Have you missed the opportunity to travel to the iconic Blue Lagoon of Iceland or wish to discover iconic karst mountains, then this is the right time to pack your backpack to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng is a kind of underrated travel landmark where enthusiastic adventure seekers can expect multiple and unique activities in one place without limiting their activities.
Unlike Europe, Asia has numerous natural rich destinations including Laos, probably visiting Vang Vieng is also a good idea to add your upcoming what are the best things to do in Laos. Say thanks to its Nam Song River for tubing, kayaking and Nam Xay known for hot air balloon rides. Despite these, we need to go much deeper to understand why Vang Vieng needs to be added to your travel bucket list.
Related Search: 10 Best Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Is Vang Vieng Safe?
To this question straight answer is “Yes”. Vang Vieng is generally a safe city for foreign travellers, especially places like party areas, adventure oriented destinations. Visitors can expect a low rate of pickpocketing/theft, crime and less overpricing.
But a few years ago illegal drug activities were more common here, but the Laos government curtailed all these activities. Whilst, visitors do not worry too much about Vang Vieng deaths in tubings, which are controversial things.
Your hiking trail could not be an easy one, so make some proper precautionary measures like bring water bottles to hydrate yourself, wear sturdy footwears while hiking or walking in streets and wear helmets and use route maps/Google maps while biking.
To avoid falling in the trap of scams in ticket prices or overpricing, choose any recommended guided tours or visit respective official websites or centres.
What are the Top 10 Things to Do in Vang Vieng, Laos?
1. Enjoy Tubing on the Nam Song River
No matter what makes you want to visit Vang Vieng, surely it is not a great start to your trip here until you haven’t added tubing on Nam Song River as your first preference. Such a mindblowing activity where visitors can float down the river in an inner tube and they can stop at bars along the way.
Taking a Tube for rent is quite simple, rent an inner tube in town (available for just $7 + deposit cost of $7.50), then you need to take a 3km tuk tuk ride until the tubing route. Once you reach the tubing point then just 10 minutes walk where the bars start. It is my pleasure to say that, bars are covered with more beer pong, free Lao Lao shots, rope swings and slides and dancing and music celebrations, just enjoy with it.
2. Spend More Time with Beautiful Blue Lagoon
One of the rare destinations in Asia where visitors could spot semi-natural swimming areas from its 9 different lagoon options. Here we can swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, a popular natural swimming area surrounded by the most scenic natural settings. The interesting part is while you are enjoying the blue lagoon you can visit nearby Tham Phu Kham caves to see the most reclining golden Buddha statue and natural limestone formations.
You can choose lagoons 1, 2, 3, and 4, but 3 is the more popular and fun one, containing platforms, zip lines and swings including bench facilities. However Lagoon 2 is also ok for those who aren’t getting Lagoon 3 or look for more relaxing ambiances. Each lagoon costs 10,000 to 20,000 kip to enjoy this blue lagoon.
Backpackers expect restaurants, toilets and shopping nearby lagoons to purchase and even for your leisure time. Take tuk tuk to reach lagoons which are available in Vang Vieng streets, if you are good at negotiations there are few chances to get a discount on your trips, just try it.
3. Enjoy Popular Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon ride is really a spectacular vibe to us, but taking a ride in different places is also a crucial subject here. The balloon ride in Cappadocia is different and in Bagan is also different. But the Balloon ride in Vang Vieng is different from the rest of the destination since it has the cheapest one (only $85 per person) and rises over fields of ancient stupas and pagodas.
Currently 2 major private companies are running hot air balloon activity in different parts of Vang Vieng. Booking a hot air balloon is very easy, visit their official website such as Balloon over Vang Vieng and Above Laos, book your reservations. Costs come with $80-90 including pick up and drop ($120 above Laos) and we insist you to book your ride either at sunrise or sunset period which is incredibly beautiful.
4. Detect Hidden Caves
Vang Vieng has numerous caves which are known for many purposes such as Tham Chang and Tham Phu Kham. These caves are often recognised as stalactites and stalagmites in nature and some are spiritually significant. Tham Chang cave or Jang Cave, popular one, contains a steep staircase at the button of the cave which leads to the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Tham Phu Kham Cave is another most visited cave located near the Blue Lagoon 3. Despite all its difficult path and jungle walking, the cave offers an adventurous feeling from its dark inside, steep slopes and sleepy floors. Just to escape from uncertainties, we recommend you to book any guided tours to avoid risk especially if you are going with family.
Besides these 2 major caves, Vang Vieng is home to Num Bor Keo Cave and Pha Poung Kham Cave. Num Bor Keo Cave is an underrated one and least visited cave, yet exhibits scenic views of rice paddies and dark areas. Visiting Num Bor includes a cost of 10.000 Kip (50.000 Kip for guided tours).
Pha Poung Kham Cave is the most favourite cave in Vang Vieng, often known for its dark inside and deep areas. The interesting part here is cave has 2 entrance points where we can see huge holes and offers quite haunting experiences.
5. Take a Walk in Night Market
Taking a leisurely stroll amidst the Vang Vieng Night Market is a never missing things to do in Vang Vieng. The market is a heavenly place where both travelers and even locals can purchase local foods, craft items and experience cultural attractions.
The name suggests that the Night market is open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the center of the Vang Vieng city where we can see vibrant street food stalls, shops of handmade souvenirs, and restaurants which serve delicious local Laotian dishes.
One of the core reasons your trip to this night market would be to try a diverse food culture. The market is a hub for a wide array of snacks such as potato rolls, savory coconut pancakes, and rotis with topping like mango. However here visitors have an opportunity to purchase handicraft stuffs like handmade purses, Lao textiles and shirts.
Try to attend markets, live music venues and social interactive sessions to understand the country’s diverse cultural roots. Make sure that this night market is a great place for us to understand the country’s deep culinary options, artistic values and rich cultural heritages. So don’t miss out on visiting.
6. Enjoy Vang Vieng Viewpoints
Everybody loves to spend their time at the top of the mountains to get more picturesque and panoramic views of the surroundings. In the same way, Vang Vieng Viewpoint is an ideal place for backpackers and even nature lovers to get scenic views. If you’re ready enough to climb steepy and rugged hiking trails, then Pha Ngern viewpoint and Nam Xay viewpoint are 2 major options available to us.
Pha Ngern Viewpoint located just 4 km away from the center of the city, where backpackers need to take 40 minutes of trail to reach Silver cliff viewpoint. But additionally you need to take 40 minutes to reach Pha Ngern viewpoint to get more perfect views.
However, within just eight km of radiation another popular viewpoint Nam Xay is located. It requires 30 to 40 minutes of sleepy hiking trail amidst of forest areas or you can even choose a motor bike to climb its top. Do not miss bringing your camera to capture the most iconic photos of sunset views while hiking and its top.
7. Take Kayaking at Nam Song River
Besides tubing Kayaking is another ideal activity we can add to our best things to do in Vang Vieng. As we know that Vang Vieng is known for tubing activity, however, if you want to relax and enjoy the river then it is better to choose kayak instead of tubing. Compared with tubing, kayaking allows us to indulge in areas of surroundings while kayaking, like mountains, rivers and the countryside. Kayaking is even more safe and ideal thing to take family visitors. Kayak tours operate at Khmu village, located just 10 km north of Vang Vieng.
Taking kayaking in the Nam Song River will exhibit more scenic views and is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the tranquillity of the water. We recommend you to kayak during morning time, since there is less crowd, great ambiances and perfect time to capture surroundings.
Despite all its features, Kayak helps us to reach the Bay of Caves of Vang Vieng and paddle through the surroundings of limestone cliffs, forest coverages and villages. Take a stop when you find organic mulberry farms, rice paddy areas and jumping bars.
8. Take a Bike to Explore Countryside of Vang Vieng
Taking a bike for rent to explore the countryside of Vang Vieng is considered as the most fun thing to do. Through biking visitors can reach every corner of Vang Vieng including the city’s markets, villages, and scenic lush rice paddies.
The city provides both electric scooters and bikes to visitors with the cost of $8 or 150,000 kip. And this biking activity is more convenient to cover nearby city’s attractions like Blue Lagoon and Caves while passing through mountainous sceneries, waterfalls, picturesque beauties and limestone cliffs. Get your rental motorbikes at Mr. Ta Motorbike Rentals or Dust and Dirt Vang Vieng.
If you are clear about taking a bike to rent then some prior things you need to remember. 1. Choose biking activity between November to March, when these months are cooler, pleasant and more importantly the season boasts green surroundings. 2. Start your biking journey early in the morning to avoid traffic (both road and tourist) and heavy sunlight effects. 3. Select a bike which is adjustable in all geographic conditions and it should adjust long, steepy, rocky and muddy paths. 4. Do not miss bringing bathing clothes, water bottles, sunglasses and route map before starting your biking.
9. Visit Ban Pha Tang Village
Phatang or Ban Pha Tang Village is a small and scenic village of Vang Vieng located 20 kilometres away from the city. The village bamboo bridge makes it the most iconic attraction where we can cross the river along with taking perfect pictures of the scenic karst mountains.
But the bridge wouldn’t open all season, it closes during the rainy season and opens once it’s over. After crossing the river we can easily enter Ban Pha Tang Village, where we can spot traditional Laotian life and the incredible natural settings.
Vang Vieng’s most iconic limestone karst landscape exists in this region. This kart mountain leaves us in awe inspiring situations, especially if we visit during sunset. Despite karst mountains, visit Tham Song, an Elephant cave known for its house of large Buddha statues and village is a place where we can learn local traditional lifestyles. Try to sit on a bamboo bridge or take a closer look at the surrounding Karst Mountains if you are looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle life.
10. Feel the Beauty of Rice Fields in Vieng Tara Resort
Visiting Rice Fields in Vieng Tara Resort is one of the totally unique things to do in Vang Vieng if you’re looking to spend more time with green fields. Located near the banks of the Nam Song River, where we can expect multiple new accommodation options in tranquil locations. Rice fields are covered by the Karst Mountains, with wooden pathways that lead through the paddies.
These spectacular rice fields are located near Ban Tang Village Resort, where visitors expect individual wooden villas, Wi-Fi facilities, flat screen TV options and en suite bathroom facilities in each property.
However, the resort does not disappoint food lovers, offers delicious breakfast on its private verandas overlooking surrounding rice paddies. A great option if you are looking to take a long break and willing to spend time with nature or scenic peaceful settings away from the bustle of city life.
Which is the Best Season for Backpackers?
Choosing the right season to visit is really a great idea to do all these fantastic things. After detailed discussions we came to know that November to April was recognised as the perfect season to visit Vang Vieng. The season boasts dry, sunny and pleasant weather conditions which help to take all sorts of activities here. November is known as a dry season, and it was truly a great time to take the majority of outdoor activities.
Try to skip your Vang Vieng trip during March to October, since the season boasts huge rain and smoky, not a great time to take any activities.
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng?
There are a number of staying options available in Vangg Vieng, but booking accommodation options near the city’s major attractions are key elements here.
1. D&D Guesthouse
D&D Guesthouse is a 3 star charming hotel nestled in the central part of the Vang Vieng, known for its generous bed and breakfast option. Built in 2022, travelers can choose family rooms, shuttle services, bicycle rentals and indoor play spaces and kids safety gates. The guest house boasts on site restaurants which serve American, Vegan and traditional Laos’s cuisine options, especially if you are looking to make memorable breakfasts.
A place where we can have a comfortable breakfast on a private balcony while enjoying stunning mountain views. One of the perfect countryside vacations close to popular attractions like Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon.
2. SisaVangg Mountain View Hotel
Nestled on the riverwalk, SisaVangg Mountain View Hotel is paradise to breakfast buffet lovers and bustling centres. Guests will love its variety of breakfasts ranging from basic items like fruits, egg and rice dishes to premier dishes like toast, fried chickens and noodle items. Currently the hotel boasts spacious rooms with comfortable bed options including furniture and other basic amenities.
Private rooms available at ￡3 per night including breakfast and private balcony areas. Do not forget to enjoy the epic view of hot air balloons from the SisaVangg Mountain View Hotel balconies along with your dinners.
How to Get There
Getting to Van Vieng isn’t straightforward, there is no airport available to reach the city especially if you’re an international visitor. To visit Vang Vieng you either need to visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang, these are 2 major alternative ways to reach the city.
1. From Vientiance
The bus is a more sought after option to reach from Vientiane. Everyday buses depart at 6 AM, 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 AM and 2 PM. The bus will charge 40,000 kip and it will take you up to the Northern Bus station, thereafter visitors need to catch a Tuk Tuk (charge 10,000 kip) to reach the centre of the city. Purchase your bus tickets through local vendors in Vientiane. Although visitors have an option to take the high speed Lao-China Railway from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, usually it requires 1 hour to reach. Private Malany Bus Company offers bus service to visitors with the cost of 60,000 kip.
2. From Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is Laos UNESCO World Heritage Town every day at 9 AM and 2 PM mini bus and VIP bus services at 9:30 AM operating. Catch which is relevant and convenient to you, bus drop you at Northern Bus Station, after that take Tuk Tuk to reach town. Booking tickets cost of 10,000 to 20,000 kip available through local vendors in Luang Prabanga.
Getting Around Vang Vieng
Van Vieng isn’t a big city in Asia like Japan’s Tokyo or Kyoto, if you love to walk then the city is more accessible to you. It requires just 20 minutes of walking to cover one corner to another and a maximum of 10 minutes is enough to reach most of the city’s best restaurants.
However, despite leisure walking, visitors have 2 best options could use to cover most of the city’s attractions. Those are;
1. Rented Bicycles/Motorcycles
Looking for the cheapest option in transportations, then rent a bicycle or motorbikes or quad bike buggy. Available at most of the city’s premier hotels such as Riverside Boutique Resort or TMark Resort/town centers/specified shops and E- bike outlets. One of the major reasons of choosing bicycles/motorcycles is roads are so rough and dirty and it is difficult to travel in a 4 wheeler vehicle. However, these travel options allow us to visit most remote areas of Vang Vieng including Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Villages from your hotels.
2. Guided Tours
Guided tours for those who dislike driving or would like to maximise the experience of the Laos heritage and cultures. One of the most convenient options to learn native cultures, lifestyles and help us to access karst landscapes, limestone caves and Nam Song River. A well guided tour offers safety and logistics for activities like hot air balloon rides, kayaking and caving.
Despite these 2 options, choose Tuk Tuk (either shared one or individual one), which should cost around 30-35$. Tuk Tuk is extremely welcome if you are taking a tour with friends or partners.
