Planning a trip to Laos? Be sure to visit Vang Vieng, one of the country’s prettiest and most pleasant towns.
In central Laos, Vang Vieng has been attracting travellers from all over the world for decades. In the 2000s, it even became the party capital of Asia for thousands of backpackers. Tubing down the river, with stops at the dozens of bars along the banks, was indeed the must-do attraction in Vang Vieng. Following a number of incidents, the government decided to change the town’s image, much to the delight of its inhabitants. Today, this charming town has regained a certain authenticity and tourism has refocused on the natural wonders that surround it. To help you visit Vang Vieng, we’ve put together a selection of must-see sites and activities.
1. The Nam Song River
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Marco Taliani de Marchio
This is the highlight of any visit to Vang Vieng. The river trip begins some ten kilometers upstream from the town. There are two options: tubing (a huge inner tube that acts as a buoy) or kayaking. To make the right choice, depend on the river’s flow: if it’s strong enough, climb into a tubing boat; if it’s weak, opt for a kayak, so you can paddle.
Glide along the water’s edge between verdant rice paddies and karst cliffs, in the heart of fabulous landscapes that are among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Laotians are placid, fishing at the water’s edge and greeting you as you pass. Children are always ready to greet you with a sparkling sabaidi (hello).
The descent lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the flow of the river and your boat. Don’t forget your hat, sun cream and goggles, as the sun can be very strong, not to mention its reflection on the water.
Once you’ve arrived in town, the rental company will be waiting to collect your equipment. Then it’s back to your hotel for a well-deserved drink on the terrace, while you think about what to do in Vang Vieng over the next few days.
2. The Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham cave
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Em7
If you’re visiting Vang Vieng, there’s another attraction that’s all over the front pages of tourist agencies. It’s the Blue Lagoon. Located some ten kilometers from the city, you can reach it on your own or with a tour operator. As with most of Vang Vieng’s attractions, admission is not free. It’s also likely to be crowded, but the beauty of the place is well worth the effort.
Footbridges and ropes have been installed to allow you to try out your best dives and acrobatic figures. To get the most out of the site, try to get there as early as possible in the morning. You’ll have a privileged moment in the lagoon before the other organized tours arrive.
When the pool starts to fill up with bathers, it’s time to head for the Tham Phu Kham cave. This is one of the most beautiful caves to visit in Vang Vieng. You can hire a flashlight and the services of a guide to explore it in the best conditions. The visit lasts about 1 hour.
3. A tour of the caves
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Bass Supakit
Vang Vieng’s karst formations are riddled with tunnels, and it’s possible to explore some of them. You may need to hire a guide or simply pay the entrance fee. If you come across an unmarked cave, we advise you not to venture into it. Make sure you have lights (ideally 2, just in case), as some caves are real labyrinths.
- Tham Chang cave is known for its small temple and stalactites that form a natural sculpture of an elephant.
- Tham Pha Daeng is the nearest of the caves to do in Vang Vieng, and boasts numerous caves, ladders and narrow tunnels.
- Khan Kham Cave is very small and a Buddha awaits you inside. The walk to get there is beautiful, but you’ll have to cross a shallow river several times.
- Pha Kham Cave and Num Bor Keo Cave are two fairly large caves where you can go deep underground.
4. A scooter or bike ride
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / BTWImages
You must visit Vang Vieng via the countryside surrounding Vang Vieng as it is truly magnificent. From the town and across the river, you can see the karst mountains emerging from the mist in the early morning. On the other side, rolling hills beckon you to explore. Hop on a bike or scooter and set off on your adventure. Most rental companies will provide you with a map of the region, showing the main tourist attractions in and around Vang Vieng.
- Starting out on the main road, you can then branch off onto tracks and lose yourself in the middle of rice fields overlooked by sheer cliffs.
- As you explore, you’ll come across hidden lagoons, rivers where children bathe and real scenes of life in the Laotian countryside.
- The deeper you get into the countryside and away from the city, the wider the smiles of the locals you meet.
- If you’re lucky, you may come across some domesticated elephants as you round a bend!
5. A hot-air balloon ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Olesya Kuznetsova
From the hotel terrace, sipping a drink as the sun sets, you can see hot-air balloons a few dozen meters above the ground. Why don’t you? Only three agencies offer flights, and you may need to book several days in advance, but the experience is well worth it.
- You’ll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the launch site, where you’ll watch all the preparations. The show begins with the inflation of the balloon. The canvas is stretched as spectators watch in amazement, and then you are invited to take your place in the basket.
- Then it’s off to a spectacular take-off over Vang Vieng, followed by a flight over the city with the mountains in the background. You quickly reach the Nam Song River and follow its course at low altitude. An opportunity to exchange greetings with the tourists kayaking down the river!
- As the sun gradually descends behind the karst peaks, the fading light transforms the landscape, leaving you contemplative before a surreal spectacle. Don’t forget your camera to immortalize this unforgettable moment! After a 30-minute flight, your experienced pilot gently lands you in a field.
- You then board a 4×4 that takes you back to your hotel, your mind full of images.
6. Climbing Pha Ngern mountain
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Sumeth anu
If you want to enjoy the best views of the region when visiting Vang Vieng, the Pha Ngern View Point is a must. You can reach the starting point of the climb in 50 minutes on foot from the town center. By scooter or bicycle, it’s even quicker.
It takes 2 hours to get to the summit and back down, as the path is very steep. There are 3 viewpoints on this karst peak. After a 25-minute walk, you’ll come to a fork in the path. Turn left to reach the first panorama, which already offers an exceptional view. Then retrace your steps and take the other path to reach the two highest viewpoints. Follow the arrows encouraging you to continue. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley and villages below.
Wooden walkways have been laid out to make the most of the panorama. If you decide to watch the sunset from the Pha Ngern viewpoint, make sure you have a headlamp. It will come in handy on the way back down, as the steep path sometimes requires you to use your hands. And don’t forget to bring a good supply of water, as the climb up into the sun can be quite strenuous.
How to get to Vang Vieng
By plane
There is no airport in Vang Vieng. Most travelers transit via Luang Prabang or Ventiane.
To find the best deals for your itinerary, we recommend using a flight comparator. Skyscanner is an easy-to-use site that lets you compare all flight offers according to your criteria. Enter your desired travel dates, number of passengers and destinations, then let the site search for you.
By bus
Visiting Vang Vieng is a must in Laos, which puts the city on the classic tourist circuit. It’s easy to reach by bus from other parts of the country.
- From Luang Prabang: approx. 4 hours at a cost of €10.
- From Ventiane: also allow 4h to 5h for a cost of €10.
You’ll find local buses for around €6 and faster minibuses for €10. Be aware that very early departures are generally cheaper in Laos. If you want to be sure of the time, minibuses are your best option. Local buses often stop to pick up passengers and are also more prone to mechanical incidents.
Where to stay in Vang Vieng?
Although the city is less touristy than it was a few years ago, the hotel offer is still very well developed. Numerous hostels, Airbnb and youth hostels offer rooms at low prices. Some offer swimming pools, breakfast and evening happy hours. Along the river, upscale hotels with mountain views are available on a reasonable budget.
Check room availability when you visit Vang Vieng on a hotel comparator. You’ll be able to find the accommodation that’s right for you and book from the comfort of your sofa. This way, you can be sure of comfortable accommodation for your visit to Vang Vieng. Now all you have to do is pack your bags!
Enjoy your stay in Vang Vieng!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Laos