10 Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoons, Tubing And Viewpoints
Unique Things To Do In Vang Vieng
Everyone talks about the party buses and the tubing chaos from a decade ago. But that’s not the Vang Vieng I found. I spent nine days there, and it turned into my favourite part of Laos, hands down. Caves you can wade into, rice fields that stretch out flat against limestone cliffs, and a viewpoint that made my legs shake in a way no gym session ever has.
So what should you actually prioritise when you visit? Fewer things than you’d think. That’s the whole point of this post.
I still remember standing at the top of Nam Xay viewpoint after forcing myself up that final stretch. I’m not great with heights. My hands were sweating on the bamboo railing, and I nearly turned back twice. But when I got to the top and looked out over the valley, I felt properly proud of myself, like actually proud, not just Instagram-caption proud.
That’s the thing about Vang Vieng. It’s not really about the parties anymore. It’s about small, slightly terrifying moments like that one.
If you’re a solo traveller trying to work out where to stay, what to skip, and how to get from A to B without wasting a day figuring out tuk-tuks, this is for you.
The same goes if you’re travelling as a couple who want a bit of adventure without needing a guide holding your hand the whole way. I’ll cover the best things to do, the caves worth your time, the ones you can skip, and where I’d actually stay if I went back.
Honestly, I was surprised how much I underestimated this place before I got there.
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🇱🇦 Vang Vieng Roundup 🇱🇦
- When To Visit:
November to February (dry season is best for tubing, hiking, and outdoor activities). - Where To Stay? Sunrise Mountain View Resort, Intimate Riverside Resort, Vang Vieng Phongsavanh Resort, Maylyn Guesthouse
- Getting To Vang Vieng: Get A Train To Vang Vieng or a minivan.
- Things To Do In Vang Vieng
Visit the Blue Lagoons, go tubing or kayaking, hike to viewpoints, explore caves, try adventure activities like ziplining or hot air balloon rides, and visit the night market.
1. Visit Some Of The Blue Lagoons
Vang Vieng has 6 main blue and beautiful lagoons.
When we were in Vang Vieng, we were able to visit 1, 2 and 6. In my opinion, number 6 was the most stunning and fun to visit.
Blue Lagoon 1
This place was truly remarkable, so much so that we visited Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave twice.
A 20-minute drive from Vang Vieng town centre, and you will arrive.
The first time we went was on a group tour with TCK Amazing Tour Sole. This was a nice experience because we didn’t really have to do much. Pickup, food and safety gear were all included.
The second time, when we went on our own initiative with an electric bicycle for 200,000 LAK ($8.80/€7.80/£6.60) per day, the water was much lower, and we had to take care of ourselves without a guide.
Interestingly, we could see so many fish moving around our feet on our first visit, which shows us just how clear the water can be when it has not been raining. When it rains, the water is much more murky, as you can see in the photo above.
The second visit, it had rained the day before and during the morning, so this affected water visibility.
If you want the blue water experience, make sure there has been little rain.
At Blue Lagoon one, visitors can jump from the diving board about 8 metres into the river or simply chat with friends with their feet in the water.
Thankfully, there are a few restaurants here to keep the energy levels high. Check out Eyung Pizza & Coffee and Blue Lagoon Plus Restaurant for a mix of European and Asian foods. A pizza costs from 55,000 LAK ($2.42/€2.15/£1.82), and sandwiches from 45,000 LAK ($1.98/€1.76/£1.49).
When I visited, the restaurants were always busy, so you may have to wait for a seat.
Additionally, when you’re done swimming, you can complete a short but challenging trek up to Phu Kham Cave. It is about 120 metres up a steep ascent and is worth exploring inside.
You will see a clear signpost to find the start of the trail. Flashlights are needed to enter the cave. They cost 10,000 LAK ($0.44/€0.39/£0.33) each.
This is a tough climb, especially if there has been rain, so good footwear is important here.
I have no doubt you will enjoy the water here.
There was an incredible atmosphere of laughter when busloads of tourists arrived and spent time at the lagoon from late morning.
Blue Lagoon 1 is the closest lagoon to Vang Vieng and, for that reason, is worth a visit for the abundance of fish, amazing clear water, and Phu Kham Cave.
- Cost: 20,000 LAK ($0.88/€0.78/£0.66) per person
- Opening Time: Normally 08.30 AM – 05.30 PM
Wondering Which Blue Lagoon In Vang Vieng Is Best? I Made A Post For You.
Blue Lagoon 2
A 13-kilometre drive from the town of Vang Vieng is Blue Lagoon 2.
This lagoon is great for slowing down, taking it easy and diving if that’s what you want to do.
When we visited, there were a couple of restaurants and outdoor bars to have a drink in the shade of the hot sun. Blue Lagoon 2 Food Court and Blue Lager Cafe are good options. Both offer affordable meals and coffee starting from 70,000 LAK ($3.08/€2.73/£2.31).
There are a couple of different areas to explore here.
We immediately noticed a couple of small bridges which join the lagoons together with different parts of the park.
There is a diving board about 6 metres tall, and it is great to splash into the water if you want some adrenaline and to cool off.
We rented two electric bikes for the day for a cost of 200,000 LAK ($8.80/€7.80/£6.60) per bike, and we made our way to Blue Lagoon 2.
The cost of an electric bike will vary by the hour. Normally 25,000 LAK per hour. The latest was 07.00 PM, as the office would be closed then. If we came back after that, we would be forced to keep them overnight and pay for an extra day.
As you can see, the water was awesome, and to swim in it makes it even more special.
I loved Blue Lagoon 2, mostly because of the colour of the water and the huge limestone cliff right above the water.
- Cost: 20,000 LAK ($0.88/€0.78/£0.66) per person
- Opening Time: Normally 08.30 AM – 05.30 PM
Explore The Best Of Luang Prabang
Blue Lagoon 6
My favourite lagoon in Vang Vieng was number 6.
It felt totally unsafe and was abandoned when we arrived. We had to scan the premises to see if anybody was there, and there was not. No lifeguard if anything went wrong.
If you visit this lagoon and want to try a zipline or jump, ensure it is safe to do so. Laos, and especially Vang Vieng, have a history of poor safety measures and horror stories when it comes to safety.
That being said, it oozes with a mysteriousness I haven’t experienced when visiting a new place in a long time, and it also holds a melancholy feeling of better times in the past.
When we arrived, only two other tourists were swimming, and it looked like the lagoon hadn’t seen people in several months, if not years.
There was overgrowth covering what was once a busy adventure centre, and now life jackets were left randomly around the premises.
What looked like a restaurant was completely abandoned, but you could still access it via the stairs. Nobody was manning this lagoon, which was a first for us. This was around 03.30 PM in June, so I expected it to be busy.
It is a 25-minute drive from Vang Vieng to reach Lagoon 6. It was the hardest to reach, and we had to take the bikes through a muddy road where we saw several local farmers harvesting rice.
This was a simple moment that captured Vang Vieng’s peaceful yet adventurous mixed vibe.
The water itself was transparent and an amazing blue/green colour.
We skipped across the tiles to the other side of the lagoon, where we found abandoned toilets, empty beer bottles which were recently opened, and random items like a kayak paddle on the ground.
The limestone mountain overlooking the lagoon reflected magically in the still water below.
As we walked toward the lagoon, we saw one large building, like the main office, with a second floor.
While I did go up, I wouldn’t recommend it as the roof looked like it could collapse at any moment. This was what looked like the former restaurant. On the top floor, I had a far better view of the sparkling lagoon below.
If you enjoy exploring abandoned places, then Blue Lagoon 6 is unmissable.
- Cost: Free
- Opening Hours: 05.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Read My Guide To The 4000 Islands
2. Try A Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon Experience
Vang Vieng is a popular spot for hot air balloon rides.
Due to the astonishing landscape, the balloon ride gives a unique perspective of the landscape formations surrounding the town.
While I did not get to go myself, my research has found that it is generally accepted that the best time to go is for sunrise or sunset to make the experience as picturesque as possible.
Flight time can be from 30 minutes to 1 hour, meaning you can appreciate how magnificent Laos is from the sky. The balloon will manoeuvre at varying altitudes, allowing you to take in the views from different perspectives.
I do not cope well with heights, so if height is not an issue for you, you must head for the clouds. Namthip Balloons & Paramotor Tours and Above Laos are reputable companies according to reviews online.
If the weather is bad or changes, your balloon could be changed.
The tour below costs 3,944,656 LAK ($175.00/ €153.00/£131.08), offers a small group of 6 people, free cancellation within 24 hours, and is highly rated.
You will be collected at your hotel by tuk-tuk and taken to the site.
- Cost: 3,944,656 LAK ($175.00/ €153.00/£131.08)
- Time Options: Morning/Afternoon/Evening.
🎈Book Your Vang Vieng Sunset/Sunrise Balloon Trip🎈
3. Hike Vang Vieng’s Viewpoints: Nam Xay, Pha Ngern And Pha Honekham
Pha Ngern Viewpoint and Nam Xay Viewpoint are a 10-minute drive from one another.
That means you can potentially climb both in one day.
It would be very tiring, but not impossible. From the town centre of Vang Vieng, it will take about 20 minutes by car. The road trip to the viewpoints is an adventure in itself, with winding roads and beautiful scenery, which is about 7 kilometres from Vang Vieng Town.
At both peaks, take some time at the top to rest and soak in a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Pha Ngern Viewpoint
Pha Ngern’s Viewpoint overlooks a grand valley, with mountains and forests stretching out to the horizon.
It takes 40 minutes trekking the steep cliff to get to the 650-metre viewpoint, but it is worth every drop of sweat. If you are lucky, you’ll see the hot air balloons dotted across the sky at sunrise or sunset.
Pha Ngern has a motorbike at the summit where you can take a photo.
Nam Xay Viewpoint
You can see the Nam Xay Viewpoint from Pha Ngern Viewpoint. At the top, there is a little wooden shack where you can take a break from the sun and relax after a tough climb. When I made it to the top, there were about 10 people, and many of us complained of dizziness, so bring lots of water and snacks.
The view is fantastic, and you can see 360 degrees all around. The peak is 400 metres, and also has a famous motorbike with the Laos flag on top, so you can sit on it and get a photo taken.
This was a highlight for me.
Pha Honekham Viewpoint
Pha Honekham Viewpoint is another option to climb.
While I did not make it to the top, I did explore Phapoungkham Cave at the base of the summit, which was narrow in parts, dark and very peaceful. It’s a tricky climb around here, so good boots are recommended for grip.
From the road, I did see the white horse with wings and a plane at the top, so instead of a bike, that’s your payoff here. It is 296 metres tall, a 23-minute drive from the town centre.
Next time I visit Vang Vieng, it’s the first thing to do.
- Cost: All viewpoints cost 20,000 LAK each ($0.88/€0.78/£0.66) per person
- Opening Time: 08.30 AM – 05.00 PM
4. Explore Vang Vieng Night Market
Vang Vieng night market has a nice atmosphere, as there is a mix of local people and tourists who flock to eat after a day of exploring.
You can find it located in the centre of the town.
The food stalls have so many options, including traditional Lao dishes such as laap and tam mak hoong, as well as street food favourites like fried noodles, grilled meats and curries.
What I noticed was that the stalls were further apart than in other night markets in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, which made it feel less cramped. I liked this. Lots of locals eat here too.
You can spend anywhere between 20,000 LAK ($0.88/€0.78/£0.66) and 100,000 LAK ($4.40/€3.90/£3.30) for a meal. We sat in the small plastic stools on the side of the street and ate as people walked past. You must pay in cash.
I recommend trying red chicken curry, which costs from 50,000 LAK ($2.20/€1.95/£1.65), and thankfully, I never saw it too busy. 06.00 PM is usually a good time to avoid any crowd. You could also be adventurous and try fried chicken legs.
In addition to the food, the market also has vendors selling clothing, souvenirs, and other items. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique gifts to take back home for your memories or loved ones.
Vang Vieng night market had the most relaxed atmosphere of any market I visited in Laos.
- Cost: Free to enter
- Opening Time: 05.00 PM – 12.00 AM
5. Have Fun On An Electric Bike, Scooter Or Buggy
We rented an electric bike from Discover Laos.
You can zip around the amazing 35 km ring road outside of Vang Vieng, whether in a buggy, on a scooter or on an electric bike! We had so much fun doing this because we saw first-hand how stunning the landscape is, and it was honestly the highlight of visiting Vang Vieng.
The loop gives you a long and in-depth look at the rice fields and the farmers, the Vang Vieng viewpoints and offers a magical sunset on the way back to return your means of transport for the day.
You can visit the lagoons this way too, as many are located on the ring road. I would dedicate a day to this because there is so much to do.
There can be some nice places to stop and have lunch along the ring road, where we had the best noodle soup (I think it was called Khao Piak Sen) of our first trip in Southeast Asia.
If you look at the map, it is not marked as a place to eat, but a lady and her family are found here.
The perfect way to spend the day is to visit some of the blue lagoons or viewpoints, which are sprinkled along this route.
When renting a bike, buggy or scooter, you may be asked to leave your passport or a deposit. I would never hand over my passport because it is so important, but we asked if our driving licence would do instead, and it did.
I do not recommend giving your passport if you can avoid it. Take photos of the rental beforehand, in case they try to pin damage on you, which I have heard has happened before.
Some places may ask for an international driver’s license, but we didn’t get asked. Also, your insurance won’t cover you without an international license.
Many people ignore this, but get a hefty medical bill later when their insurance won’t cover it.
- Cost: 1,546,000 LAK ($68.63/€60.00/£51.40) for a full-day buggy; from 200,000 LAK ($8.80/€7.80/£6.60) for each electric bike.
- Opening Time: 08.30 AM – 07.00 PM, and you can keep the bike overnight.
6. Explore Phakounham Cave
There is another cave worth exploring, and it’s 1 kilometre from Pha Honekham.
Get your flashlight, good hiking shoes and water bottle and head to Phakounham Cave to explore a narrow but exciting cave close to Vang Vieng.
Should you have time, get a guide at the entrance of Phakounham Cave for about 30,000 LAK ($1.32/€1.17/£0.99) and walk about 15 minutes to the other cave marked with the red pin above.
We spoke to a lady here who called a guy, and he appeared from nowhere to take us to the cave. He had little English, and we had little Lao, but we tried to understand each other.
You can go as deep as 15 minutes on foot, and it was gargantuan in size, and you can only enter here safely with a guide.
I would be nervous going in alone, and that’s not even allowed. You must go with a guide.
We could see bats above in the cave, some pools of water and dark, deep pits that, when we threw a rock into them, took seconds before we heard the noise hitting the ground.
There is a small fence of wire keeping people back from the edge of the cave, which made me feel at ease. We could look at the roof of the cave with our flashlights, and our guide tried to explain that it was a CIA cave in the Vietnam War, I think.
It’s about a 25-minute drive from the town centre. I can’t see a name for the cave online, but it is worth a visit if you like exploring caves.
Visiting here will give you a real grasp of the landscape, which encapsulates Vang Vieng, and I guarantee it will leave you stunned.
- Cost: 30,000 LAK ($1.32/€1.17/£0.99) per person for guide
- Opening time: 06.00 AM – 05.00 PM
7. Take A Guided Tour
Another great way to spend a day in Vang Vieng is to do one of the many tours available around most corners of the town.
When we visited Vang Vieng, we took plenty of guided tours.
My personal favourite tour included a visit to the Elephant Cave, Water Cave, had lunch, ziplined, kayaked and visited Blue Lagoon 1. The operator was TCK Amazing Tour Sole. Everything went well with our experience.
You get a taste of everything good about Vang Vieng – the caves, water, zip lining and kayaking, which were so much fun and made easy for you by arranging it all together.
If you are a good negotiator, you can bargain for a better price, but we paid 900,000 LAK ($39.60/€35.10/£29.70) for the two of us, and it was so worth it.
When we went on the kayak and zipline, we were given all the gear necessary to be safe. Life jacket, gloves, hard hat, light, and harness. I am no safety expert, but everything seemed to be in place. You have to wear the safety gear, or you cannot take part.
Be aware that kayaking can be tricky at times, but it is exhilarating.
Two girls capsized on the river but were fine as the guide got them back up and running. These guys are experts on the water and have been doing it for years, so you’ll be in good hands.
We sat back and slowed our kayak to enjoy the tall limestone cliffs on our right side.
The rapids can pick up and be bumpy, but it’s a real adrenaline rush if you’re into that.
We were collected at our hotel in a minivan and taken to join up with the rest of the group before we started the day tour.
- Cost: 450,000 LAK ($19.80/€17.55/£14.85) per person, but other packages are available
- Start Time: Depends on the tour, but normally 08.00 AM – 03.00 PM
Read My Southeast Asia Packing List To Plan Your Trip To Laos
8. Try Kayak And Tubing
If a group tour doesn’t interest you but getting on the water does, you can easily rent a tube or kayak and go for it yourself.
Take it at your own pace and spend the day there if you want, but a group tour is the safer option.
If you prefer a group tour, you can do that too.
The Nam Xong River makes for a beautiful way to float through Vang Vieng and its surroundings. But be careful. There have been many issues in the past where visitors tragically died because of tipsy tubing.
I could not recommend trying this, but the tubing sober is just fine.
I recommend booking this kayaking and tubing tour because it includes both activities and lasts 6 to 8 hours, so you’ll have the full day out, and the guide will speak English.
It’s a small group too, which I like.
- Duration: 2-3 hours recommended
- Cost: 655,597 LAK ($29.74/€26.00/£22.28)
9. Visit Tham None Cave And Angel Cave
Another adventure-filled place to visit is Tham None Cave and Angel Cave.
These caves are located about a 4-kilometre drive north of Vang Vieng and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Huge limestone cliffs, people gliding past us on the river, and lots of green jungle. The caves are found around 60 metres from one another, so you can easily visit both on the same day.
Walk the big blue bridge across the river and do a 360-degree turn, and you’ll need to pinch yourself.
When I entered the cave, it impressed me so much. Loads of stalactites and stalagmites point up and down from the roof. There is a comfortable walkway through the cave too, so getting through it is not like other challenging caves in Vang Vieng, like Phakounham Cave.
Bring your camera because inside is worth a number of photos.
You can explore the caves on your own or with a guide, and enjoy activities such as swimming and rock climbing.
When we visited, we did not opt for the guide. I wish I had because I would have learned more about the history of the cave and region. It is not the largest cave I have been to in Laos, and we exited within 15 minutes for Angel Cave. The caves are not hard to get through; just make sure you have a good grip on your feet because the floor can be wet.
I wish I had booked this tour, which includes both Angel and Tham None Cave AND ziplining – two of the best things to do and see in Vang Vieng.
- Cost: 20,000 LAK ($0.88/€0.78/£0.66) per person
- Opening Time: 09.00 AM – 05.30 PM
10. Go Ziplining
Ziplining is always a popular activity in Vang Vieng, and I loved it.
Make sure to bring a camera or a GoPro, and get some amazing footage of yourself or friends as you zip across the treetops of the jungle.
At the start, our guides checked our harnesses before we flew off into the trees, which made me feel at ease.
What surprised me was that at the end we had to do a jump right down to the ground, which was about 30 metres, and I did not know this. I didn’t like heights. Had I known this before, maybe I would not have gone, so it shows you sometimes when you travel, you can overcome your fears if you say yes to adventure.
You can check out the many different zipline tours to see which one fits best, but I recommend combining it with the Blue Lagoon and kayaking.
Ziplining is best done in tour groups, but you can show up to Tham None Cave and do it there. There are around 10 cables which take you above the trees and the river, and the reviews are very positive.
The ziplines are between 40 and 50 metres high across the treeline, and it was one of my favourite things to do in Vang Vieng. We were in the trees around midday and didn’t notice many other groups around, which made it better.
Overall, we were ziplining for around a couple of hours, including the walking to each location.
- Cost: From 655,597 LAK ($29.74/€26.00/£22.28)
- Opening Time: 09.00 AM – 05.30 PM
Best Time To Visit Vang Vieng?
The best time to visit Vang Vieng is between November and February, when it is dry and cooler.
You can expect temperatures during this time to be 26°C to 28°C (78°F to 82°F) maximum with little to no rain.
While we visited in June, it was just outside the hot season (March until May), and the crowds were not overwhelming. Temperatures this time of year soar and are normally around 30 to 31°C (86 to 87°F) with lows around 21 to 22°C (70 to 72°F).
Rarely had we had rain, but when it rained, it did so heavily for a couple of hours, then stopped for the day.
Sometimes, the streets, rivers and restaurants had many people but nothing crazy. Bars had a good nightlife vibe, especially Gary’s Irish Bar – The Rising Sun; it didn’t feel like a chaotic city like Vientiane or Pakse.
The wet season is from May until October, but we barely experienced rain in our 9 days there.
Spend A Number Of Days In Vang Vieng
How To Get To Vang Vieng?
If you are travelling in Laos, you will likely be coming to Vang Vieng from the beautiful city of Luang Prabang in the north or from the chaotic capital of Vientiane further south.
If you are travelling internationally, a plane is also an option.
Minivan To Vang Vieng
Travel to Vang Vieng from within Laos is easy but can take a long time depending on where you come from.
A minivan is a common mode of transport. I used this many times in Laos. It takes 5 and a half hours to get there from Luang Prabang, and the journey is 185 kilometres. I recommend booking your ticket with 12Go, and the cost for this journey ranges from 504,306 to 680,813 LAK ($22.88 to $30.89/€20.00 to €27.00/£17.14 to £23.14).
You can be collected at your accommodation, but you may have to get transport (tuk-tuk) to the minivan office, depending on the company.
Train To Vang Vieng
You can travel from Vientiane or Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by the China-Laos Railway.
When we travelled through Laos, we took the railway to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng, and overall it was a smooth but odd experience.
We were asked to drink our water when passing through the airport-style security at the train station so that we didn’t pose any risk to the passengers or the train, and the staff were not helpful and not pleasant.
Immigration officers do have a reputation for being tough, but we noted their behaviour to be over the top.
Here is a link to the map of the railway.
You can also get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, should you want to explore the capital for a day. Book your train ticket to Vang Vieng as soon as you can. The trip takes a little over an hour.
The cost starts from 378,229 LAK ($17.16/€15.00/£12.86).
Flying To Vang Vieng
Wattay is the international airport in Vientiane, and it takes about 3 or 4 hours via minivan to Vang Vieng.
A taxi can be much quicker but will be more expensive at around 2,865,418 LAK ($130.00/€113.64/£97.38), or you can book a shared minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng for around 277,368 LAK ($12.58/€11.00/£9.43).
Luang Prabang also has an international airport, but it is located in the north of Laos and takes about 6 hours or so via minivan, which can feel cramped and never-ending from experience.
When travelling in Vang Vieng, don’t forget you can haggle with tuk-tuk drivers to get a better deal, and sometimes booking tours when you are there will save a little money.
Where To Stay In Vang Vieng
I recommend staying in the centre of Vang Vieng town.
We stayed at the Annecy Hotel, and it had mixed reviews online, so we are unsure as to what to expect, but we were impressed with the value we got.
We had amazing views of the limestone cliffs surrounding Vang Vieng, and this was a big plus. Breakfast was good. A buffet every morning with fresh fruit, rice, eggs, salad and tea and coffee.
I found it to be great value at 294,646 LAK ($13.37/€11.69/£10.02) per night.
Amazing rooftop views, comfortable beds, and very friendly staff made it enjoyable. We did occasionally find a lizard in our room or a cockroach, but this is common throughout Laos.
It was within walking distance of the Vang Vieng night market and party streets, where you can find a fun night out too.
There is no shortage of good food in Vang Vieng’s restaurants, too, where our favourite was the Korean Restaurant.
I would recommend staying somewhere near Vang Vieng Hospital as it is close to the tour offices where you can book the excursions, grab some coffee or indulge in the lively Vang Vieng nightlife.
Close to the river, you could also look at Riverside Boutique Resort, where costs range between 1,763,320 and 2,711,105 LAK ($80.00 to $123.00/€69.93 to €107.52/£59.93 to £92.13) per night.
ViengTara Vang Vieng Resort is another good option, should money be less of a restriction. Cost between 1,917,611 to 2,115,984 LAK ($87.00 to $96.00/€76.05 to €83.92/£65.17 to £71.91) per night.
For a more budget-friendly location, you could look at the Annecy Hotel or Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel, where costs start from 100,861 LAK ($4.58/€4.00/£3.43) per night.
If I had to return to Vang Vieng, I would choose Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng, for its pool with a view, wellness centre, and proximity to nature.
Other Considerations
You May Need A Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa to enter Laos.
We entered the infamous Cambodia/Laos border near Nakasong, and it was an unpleasant experience. The minivan was packed full of people, and the immigration officer was rude to us when he was explaining the process.
When we paid for our visa, the last immigration officer asked many of the tourists for more money (completely corrupt), and most people had to push back and say they had already paid.
The visa on arrival cost us 881,513 LAK ($40.00/€34.97/£29.96). One officer simply laughed when one person got annoyed, so be ready for this scenario. For US, UK and Australian citizens, the eVisa costs 1,101,892 LAK ($50.00/€43.71/£37.45).
We had to wait about an hour to get our visa and walk to another building at the border, where we got in the minivan. An e-visa can be obtained online before your departure.
It takes up to three days to be received.
What Currency Can I Use in Laos?
You can normally conduct transactions using cash, whether it is LAK, Thai Baht or USD, along the border regions.
I mostly used LAK when in Laos, but in Cambodia it was USD. There are at least 12 ATMs in the centre of Vang Vieng, and you can pay with a card in many places, but best to always carry some cash.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Vang Vieng?
I recommend staying at least three days in Vang Vieng.
While I stayed for nine days, I still missed many interesting places, such as Pha Honekham’s summit, Blue Lagoons 3, 4, and 5 and a paramotoring experience.
Weather affects what you can do, so plan around the season. Heavy rain changes river levels, making swimming, tubing and kayaking dangerous and the cave regions slippery.
A practical plan is three to five days, enough to visit lagoons, hike viewpoints like Nam Xay and Pha Ngern, watch sunsets at riverside bars, go tubing, and explore deep and intriguing caves. Visit lagoons early to avoid crowds.
Tubing tours cost around $25.00 per day. I recommend a mix of group tours and independent exploration. Group tours provide safety gear and social experiences, while solo trips give freedom but require careful judgment.
Always weigh what you’re comfortable with and plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable stay.
Best Places To Eat In Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng has some tasty places to eat.
Whether you like authentic Laotian food like Laap, Korean food, or even pizza, it’s all available.
One of my favourite places was Luang Xai Kham Restaurant, which served the tastiest pad Thai I ate in Laos. They offer lots of fresh fruit juices and pancakes with plenty of variety at affordable prices; a vegetable pad Thai costs 65,000 LAK ($2.95/€2.58/£2.21).
You can check the menu here with prices on Google Maps, as they don’t have a website.
Another tasty spot was A.M.D. Restaurant, which made me fall in love with papaya salad. Handfuls of peanuts on top and so filling. You can’t go wrong here. This is a family business, and their son was always jumping around behind us, which was nice.
The cost for the spicy papaya salad was 40,000 LAK ($1.81/€1.59/£1.36).
For a fun place to have a drink, try Gary’s Irish Bar. I was chatting to Gary, who hails from southern Ireland, and it’s a lively spot that was packed with people of all ages when I visited.
Drinks were affordable, where a Beer Laos set you back 40,000 LAK ($1.81/€1.59/£1.36) and a Jameson and Coke cost 80,000 LAK ($3.63/€3.17/£2.72)
All of these places are within a short walk from the centre of Vang Vieng, so you can reach them on foot, by scooter or by bike.
Safety Tips & Adventure Advice
I recommend taking safety very seriously in Vang Vieng.
If you look back over the years in Vang Vieng, there’s a history of poor safety regulations and incidents which resulted in casualties. Some are down to the traveller’s decision, whereas others result from carelessness by local operators and tour companies.
Stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks. Choose tour operators with a proven track record and research online before booking any excursion.
Do not drink cocktails. As recently as late 2024, a number of young travellers drank cocktails at Nana Backpacker Hostel that were unsafe for consumption and tragically passed away.
It will likely be safer to drink bottled drinks. Do not try any drugs; in Southeast Asia, safety regulations are not like those in Europe or North America.
Heavy rain changes the river levels; I saw this firsthand. The water colour changes, making swimming far more dangerous. When visibility is poor, don’t go out and explore.
Sunset Spots & Riverside Bars
Sunset in Vang Vieng hits differently.
The town has some of the most beautiful sunset spots in Laos.
Nam Xay Viewpoint and Pha Ngern Viewpoint are special, but if you visit the HideOut – Sunset bar on the outskirts of town, you can sit in a field with nothing but limestone cliffs around you and a fresh fruit juice in hand.
It is open from 03.00 PM to 09.00 PM daily.
There’s a surprisingly wide variety of drinks here. Drinks range from 40,000 to 80,000 LAK ($1.82 to $3.63/€1.59 to €3.17/£1.36 to £2.72), with cider, mulberry wine, and imported beers like Corona and Heineken all on offer.
It’s blissful. Two local dogs were playing right around us, fooling about, and you can light a fire for extra warmth when it gets cooler in the evening.
When I visited, it was just the two of us and another couple, so we had the space all to ourselves.
Another great place to watch the sun go down is Point de Vue Sunset, a little further west along the road. It’s just beside the paragliding and hot air balloon spot.
Vang Vieng has some stunning sunsets.
What I Would Skip In Vang Vieng (And Why)
- Parties based around alcohol and drugs: unsafe drinks have led to deaths in Vang Vieng as recently as 2024.
- Rushed tours that don’t show you the depth of Laos’s natural beauty: tours can be better appreciated if you take time to enjoy the location fully.
- Booking tours without checking safety records or history: know what the company is like.
- Visiting the lagoons at peak times from midday onwards: too many people will spoil the experience.
Sometimes you don’t need a tour.
When I visited Vang Vieng, I did a combination of group tours and private exploration.
When exploring Vang Vieng without a guide, there were times when we were totally alone, and if anything happened, it could be hours before someone could come along.
This made me consider my choices.
So you need to weigh up what you’re comfortable with and make a decision.
For the best experience from my time in Vang Vieng, I’d say mix up your plans and do both group tours (to meet fellow travellers and have fun) and go solo to some safe locations.
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a brilliant town to explore.
You can visit deep caves, trek to challenging viewpoints and see some of the most outstanding landscapes in all of Asia.
For me, the best things were Blue Lagoon 6, the caves, the kayaking experience, and Nam Xay Viewpoint. But there are so many other activities that are worth doing.
If you enjoyed this post, you will love my articles about how to take the slow boat through Laos or about the Laotian Capital, Vientiane and how best to spend one day exploring the city.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Vang Vieng Worth Visiting?
Vang Vieng has been my favourite location which we have visited in 3 and a half months of travel in South East Asia in 2023. Vang Vieng has adventure, nightlife, night markets and breathtaking viewpoints to explore and at very reasonable costs. You will easily get around Vang Vieng by electric bike, buggy, or boat.
Is Vang Vieng Still a Party Town?
Vang Vieng has a lively nightlife, but it isn’t as lively as it was some years ago. Sadly, there were many casualties and accidents in the past on the river, and since then, rules have become stricter. Sure, you can find a party if you go looking for it, but most people are now interested in outdoor exploration and activities. More sought-after activities include hot air balloon rides, visiting the blue lagoons, and trekking to the Vang Vieng viewpoints.
How Much Does A Trip Cost To Vang Vieng?
A daily budget in Vang Vieng depends on what you do. Kayak or tube rental costs $6.00 per day, while a guided tour with ziplining or a hot air balloon ride runs from $50.00 to $100.00. Budget guesthouses start at $10.00 a night. The easiest way to keep costs down is to mix free activities like hiking and viewpoints with just one or two paid experiences a day, rather than booking tours every day of your trip.
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There is a lot more to see and do than I had any idea of in this area.
Interesting to see how bereft of tourists some of the spots are and those videos really give a taste of what to encounter.
Clearly a lot of time is needed to enjoy all of the attractions and amenities and the countryside looks so beautiful.
Corrupt border guards seem to becoming the norm in so many countries now. I never used to encounter it but now I’m always expecting it (and see it) in so many border crossings and it looks like Laos has taken it up as well.
I have been looking at this area for a while and I truly appreciate this post. The lagoons, kayaking, and hot air balloon ride look absolutely marvellous (especially Lagoon #6!).
The thing holding me back is a slight case of claustrophobia … I really want to do some caving but I never know how I will react (sometimes I’m in terror, other times I”m absolutely fine) so I’ve been working on overcoming that before heading to Laos and Vietnam. It would be a damned shame to go and not see the caves.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
What a magical place Vang Vieng is! I was hooked from the moment I read balloon ride and empty blue lagoons. This sounds all pretty good to me. The caves were another highlight and the surrounding nature is lovely, too. How did you know about this place? Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive post and introducing me to a new area.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
We learned about it when we researching our trip through Laos and it kept coming up and I am so glad we decided to add it to our plans!
Wow, things have really changed since I was there. Good to see that the tubing has morphed into something a bit safer! The lagoons all look so beautiful! I could imagine myself spending several days here doing all the activities, it looks like so much fun 🙂
This brought back happy memories of our trip to Laos some years ago. We loved Vang Vieng – such a beautiful area and a really lively town. We enjoyed tubing in the caves and kayaking along the river but missed out on those amazing lagoons. Blue lagoon no 6 looked sublime. And I wish we had had time for hot-air ballooning. Sadly, you’re right about the visa situation, and it’s the same going each way across that border. We were stung for extra cash crossing from Lao to Cambodia.
Looks like you had an incredible time in Vang-Vieng (except for the border crossing)! I would love to get out on the kayak and explore the caves up close. It’s funny that they have multiple blue lagoons – I’m used to the one in Iceland, but these all look beautiful – especially number 6!
Wow, those viewpoints are fantastic. So beautiful. And the blue lagoons too. I can see why #6 is your top choice, it looks a lot less busy and a bit more lagoon-esque. Although I’ll say I’m most intrigued by the hot air balloon ride. Never been in one but it’s on my list, and what a great place to try it out.
Another fantastic destination shared in a great way with detailed tips. The photos, as always are well illustrative of the beauty of the place.
Although I have some claustrophobia, the caves look beautiful and well worth exploring! The Blue Lagoon 6 and the balloon ride would undoubtedly be the experiences that would most captivate me.
Vang Vieng – if the name itself doesn’t catch your attention, then wait until it reveals its many hidden splendor. From lagoons to the balloon rides, caves to kayaking and activities like ziplining and tubing. This is quite a detailed trip itinerary and any traveling to Laos will find this a very good resource. Thanks for sharing this with us James. Love the photos and amazing videos.
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
This article provides a good overview of activities in Vang Vieng, especially highlighting the Blue Lagoons. The practical tips, like flashlight recommendation for Phu Kham Cave, are very helpful for planning a trip. I’d love to see more details on the other lagoons though!
Thanks for the suggestion and tip. Hope to get more included soon 🙂 have you been to Laos?
Vang Vieng looks absolutely stunning! So many exciting activities and breathtaking views—definitely adding it to my travel list.
Honestly, it sounds kinda magical but don’t get your hopes too high. Had fun but it’s a mixed bag, ya know? Some parts were great, others? Meh.
Wow, this brought back such good memories! I only had a few days in Vang Vieng but totally fell in love with the mix of adventure and calm vibes. The viewpoints and the night market were my absolute highlights, but now I’m kicking myself for not trying the hot air balloon ride.
Looking forward to it, I hope to have the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place in the future
This is such a helpful list! I love how it mixes adventure (caves, kayaking, viewpoints) with relaxing moments (night market, scooters around the ring road). Vang Vieng looks like the perfect place to explore nature and unwind. Thanks for putting this together! —