The 6 things to do in Vang Vieng

You planning a trip to Laos? Don’t miss visiting Vang Vieng, one of the most beautiful and pleasant cities in the country.

In the centre of Laos, Vang Vieng has been attracting travellers from all over the world for decades. In the 2000s it had even become the Asian capital of the party for thousands of backpackers. The descent of the tubing river, with stops in dozens of bars on the banks, was indeed the must-see attraction to be done in Vang Vieng. Following a few incidents, the government decides to change the image of the city, for the greatest happiness of the inhabitants. Today, this charming town has found some authenticity and tourism has refocused on the natural wonders surrounding the city. To visit Vang Vieng, we have prepared a selection of must-see sites and activities.

1. The Nam Song River

This is the flagship activity when you visit Vang Vieng. The descent on the river begins about ten kilometers upstream of the city. Two options are available to you: the tubing (a huge air room that serves as a buoy) or kayaking. To choose well, make sure the river flows: if it is sufficient, climb in a tubing, if it is low, prefer kayaking, to be able to paddle.

Let yourself slide through the water between green rice fields and karst cliffs, in the heart of fabulous landscapes that are among the most beautiful in South-East Asia. Placides, Laotians fish by the water and greet you when you pass. Children will always reward you with one sabaidi (Good morning) sparkling.

The descent lasts Between 2:00 and 4:00, depending on the flow of the river and your boat. Don’t forget hat, sun cream and glasses, because the sun can tap hard, not to mention its reverberation on the water.

Once you arrive in the city, the rental waits for you to get the equipment. All you have to do is reach your hotel for a well-deserved terrace glass, thinking about what to do in Vang Vieng the following days.

2. The Blue Lagoon and the Tham Phu Kham Cave

If you are going to visit Vang Vieng, another attraction is present everywhere on the frontiers of the tourist agencies. This is the question of Blue Lagoon , literally Lagon Bleu . Located about ten kilometers from the city, you will reach it by your own means or with a tour operator. Attention, like most attractions of Vang Vieng, entrance fee . You may also cross the world, but the beauty of the place is worth it.

Bridges and ropes have been installed to allow you to try your most beautiful dives and acrobatic figures. To make the most of the place, try to go there Morning as soon as possible. You will have a special time in the lagoon before the arrival of the other organized tours.

When the pool starts filling in with bathers, it's time to go to the cave Tham Phu Kham . She is among the most beautiful caves to be made in Vang Vieng. You can rent a flashlight and the services of a guide to explore it in the best conditions. The visit lasts about 1h .

3. A tour of the caves

Vang Vieng’s karst formations are full of tunnels, and it is possible to explore some of them. Sometimes you will need to rent the services of a guide where you simply pay the entrance. If you discover a cavity that is not marked, we advise you not to venture. Mix lamps (2 ideally, in case), some caves are real labyrinths.

• The cave Tham Chang is known to house a small temple and stalactites that form a natural elephant sculpture.
• Tham Pha Daeng is closest to the caves to Vang Vieng, and has many cavities, scales and narrow tunnels.
• Khan Kham Cave is small and a Buddha awaits you inside. Walking to get there is very beautiful, but you will have to cross a shallow river several times.
• Pha Kham Cave and Num Bor Keo Cave are two large caves or you can sink deep.

4. A scooter or bicycle ride

You have to visit Vang Vieng through the surrounding countryside Vang Vieng because it is really beautiful. From the city and beyond the river, you see the karst mountains that emerge from the mist in the early morning. On the other hand, hilly hills form a call to exploration. Sprinkle a bike or scooter and start adventure. Most renters will offer a map of the region with the main tourist attractions to do in Vang Vieng and around.

• First on the main road, you can then fork on the slopes and lose yourself in the middle of the rice fields overlooking the peak cliffs.
• During your explorations, you will fall on hidden lagoons, rivers where children swim and real life scenes of the Laotian countryside.
• The more you sink into nature and you get away from the city, the more the smiles of the inhabitants you see are expanding as a welcome sign.
• If you are lucky, you may be crossing the domestivized elephants at the turn of a turn!

5. A hot air balloon ride

From the hotel’s terrace, sipping a glass in front of the sunset, you see balloons a few dozen meters high. Why not you? Only three agencies offer flights, and you may need to take them. several days in advance to book but experience is worth it.

• We will pick you up at your hotel to join the flight field, and you will attend all the preparations. The show starts with the balloon swelling. The canvas stretches under the amazed eye of the spectators, then you are invited to take place in the nacelle.
• It is then a spectacular take-off over Vang Vieng, then a flight over the city with the mountains in the backdrop. You quickly reach the Nam Song River and then follow its course at low altitude. The opportunity to exchange greetings with tourists making the kayak descent!
• The sun descends little by little behind the karst peaks, the declining light transforms the landscape, leaving you contemplative in front of a surrealist show. Do not forget your camera to immortalize this unforgettable moment! After 30min flight, your experienced pilot gently poses you in a field.
• You then take a place on a 4×4 that brings you back to your hotel, images full of head.

6. Ascension of the mountain Pha Ngern

If you want to enjoy the most beautiful view of the region by going to visit Vang Vieng, the Pha Ngern View Point is a must. You can reach the starting point of the climb 50min walk from downtown . By scooter or bike, it will be even faster.

To reach the top and descend, you must count 2h , knowing that the path is very steep. There are 3 views on this karst peak. After about 25 minutes of walking, you arrive at a clutch. Take left to reach the first panorama, which already offers an exceptional view. Then come back on your steps and take the other path to reach the two highest points of view. Follow the arrows that encourage you to continue. Upon your arrival at the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley and the villages below.

Wooden walkways have been designed to make the most of the panorama. If you decide to watch the sunset from Pha Ngern’s point of view, equip yourself with a frontal lamp. It will be useful for you to descend, because the steep path sometimes requires to help with its hands. Don’t forget to bring you a good water reserve, the sunrise that can be arousing.

How to get to Vang Vieng?

By plane

There is no airport in Vang Vieng. Most travellers transit through Luang Prabang or Ventiane .

To find the best deals according to your itinerary, we recommend using a flight comparison. Skyscanner is a simple use site that allows you to compare all flight ticket offers according to your choice 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-see in Laos, which places the city on the classic tourist circuit. It is therefore very easy to reach it by bus from the other points of the country.

• From Luang Prabang: approximately 4h for costs 10€.
• From Ventiane : also count 4h to 5h for costs 10€.

You will find local buses around 6€ and faster minibuses 10€ . Know that very early departures are generally cheaper in Laos. If you want to be sure of the schedule, minibuses are your best option . Indeed, local buses often stop to take passengers and are also more susceptible to mechanical incidents.

Where to stay in Vang Vieng?

If the city is less tourist than a few years ago, the hotel offer is always very developed. Many hostels , Airbnb and hostels offer rooms at low prices. Some are equipped with swimming pools and offer breakfast or happy hours Tonight. Along the river, high-end hotels with mountain views are available for a reasonable budget.

Check room availability when visiting Vang Vieng on a Compare hotels . You can find the accommodation that suits you and book quietly from your couch. Thus, you are sure to be comfortably housed to visit Vang Vieng in the best conditions. All you have to do is wrap your bags!

Enjoy your stay in Vang Vieng!