18° 55′ N, 102° 26′ E
Overview
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1. Hike to one of the many viewpoints
All around the area, you’ll find these platforms on the dramatic karst mountains of Vang Vieng, with some incredible views. The most famous picture spot and viewpoint is the Nam Xay viewpoint, where you can sit on a motorbike attached to the mountain with a stunning background. Besides the motorbike, the view itself is worth the climb. However, it is so famous that it is crowded almost the whole day.
Fortunately, there are many other viewpoints that are at least as beautiful but much quieter. Another viewpoint is Pha Ngern, with an amazing view of the rice fields of the region. But prepare yourself as this is a tough one! Put on some good shoes, mosquito-repellent, sunscreen and bring enough water, because the climb is heavy.
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2. Swim in the Blue Lagoons
Vang Vieng is mostly famous for its stunning Blue Lagoons. It originally started with 3, but today, they are already at Blue Lagoon number 6 and maybe even more. At these Blue Lagoons, you can take a refreshing dip in beautiful, natural, turquoise-colored pools, paddle on a raft, and swing in the water from a monkey swing.
The lagoons often also have a cave and sometimes a viewpoint where you can walk to. If you go early in the morning, you can have most of the blue lagoons all to yourself. From 10-10.30 AM, the people start to arrive.
If you’re planning your Vang Vieng itinerary, keep in mind that Blue Lagoon 1 is the closest and easiest to reach but also the most visited, so it might be a bit crowded. Blue Lagoons 3 and 4 are the most beautiful and least visited lagoons. Lagoon 6 seems to be permanently closed.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 08:30 am - 05:30 pm
Note: The best time to go to the blue lagoons is from October to March, the other months the water will be less blue and less clear.
3. Drive the West Vang Vieng Loop
One of the best things to do in Vang Vieng is to drive the one-day West Vang Vieng Loop. It is a 26-kilometer loop through the stunning surrounding landscapes. On your way, you’ll see most of the Blue Lagoons and some of the hikes to different viewpoints. It is, therefore, the best way to explore the area and combine some of the most interesting things to do in Vang Vieng.
You can either drive the loop by motorbike or by mountainbike. Scooter rental prices in Vang Vieng vary between 80.000 and 120.000 Kip for 24 hours.
4. Vang Vieng Walking Street
In the evening, you can stroll along Vang Vieng Walking Street. It is a cozy night market with tents selling different goods such as handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, as well as food stalls where you can sample some delicious street food.
5. Explore the caves of Vang Vieng
In the karst mountains of Vang Vieng, you will find numerous caves of different shapes and sizes. There are also many different ways to visit these caves: some are only accessible via stairs, and others can only be visited by tubing. For a wide variety of cave experiences, you have to be in Vang Vieng.
The most famous caves are located about a half-hour drive to the north, where you also find Blue Lagoon 4. There are 4 caves in the area: Water Cave (or Than None), Elephant Cave, Hoi Cave, and Loup Cave. The Water Cave is probably the most unique one, as you can tube up to 500 meters into the cave.
You can explore these caves on your own, or you can join a tour that includes exploring the caves but also kayaking and/or ziplining.
6. Ziplining
Vang Vieng is the ideal location for ziplining. You can book different tours online or at the excursion offices in the village. It is all regulated, and the guides make sure you are fully locked to make it to the other side safely. The views are stunning, and you’ll get an adrenaline shot surrounded by beautiful greens.
7. Kayaking
A great way to explore the river in Vang Vieng is by kayak. Many of these kayak tours are often in combination with visiting caves, blue lagoons, tubing, and/or ziplining. So it is a very fun, but also varied activity to discover Vang Vieng.
8. Tubing
If you prefer a more relaxed way to explore the river, compared to kayaking, you can just rent a tube and they’ll drop you off at the river so you can float back on your own. Or you can go for some cave tubing in the Water Cave (Than None), where you’ll go tubing inside a cave with a torch headlight.
Note: In the past, Vang Vieng unfortunately had some deathly accidents with tubing, or let’s say the combination with drugs and alcohol, because tourists could tub from bar to bar next to the river. Because of these accidents, the government decided to prohibit tubing and drinking, and the bars were closed. Today a few bars have reopened and tubing is more regulated. It is a fun and relaxing activity, but be careful and think before you drink.
9. Explore the area by buggy
Another fun way to explore the area is by buggy. Most roads in the area are not paved, and therefore it may not be very pleasant to drive around with a motorbike or bicycle. Therefore, a buggy is a great alternative and a very fun way to explore Vang Vieng.
10. Fly a hot air balloon
If you have always wanted to fly a balloon, you should definitely do it in Vang Vieng. You’ll fly over the city, surrounded by the beautiful karst mountains. You can choose to go early in the morning and see the sunrise between the mountains, or you can go in the afternoon and witness the sunset from above. The landscape around Vang Vieng is breathtaking, and watching this from above is a really unique and relaxing experience.
11. Rock Climbing
The rough, karst mountains of Vang Vieng are ideal for developing your rock climbing skills. Don’t have this yet? Then it is also the ideal place to learn it. At Adam’s Climbing School, you can choose a half-day or a full-day climbing course and challenge yourself in a new way.
12. Other things to do in Vang Vieng
Besides all the activities we’ve listed above, we’ve heard about so many other things to do in and around Vang Vieng, like bike tours, paramotoring, jungle trekking… We wouldn’t be surprised if they already came up with new activities you can enjoy by now.
Tickets
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Practical Information
How to get there
By train – The north of Laos has recently been provided with a comfortable train network as far as Vientiane. So, if you come from Vientiane or Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, you can travel by train. We found it a pleasant, fast, and affordable way to travel in Laos.
By bus – Buses run to Vang Vieng from other places in Laos and the neighboring countries of Thailand and Vietnam. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng, we highly recommend taking the train. This is much faster and more pleasant. The same counts for traveling from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
How to get around
You can discover the city center of Vang Vieng either on foot or by bike since it isn’t that big at all. If you want to explore the lagoons and surroundings, you can better rent a scooter or mountain bike. Alternatively, you can search for a tuk-tuk driver or Songthaew to drive you around the area. If you’re looking for a more adventurous vehicle, you can also hire a buggy to drive to the lagoons for example. We were told that the road to Lagoon 1 is perfect to drive a scooter or take a tuktuk, but the road to Lagoon 3 is most suitable for an adventurous buggy-ride.
How many days in Vang Vieng
How many days you should stay in Vang Vieng depends on how many activities you want to do. We recommend that you stay in Vang Vieng for at least 2 days, but you can easily keep yourself busy for a few more days here.
Where to stay in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng offers many hotels and hostels, perfect for backpackers. If you like being around other tourists and backpackers or you’d like to go for a drink or a little party, we recommend you to stay in the center of the village. If you’re here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and nature of Vang Vieng, we recommend you stay a little bit out of town. Wherever you’re staying, don’t forget that Lao people love karaoke and you can find a karaoke bar on almost every corner of every street and they keep singing until late.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Vang Vieng and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
via Booking.com
Best time to visit Vang Vieng
The best time to visit Vang Vieng is between November and March, during dry season, when the temperature is pleasantly warm and sunny. Know that this is also high tourist season and expect the biggest crowds.
Temperatures and humidity start to rise in April and from late May, rainy season begins. You can expect higher temperatures and frequent rain showers.
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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!
