham Chang Cave
• Tham Poukham Cave
• Angel Cave Vang Vieng
• Tham Nam Water Cave
• Jang Cave
• Num Bor Keo Cave
• Elephant Cave – Just a hole with Buddha statues. You can skip

2. Hike Up the Surrounding Hills

Vang Vieng offers a range of hiking trails suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. We’ve explored several trails and compiled a list of hikes in Vang Vieng with all the essential details you’ll need before setting off. Check it out for your next adventure!

3. Swim at the Water Lagoons

The water lagoons in Vang Vieng offer a range of activities like swimming, cliff jumping, and ziplining, with some even featuring swings. There are five beautiful lagoons to explore. While Blue Lagoon One is scenic but often crowded, Blue Lagoon 2 and 3 are popular among backpackers and travelers. For a more secluded experience, opt for Blue Lagoon 4, Blue Lagoon 5, and Blue Lagoon 6. Keep in mind that the farther you venture, the bumpier the ride.

Each lagoon has its own entry fee. Despite the season, the water is still turquoise, but it may turn brown during the rainy months from June to September.

4. Kayaking and Tipsy Tubing

Kayaking and Tipsy Tubing on the Nam Song River are popular adventure activities in Vang Vieng. Float down the river on air-inflated tubes or kayak for about 8 km from the starting point to Vang Vieng, which typically takes 2-3 hours. You can book these activities from tour agencies in town. You’ll find riverside restaurants and accommodations along the river for a relaxing experience. If you prefer a more leisurely option, consider a motorboat ride on the Nam Song River.

5. Hot Air Ballooning

Vang Vieng offers one of the most affordable hot-air ballooning experiences worldwide. Soar above the city, Nam Song River, hills, and scenic rice terraces for stunning aerial views. The landscape is lush and vibrant, particularly from October to February after the monsoon season. Opt for flights during sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience at higher altitudes.

Above Laos is a reliable and well-known company. Their hot air balloon rides cost 2,700,000 KIP or 135 USD per person for a flight lasting 30-60 minutes. While ParaMotoring and ATV rides are popular, they generate noise and air pollution. Therefore, we advise against these activities.

6. Explore the Waterfall

Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is a hidden waterfall that can be reached by riding through an unpaved road. The path to the waterfall is under construction, yet it cannot be reached. Expect minimal water during the dry season. The large pool at the waterfall’s bottom is perfect for swimming. You can also admire the waterfall from the cliff and check out the nearby small cave.

• Entry fee: 20000 KIP (1 USD)

7. Take a Stroll at the Night Market

The Vang Vieng night market gets bustling after sunset, drawing many visitors to its central location. People are friendly and not pushy when it comes to sales. Stalls selling handmade souvenirs, clothes, shoes, bags, food, and fruit juices, among other things, line both sides of the road. Typically, tourists fill the night market, while locals prefer the morning market.

8. Walk on the Scenic Bridges

In Vang Vieng, several bridges spanning the Nam Song River connect different areas of the town. While exploring Vang Vieng, you may cross these bridges and encounter scenes of local life, including fishermen, children playing, motorboats speeding by, riverside restaurants, and kayakers. Some of these bridges offer scenic views and are listed below. Remember that crossing some of the bridges on the outskirts of town may be free.

• The original Orange Bride was washed away and replaced by a bamboo bridge.
• Nam Song Blue Bridge
• Namsong Bridge (red color) – closest to the town

9. Climb the Rocks

Vang Vieng is a popular destination for climbers due to its numerous Karst limestone mountains. Laos is renowned in Southeast Asia for its limestone rocks, making it an ideal spot for rock climbing for climbers of all levels. Pha Daeng Mountain is a favorite spot, and for other options, you can refer to The Crag. Adam’s climbing school is highly recommended for its quality and affordability, offering courses and English-speaking instructors.

10. Explore Around

Don’t hesitate to take a different route and follow the unpaved roads when exploring a new place. Enjoy the sights of village life, with local houses, children playing, rice fields, and the beautiful hills. Spending time by the Nam Song River is a relaxing experience. You can also rent a scooter and wander around the nearby villages of Ban Pha Tang and Na Dao.

If you have any questions, comment below. We’ll do our best to answer them. Also, if you’ve found this blog helpful, comment below! And if you’re eager for more extensive hiking guides and travel tips, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and give us a follow on social media – find us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!