18° 55′ N, 102° 26′ E
Overview
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Viewpoints of Vang Vieng
The most famous viewpoint of Vang Vieng is Nam Xay Viewpoint, but there are a number of others that are also worth a visit and are often less busy. However, the names of the different viewpoints are all very similar and often overlap on Google Maps.
It is also not always clear which viewpoint is where, how to get there, how long the hike is, and where you will end up. That is why we have listed the different viewpoints in this guide to help you find the best viewpoints in Vang Vieng. The names we give these viewpoints are the same names as on Google Maps and we’ve linked to the exact locations.
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1. Phapoungkham Viewpoint - Horse & Plane
Let’s start with probably our favorite viewpoint in Vang Vieng: Horkham Viewpoint or Phapoungkham Viewpoint. You will find not one but actually two viewpoints. Halfway through the hike, you can choose to turn left towards the airplane viewpoint or right towards the pegasus.
On the way up you can also visit the Phapoungam cave. So, there is a lot to experience at this viewpoint. Since the Nam Xay viewpoint for sunset is so popular, we decided to watch the sunset from this viewpoint from the plane. We were all alone here and it was truly magical!
The hike starts here and it takes around 15 to 25 minutes to reach one of the viewpoints. It is one of the easiest hikes on this list.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 06:00 am - 05:00 pm (last entry)
Note: The only downside to this viewpoint is that the owner has a monkey on a chain. We would like to ask you not to take any photos or the like here and to absolutely not support this!
2. Pha Ngern Silver Cliff View Point - Motorbike
Silver Cliff, Pha Ngern, Silver Point… these names are all used for different viewpoints, making it very confusing. On Google Maps, you will find the viewpoint ‘Pha Ngern Silver Cliff View Point‘. This is a viewpoint with an old motorbike on top. Note that this is not the same motorbike as Nam Xhay Viewpoint.
The hike to this viewpoint starts at ‘Silver Cliff Start Point and Parking‘ and it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to reach the top. The path is quite steep and uneven with rocks and tree logs, but not very long with often some kind of handrail to hold on to.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 05:00 am - 06:00 pm
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3. Silver Cliff Viewpoint One - Buggy
Silver Cliff Viewpoint One is the viewpoint with the buggy and a viewing platform on top. This is a slightly more difficult hike than the other hikes, as it is higher and longer. At this viewpoint, you will find someone selling drinks and instant noodles to help you recover from the climb.
It is also the first part of the hike Big Pha Ghern Viewpoint (number 4 on this list), so it’s sometimes referred to as the lower viewpoint of Pha Ghern or Silver Cliff lower viewpoint. So, after this buggy viewpoint, you can walk a little further to the next viewpoint or head back down to the starting point.
This hike starts at ‘Pha Nguen Trailhead‘ and takes around 40 minutes to one hour to reach the top. The trail is steep with even some scrambling parts.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 05:00 am - 05:00 pm
4. Big Pha Ngern
Big Pha Ngern is the highest and toughest viewpoint to reach. It is also referred to as the upper viewpoint of Pha Ngern or Silver Cliff Upper Viewpoint. To get to this viewing platform, you have to hike the same trail to Silver Cliff Viewpoint One (number 3 in this list), with the buggy, and then continue higher up the mountain. It is a long and difficult climb and therefore certainly not for everyone.
This hike starts at ‘Pha Nguen Trailhead‘ too and takes around 1,5 to 2 hours to reach the top. It is a long climb and, although the path is fairly well maintained, it is difficult and steep with some ropes along the way to help you climb up.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 05:00 am - 05:00 pm
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5. Nam Xay Viewpoint - Motorbike
Nam Xay Viewpoint is the most famous viewpoint of Vang Vieng with the old motorbike. It is so popular that you are probably never alone here. It can get so busy here, especially during sunset, that you even have to stand in line to take a photo. If you still want to visit this viewpoint, we recommend that you come at sunrise, when there are the fewest people here.
The hike starts at this parking lot and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. It is a short and relatively easy hike, with a few steep sections.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 06:00 am - 06:00 pm
Tips for hiking to the viewpoints
Wear sturdy and closed shoes
The paths are steep and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes to have sufficient grip. There may also be snakes or other animals, so flip flops are probably not the best idea.
Avoid hiking on the hottest time of the day
Even though some hikes are short, they can sometimes be quite intensive. Therefore, try to avoid hiking at the hottest time of the day.
Bring enough water and snacks
The hikes are quite tiring and it can get really hot and humid in Laos. That's why you need to drink enough water when hiking. On some hikes, you can buy drinks along the way, but certainly not on all of them. So, be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack for that extra sugar boost.
Sun protection
Even though large parts of the hikes are in the shade, you often walk directly or even indirectly in the sun. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
Take a break before you get tired
It may not sound logical, but try to take a break before you get tired instead of when you're already tired. This way, you recover faster!
Go to the toilet before your hike
There are no facilities along the trails, so make sure you go to the toilet before you go.
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Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
