Nam Xay Viewpoint: An Incredible Experience
Nam Xay Viewpoint – The Best View In Laos?
Looking for an unforgettable adventure in Vang Vieng? Nam Xay Viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree views in all of Laos.
But getting there requires some effort.
After exploring countless cities and the countryside across Laos, from the temples of Luang Prabang to the laid-back 4000 Islands, I can confidently say this viewpoint ranks among the absolute highlights.
During my visit, I discovered firsthand what makes this hike so special.
While the climb is challenging, proper preparation makes all the difference. I’ll share exactly what you need to know about the trail’s elevation, costs, location, what to wear and information I wish I had before tackling it myself.
One of my fondest memories was reaching the summit was to find it surprisingly empty.
For 15 precious minutes, we had the entire viewpoint to ourselves before other hikers arrived. Soon we were exchanging travel stories with fellow adventurers from across the globe, all of us loving the landscape below.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for the best views in Vang Vieng, this guide will help you conquer Nam Xay Viewpoint safely and confidently.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this must-do Vang Vieng experience.
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Nam Xay Viewpoint Map
Getting To Nam Xay Viewpoint From Vang Vieng
When we were in Vang Vieng, we rented electric bikes from DiscoverLaos.Today.
For €2.25, we got an electric bike for the entire day until 7:00 PM, giving us plenty of time to visit Nam Xay viewpoint and return.
If you prefer alternative transportation, you can rent a buggy, motorbike or ask a tuk tuk driver to take you.
The viewpoint is just under 8 kilometres from Vang Vieng, and you can expect the journey to take about an hour, depending on your pace.
The bike ride offered stunning views of Vang Vieng’s natural beauty. We found ourselves stopping multiple times to take photos and admire the landscape.
For me, it was much more difficult to get to Nam Cuay Viewpoint than Pha Ngern Viewpoint.
The climb was more challenging and took longer.
Cost To Climb Nam Xay Viewpoint
When we visited, we paid 20,000 Kip per person.
We paid it right at the bottom where the staircase starts.
There is a little shop there too so buy water and some small snacks for energy. This was something we did not regret.
The Trek To Nam Xay Viewpoint
Standing at the bottom of the summit, I asked myself how this could take twenty minutes.
It looks daunting, but once you get into it, it’s not so bad.
Overall, it’s moderately challenging but certainly manageable. There are bamboo handrails along the way up.
Be prepared to take some big steps, though, as there are many limestone rocks and overgrown vegetation to navigate.
It’s heaps of fun with the right attitude!
At higher elevations, you’ll encounter some man-made makeshift ladders. While they don’t look completely safe, move with caution and help your partner if you’re travelling as a couple.
The start of the hike has many concrete steps that appear recently added. There are also wooden shelters you can use to take cover from rain or sun if needed.
About 80 meters up, the path became sludgy and muddy, making it more challenging to maintain a good grip.
About 50 meters from the summit, the trees disappeared. Thankfully, it became much brighter, and we knew we were nearing the end.
The View From The Top
After a little climb over some large limestone rocks, we could see the hut at the top.
Be aware – when we made it to the top, our group and four other hikers started feeling nauseous from the heights.
It’s very steep, so you might experience some vertigo or feel unwell.
Tell me you’re not impressed with these views?
Watch Our Nam Xay Trek Experience
Is There Sunrise Or Sunset At Nam Xay Viewpoint?
Many people visit Nam Xay Viewpoint for a sunrise or sunset experience.
When we visited, we started our ascent at 3:00 PM and began descending at 4:40 PM, leaving us with plenty of light to get back safely.
It’s true that people were still ascending as we descended at sunset. However, I wouldn’t advise this, it’s very steep and dangerous even in daylight.
On the other hand, if you’re bold and want an even more special experience, you might consider a sunset or sunrise visit.
The views from the top are the best in Laos, in my opinion, so adding the changing colours of the sky must make it even more spectacular.
Trekking to Nam Xay viewpoint is easily one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng.
What To Wear On The Trek
When visiting Nam Xay, it’s important to wear proper hiking clothes.
Don’t arrive in sandals and expect it to be easy.
You’ll want to wear shoes or boots with a good grip, especially if it’s wet.
It can be very hot even at the summit, so light, breathable clothes are a good idea. Wear long sleeves to protect from mosquitoes. Shorts are fine.
Bring sunglasses because you’ll be looking up a lot and possibly into the sun.
Don’t wear clothes that you might want to wear again to a nice dinner.
We got very muddy and dirty, and some of our clothes were damaged by the rocks at the top and the trees catching them.
It’s not an easy trek, but wearing the right clothes and gear will make it easier.
What to bring on the trek:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera/phone for pictures
- Good footwear with grip (no sandals)
- Water and snacks
- Mosquito repellent (you’ll be hiking through thick vegetation)
When Should I Visit Nam Xay Viewpoint?
First of all, the viewpoint is officially open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Though when I was there, I heard of people staying later. I wouldn’t count on it, though, as I can’t say for sure.
In the morning, you’ll likely encounter fewer tourists and can get pictures without other people in them.
During our stay, there were always some people coming up or down past us. This was between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
The best part of the year to visit is during high season, when it’s dry and you’re less likely to slip in the mud. November to February is pretty good.
While we visited in June, it wasn’t too bad.
Overall, there wasn’t much rain, but some downpours did affect the river’s colours.
Nam Xay Viewpoint Guided Tour
If you want a guided tour through Vang Vein with an experienced guide, then you can book this tour below.
Safety Wing Insurance
Laos isn’t known for its rigorous health and safety standards.
While I’ll always tell people it’s an amazing place to visit, accidents have happened in the past, just like anywhere else. With this in mind, having reliable travel insurance is essential.
I always use Safety Wing, and when we needed them in Kazakhstan, they were superb.
Get yourself insured today!
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Nam Xay Viewpoint is a place where the world seems to stand still and life just feels good.
In my opinion, it’s easily the best thing to do in Vang Vieng. The 360-degree views are special, and sitting on a bicycle all the way up there (how did they get it there, by the way?) is so much fun.
It’s on the way to many of the amazing blue lagoons in Vang Vieng, so you can combine a few of these blue lagoons with a trek to Nam Xay Viewpoint.
Find out which lagoon in Vang Vieng is best with my comparison post.
It’s easily accessible from Vang Vieng, whether you take a bike, e-bike, or motorcycle. Once you finish up in Vang Vieng, make sure you visit Luang Prabang for another brilliant Laotian adventure. You can get there by using the LCR Railway.
Remember to take your time and be safe.
If you enjoyed this post, you can check out my other articles.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
How Hard Is The Hike To Nam Xay Viewpoint?
The hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint is challenging but not impossible. When we visited, we passed elderly people coming down who were in decent shape. If you have a reasonable level of fitness and strength, it won’t be an issue. There are some bamboo rails along the way up, but they’re inconsistent and not always secure. I’d rate the difficulty level as seven out of ten.
How High Is The Nam Xay Viewpoint?
Nam Xay viewpoint is only 400 meters tall, but when you look down from the summit, it feels twice that height. Because it’s so steep, it creates the illusion of being much higher. It’s a fun and challenging hike, especially when wet, but it’s definitely a must-see viewpoint in Laos.
Where To hike In Vang Vieng?
The best places to hike in Vang Vieng include Nam Xay Viewpoint, Pha Ngern Viewpoint, Angel Cave, and Phapoungkham Viewpoint. These hikes aren’t the easiest, but that makes them even more rewarding once you reach the summit, in my experience. The limestone formations make Vang Vieng full of options for memorable hikes.
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