Blue Lagoon 1 And Phu Kham Cave Vang Vieng: A Complete Guide
Visiting Vang Viengs Blue Lagoon 1 And Phu Kham Cave
Located in Laos’ adventure hub of Vang Vieng, Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave are two of the area’s most popular natural spots.
After spending a month exploring Laos, I can say with confidence that these two attractions offer some of the best experiences in the region.
Additionally, one of my favorite memories was sharing the water with local kids, their laughter and friendly curiosity creating genuine moments that went beyond the usual tourist experience.
If you’re wondering whether to visit Blue Lagoon 1 (there are several blue lagoons in the area), how to get there, or whether to book a tour versus going independently, you’re in the right place.
As someone who’s thoroughly explored Vang Vieng’s attractions (icndluign blue lagoon 1,2 and 6), I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about visiting these two spots in one trip, ensuring you can make the most of your adventure.
That goes for solo travellers looking for authentic experiences or a couple planning a day trip.
This guide will help you handle the logistics, know what to expect, and avoid common mistakes that visitors often make when planning their visit to these natural attractions.
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How To Reach Blue Lagoon 1 And Phu Kham Cave
Okay, so getting to Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave is relatively easy.
There are several ways to get there.
When we visited, we rented electric bikes from DiscoverLaos.Today. It was a simple process. The cost was 50,000 KIP per bike until 07.00 PM.
You can also rent a motorbike, buggy, bicycle or tuk tuk for the day to reach the lagoon.
We got helmets and baskets on the bikes to store our items. We just had to return them before 7:00 PM, or we’d need to arrange for the following day. Do what works for you.
Keep an eye on the battery as the day goes on. It was totally fine for us – we came back with plenty of charge, but it’s good to be aware of how much energy your bike has left.
Another option is taking a group tour.
There are countless places to book tours in Vang Vieng. We went with JTP Ultimate Tours – Hot Air Balloon & Para Motor (on a different day) and had no issues with the tour, aside from a slight delay, but that wasn’t a big deal.
I recommend choosing an electric or motorised option since you’ll want to save your energy for swimming and climbing. It is an adventure town, after all!
The road is overall smooth, but there are occasional potholes that could send you flying head over heels into the next field if you hit them. So watch out for the ground in front of you.
Also, be aware of cows randomly placed in the middle of the road. While you’re unlikely to go very fast on an e-bike, they can pick up some speed, so stay alert.
You can park in the large car park to the left of the entrance to Blue Lagoon 1. This is where you will pay your entrance fee of 50,000 KIP per person.
Not a bad deal for the beauty you are about to see first-hand.
What To Do At Blue Lagoon 1
There are many exciting activities at Blue Lagoon 1.
You can do as many or as few as you like. Here’s what you can look forward to during your visit:
- Swimming: The water is amazing to swim in if you have good weather the day before. This is usually the case during high season and shoulder season. The fish will swim all around you, and many times I felt them tickle my arms and legs. It actually felt a little gross, but there was only fish at the end of the day.
- Trek to Phu Kham Cave: Of course, all die-hard adventurers will want to complete this trek. It’s not long, but more importantly, it’s not easy. The goal is to get into the cave 120 meters up and see the golden Buddha. I promise you it’s worth it. Just exercise caution throughout all aspects of the trek.
- Have Lunch: You can sit in one of the many shelters, outdoor tables and chairs, or even in the restaurants and eat with friends and loved ones. Take the stress out of your day and fill your stomach with some traditional Lao food. All the typical options are available, like laap, curries, pho, and salads. Fresh fish is always a good option in Laos.
- Diving: You can dive from a few of the boards mounted in the trees. Make sure to wear a life jacket and don’t land on people below. The splash is insane! You can also swing from the ropes and release yourself into the lagoon; it’s not the safest activity, but it’s heaps of fun.
- Take Photos: Make sure to make your friends jealous when they see how incredible the water is. I recommend bringing a GoPro to take some spectacular underwater images of the fish. You need proof you were there after all! Joking, but seriously, you can get some memorable images from your lagoon experience and of the Buddha too.
My Experience Swimming in Blue Lagoon 1
When we swam in Blue Lagoon 1, the water was cold.
While it disappointed me a little at first, the intense heat outside actually made it refreshing. Who wants to be sweating buckets only to sit in a Jacuzzi?
Do note that another time we came back after heavy rain, the water was murky.
Keep this in mind when you arrive in Vang Vieng.
It would be disappointing to expect crystal-clear blue water only to find dark and cloudy conditions on your visit.
You can easily spend hours here, if not the whole day.
There is a bridge over the river. As we crossed it, we passed many restaurants selling typical Lao lunches, from papaya salad to laap to fried pork and rice. So, no need to worry about packing lunches for the day.
As we walked across the bridge, we witnessed groups of people jumping into the lagoon from the diving board. It was about 5 meters tall, and you can wear a life jacket if you’d feel more comfortable.
There are covered wooden benches where families can sit on the floor and eat with their kids. Or couples can sit together and take a rest for a while.
My favourite thing to do was to sit at the edge of the lagoon with my legs in the cold water and play with the fish.
They are big fish. When we were there, there had to have been hundreds. The children tried chasing them, and all you could hear was laughter and splashing as the day went on.
It was heaps of fun.
The Blue Lagoon is open daily from 08.00 AM until 05.30 PM.
I also made a post comparing the best blue lagoons in Vang Vieng.
Discovering Phu Kham Cave
It was a great surprise to see the signpost at the back of the lagoon for Phu Kham Cave.
Before our ascent, we rented flashlights for 10,000 KIP and scouted the path. While the climb was steep, most people with reasonable fitness should be able to manage it.
In total, it’s 120 meters up, which can be challenging in the heat.
Good footwear and mosquito repellent are essential, and I really mean it about the mosquito repellent!
The cave is deep, housing several golden reclining Buddhas.
We quickly understood why flashlights were necessary, as darkness enveloped us upon entering.
Navigating around the golden Buddha proved tricky, as we had to carefully traverse slippery limestone surfaces.
Natural light streams through cracks in the cave ceiling, illuminating the golden Buddha; it’s a breathtaking sight to witness firsthand.
Coming back down is just as hard as going up.
It may be easier on your legs, but there’s more chance of slipping if you overstep.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to be careful as you make your way back down.
What To Pack For The Blue Lagoons And Caves
This will likely be part of a day tour, or if you get there on your own, there are some key items to bring.
- Sunscreen
- Quick Dry towel
- Sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Hiking boots/footwear with a good grip
- Swimming trunks
- Mosquito repellent
- Lunch is optional
- Change of clothes optional
Another amazing cave to consider exploring is Angel Cave.
Tour Options For Vang Vieng’s Blue Lagoon
If you want a stress-free experience where you can just enjoy the whole day, you can easily arrange a tour.
Several great options are listed below for you to consider:
Vang Vieng Tour B – Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour
Amazing Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoon, Zipline, Kayaking
Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch
Safety Wing Insurance
Make sure you travel with insurance.
Safety Wing is trusted globally, and I have firsthand experience with their great services.
Many people throw caution to the wind. I think that’s reckless. When we needed hospital assistance in Kazakhstan, I learned firsthand why you should never travel without insurance!
History Of Vang Viengs Blue Lagoons
Vang Vieng has an interesting story.
Back around the turn of the millennium, it was a peaceful place, one where crazy parties were not so common and adventure travel had not yet been found.
However, its natural beauty, which I have come to see, is extraordinary, and it started to pick up momentum.
Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave were just where locals would come to cool off and enjoy the clear water.
The striking water colour is caused by limestone sediments found throughout the region’s rivers. You can see the dramatic limestone cliffs, like Nam Xay Viewpoint and Pha Ngern Viewpoint, as you move through the area.
As people discovered these gems during their travels, online media coverage began to showcase the area’s amazing natural features.
In the early 2000s, the party scene was at its peak.
After many accidents along the river while people were tubing, the government finally made changes.
Other lagoons were developed to divert tourists away from Blue Lagoon 1 and reduce pressure on locals, though some are said to be man-made.
Going to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng? Find out how to take the train.
My Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon Vlog
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Taking our electric bikes from Vang Vieng out to Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave was an extra special experience.
There are loads of blue lagoons in Vang Vieng, and this or Blue Lagoon 2 was my favourite.
Not only was the countryside amazing on the way, but once we arrived, the welcoming atmosphere created by other groups of tourists made it truly memorable.
Kids laughed and splashed with one another while adults leapt from the diving boards into the lagoon. It was several hours of fun, relaxation, and time and money well spent.
Of course, there was the additional bonus of Phu Kham Cave. The trek up was challenging but manageable for most people with some care and balance.
Inside, there’s a large opening, though getting in is the trickiest part. Just make sure you have good footwear that won’t slip.
Make sure you add Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave to your Vang Vieng travel plans.
I promise you it will be a memorable experience.
Oh, and make sure you pack correctly for Southeast Asia. It would be a shame to forget some key items for your trip!
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Which Lagoon Is Best In Vang Vieng?
The lagoons in Vang Vieng are all amazing. My personal favourite was Blue Lagoon 6. When we visited, it was just us and two other tourists. The place was practically abandoned, with overgrown trees everywhere. It felt like a scene from Jurassic Park, completely deserted, minus the dinosaurs, thankfully! Blue Lagoon 1 also has the amazing Phu Kham Cave, so consider that as a special bonus when choosing which lagoons to visit.
Which Blue Lagoon To Go To In Vang Vieng?
In my opinion, Blue Lagoon 1, 2 and 6 are like paradise on earth. The vegetation is lush and green, and the water provides a perfect escape from the sun. You can swim with fish and swing from ropes into these lagoons for an adventure like no other. Visiting the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng is one of the best things to do in the town. Don’t miss Phu Kham cave close to Lagoon number 1.
Which Cave To Visit In Vang Vieng?
There are several interesting caves to visit in Vang Vieng. Blue Lagoon 1 has Phu Kham Cave, which is one of my favourites. The short trek to this large cave was so much fun. Make sure you bring footwear with a good grip, or you might end up on the ground with a sore behind. The lagoon is beautiful with pristine waters that flow from the river in Vang Vieng.
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