This blog post is all about what to do in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Vang Vieng, located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, is known for its stunning landscape and outdoor adventure activities.
This small town along the Nam Song River offers a range of activities. From tubing and kayaking to rock climbing and hot air ballooning. The Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon are must-visit spots, perfect for exploring and relaxing in the turquoise waters.
Unfortunately when we visited it rained every day which meant no activities for us! And, there isn’t a whole lot to do activity-wise when it’s raining here.
But that means we’ll have to come back in the dry season as we felt we missed out on some great experiences. But here is my list of what to do in Vang Vieng.
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This blog post is all about what to do in Vang Vieng.
How to Get to Vang Vieng from Vientiane, Laos
Vang Vieng was our second stop on our trip around the country of Laos. We arrived here from Vientiane where we had flown into a few days before.
To get to Vang Vieng, we took a minibus with other travellers and the journey lasted around 90 minutes.
We booked our bus through 12Go Asia where we booked all of our travel during our six months travelling around Asia.
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What to Do in Vang Vieng: Top 10 Vang Vieng Activities
Below is a list of what to do in Vang Vieng, if you are visiting this beautiful town in Laos.
1. Nam Xay Viewpoint: The most popular spot with a panoramic view of Vang Vieng. It’s a 30-minute hike to the summit for the famous motorbike shoot.
2. Pha Ngern Viewpoint: Another popular viewpoint, often considered even better than Nam Xay. This hike takes around 2 hours total.
3. Jang Cave (Tham Chang): One of the most famous caves in Vang Vieng. The climb up provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Water Cave (Tham Nam): Famous for tubing through its dark waters, Tham Nam offers a unique caving experience.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a bird’s-eye view of Vang Vieng’s landscape, take a hot air balloon ride. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially at sunrise or sunset.
6. Paramotoring: If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, paramotoring provides a thrilling way to see Vang Vieng from above.
7. Swim in the Blue Lagoons: Vang Vieng has plenty of well-known blue lagoons. Every cave has its own blue lagoon and there are six main ones to visit. Lagoon 1 is the closest to the centre of Vang Vieng, and the most popular.
8. Golden Crab Cave (Tham Phu Kham): Known for its striking blue lagoon (Lagoon 3) and the reclining Buddha statue inside the cave. It’s a popular spot for swimming and exploring.
9. Tubing on the Nam Song River: One of Vang Vieng’s signature tourist activities, tubing down the river is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the surroundings. With stops at riverside bars along the way, you may know this as ‘tipsy tubing’.
10. Chase the Waterfalls: Visit the 30-meter drop Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, a beautiful and serene spot.
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Where to Eat in Vang Vieng
1. A.M.D Restaurant: A local favourite, A.M.D Restaurant serves Lao cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great spot to try traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
2. Gary’s Irish Bar: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this bar offers a variety of Western (and Irish) dishes. Probably my favourite meal during my time in Laos, you’ll find a lot of other backpackers here too.
3. Happy Mango Thai Restaurant: Known for its delicious Thai dishes and great service, this restaurant offers a cozy dining experience. The mango sticky rice is a must-try!
4. River Spirit Restaurant: Located by the river, this restaurant offers a mix of Lao and Western dishes. The setting is perfect for a relaxing meal with beautiful views of the Nam Song River.
5. Pull Mind Cafe: A perfect spot to view the hot air balloons in the evening. Pull Mind has extensive options of both Western and Lao dishes.
6. Victor’s Place: Their sandwiches are huge and the chips are excellent. A great lunch spot and local hangout for backpackers.
7. Green Restaurant: I highly recommend this spot if you are in the mood for pizza with a great view of hot air balloons and paragliding.
Where We Stayed in Vang Vieng
We stayed at Vang Vieng Champa Hotel which was in the north of Vang Vieng and only a five-minute walk into town.
Our room was clean and spacious and we had no issues with the internet. The host was very attentive and provided us with all the information we needed to explore. He even gave us his number to Whatsapp him with any questions.
The host also let us check into our room before 11am when our bus arrived, which was very appreciated.
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Areas to Consider for Your Stay in Vang Vieng
Riverside: Staying by the river offers easy access to many activities like tubing and kayaking. The area is bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a convenient spot to stay to be in the heart of the action.
Town Centre: The town centre is ideal for those who prefer to be close to transportation hubs. You’ll find a range of places to stay here, from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Outskirts: For a quieter experience, consider staying on the outskirts of Vang Vieng. This area offers beautiful natural surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the scenic views.
Eco-lodges and Farm Stays: For an immersive experience, choose an eco-lodge or farm stay. These options allow you to engage with local culture and enjoy sustainable living practices in a serene environment.
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