Vang Vieng is a small town located in the heart of Laos, smackdab among towering limestone cliffs and surrounded by gorgeous greenery. Once known as a notorious backpacker party destination, Vang Vieng has since transformed into a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and stunning natural scenery though there are still strong traces of the party scene for those looking to have a bit more fun.
The town is situated on the Nam Song River, which flows through a picturesque valley dotted with caves, waterfalls, and rice paddies. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Vang Vieng is by taking a leisurely tube ride down the river, stopping at various bars and restaurants along the way.
Despite its recent popularity, Vang Vieng has managed to maintain its laid-back, authentic atmosphere. The town is small enough to explore on foot where most excursions outside might require wheels.
History of Vang Vieng
The history of Vang Vieng dates back to the 14th century, when it was part of the Lan Xang kingdom. In the 18th century, Vang Vieng became a key trading center for the region, thanks to its location on the Nam Song River.
During the 20th century, Vang Vieng remained relatively isolated and undeveloped. It wasn’t until the 1990s that tourism began to pick up in the area, as backpackers discovered the town’s stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure sports.
The growth of tourism brought significant changes to Vang Vieng. Many guesthouses, bars, and restaurants sprang up to cater to the influx of backpackers. Unfortunately, this rapid development also had some negative effects on the town, including pollution, overcrowding, and a rise in crime. In recent years, efforts have been made to address these issues and to promote sustainable tourism in Vang Vieng.
How to Get to Vang Vieng
- Minivan: This is the route I personally took, my Couchsurfing host helped me book one for a local price, but most tour agencies can help arrange a ride to Vang Vieng and it takes around 3 – 4 hours. This is generally the most affordable and comfortable way to reach Vang Vieng.
- Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services between Vientiane and Vang Vieng. It takes around 3 – 5 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. There are different kinds of buses from VIP, express and local buses and prices vary depending on what you are looking for in terms of comfort and speed.
- Train: Vang Vieng now has a train station! According to my host in Laos, it was recently built on December 2021. Trains run between Vientiane and Vang Vieng and the journey takes around 1 – 1.5 hours but it is also a bit more on the pricier side.
- Taxi: Taxi or private transfers are available for hire in Vientiane and can be arranged through tour agencies. The journey takes around 1.5 – 2.5 hours but expect to pay the most for this option.
Best Places to Visit in Vang Vieng
1. Tham Chang Cave
Tham Chang Cave is very close to Vang Vieng and you could get there easily in about 20 minutes or around 5 minutes via tuk-tuk. The cave is filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and there’s a small stream running through it. You’ll also find a Buddha statue at the entrance of the cave. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the cave can be slippery!
Cost: 15,000 LAK (1 USD)
2. Blue Lagoons
There are actually several “Blue Lagoons” around Vang Vieng. The most popular being Blue Lagoons 1 to 3. The other less-known lagoons might be harder to find if you’re planning on reaching them through motorbike so it’s best to ask around for more concrete directions as Google Maps might not always be accurate especially for these remote areas.
Blue Lagoon 1 is usually the most crowded due to its proximity to Vang Vieng. It also has the most facilities, including a huge tree with ropes to hang down and swing off to jump into the cool water! There are plenty of spots to lounge around, and you can even rent a tube and float down the river.
Blue Lagoon 2 is less crowded and offers a more tranquil experience. The water is just as clear and inviting, and the surrounding landscape is more peaceful and relaxing. There are also zipline opportunities for the thrill-seekers out there.
Blue Lagoon 3 is a bit further and takes more around an hour to reach from Vang Vieng, it’s more remote but the journey takes you across the beautiful country side makes it even all the more worth it. As with most lagoons, there are still tubes and kayaks available for those that just want to chill out.
Blue Lagoon 4 is unknown to a lot of people and can already be considered a hidden gem at this point. The water here is much colder and there are no lockers but you can expect to have it all to yourself if you choose to venture forth.
Blue Lagoon 5 offers almost the same benefits as Blue Lagoon 4, being far off and remote, you can easily experience being one with nature. Take note that once the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains, it might start to get colder.
Cost: 10,000 LAK (1 USD) for each Lagoon
3. Tham Nam Water Cave
Tham Nam Water Cave is one of the more unique caves (I know that there are literally 3 on this list but they’re really cool, I swear!) From the name alone, expect to get wet and maybe a bit more. To explore the cave, you have to get on a tube and use a network of ropes to pull yourself inwards so claustrophobes beware! One of the guys I was with literally fell in the water which gave us all quite a laugh. It might be better to have a change of clothes and towel ready in case you are not going with a tour agency, but it’ll probably dry up as the day goes on anyway.
Cost: 10,000 LAK (1 USD)
4. Nam Xay Viewpoint
Nam Xay Viewpoint is a scenic spot located about 3.5 km from Vang Vieng. Scale this short and easy 30-minute hike and you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding karst mountains and the Nam Song River. It’s a prime spot to watch the sunrise or the sunset!
Cost: Free
5. Tham Phu Kham Cave
Pretty close to both Nam Xay and Blue Lagoon 1, Tham Phu Kham Cave is one of the most popular caves in Vang Vieng, known for its limestone formations. Marvel at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites and at the impressive 15m reclining Buddha statue, one of the main highlights. The statue is considered sacred and is an important religious site for locals.
Cost: 10,000 LAK (1 USD)
6. Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
Kaeng Nyui Waterfall is one of the most gorgeous natural wonders that Vang Vieng has to offer. The waterfall is a perfect spot for adventure and nature lovers. Featuring multiple tiers of cascading waters that create small pools and streams, it’s the perfect spot for swimming and relaxing! If you go during the wet season, you can see it in all of its mighty glory!
Cost: 10,000 LAK (1 USD)
Hidden Gems in Vang Vieng
7. Nam Ngum Lake
Usually overlooked in favor of the many places mentioned above, Nam Ngum Lake offers you its picturesque scenery and its floating restaurants. Nam Ngum Lake is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of a dam on the Nam Ngum River in the 1970s. There are also several small islands and villages around the lake that can be visited.
Cost: Free
8. Pha Ngern Viewpoint
Pha Ngern Viewpoint is another stunning viewpoint in Vang Vieng, known for its scenic views of the mountains and valleys. It’s located on the opposite side of the Nam Song River and compared to Nam Xay Viewpoint, it’s a bit more challenging but much more rewarding, as the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
Cost: Free
9. Tham Xang Cave (Elephant Cave)
Tham Xang Cave, also known as Elephant Cave, is a popular tourist spot in Vang Vieng. It is located about 5 kms from the town center and can be reached by motorbike or tuk-tuk. The cave is named Elephant Cave because of the limestone formation inside the cave that resembles an elephant. You can explore the cave and climb up to a viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Cost: 5,000 LAK (0.5 USD)
Top Things to Do in Vang Vieng
10. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Something that will always be reminiscent of Vang Vieng will be its colorful hot air balloons. You can usually see some in the morning and even in the afternoon if you look up at the sky. It might cost around 1.5 – 2.5 million LAK (90 – 120 USD) but if you’re willing to spend that amount, you’ll be treating yourself to a bird’s eye view of the limestone cliffs, paddy fields, and whole countryside! Go during sunrise or sunset, either way it’ll be worth it.
11. Go Kayaking
Personally, one of my favorite activities to do in Vang Vieng! Kayaking along the Nam Song River was very thrilling. Flow with the river while being surrounded by the karst mountains while shooting pass other tubers. Just be careful because some rapids and land depth might throw you off as it did one of our companions. You can try out kayaking and cave-tubing in Vang Vieng through GetYourGuide!
12. Try Out Tubing
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, then tubing is one of the classic things to do while in Vang Vieng. Chill out with friends while slowly floating downstream and stop by riverside bars along the way for some drinks or a bite to eat. A lot of backpackers usually do barhopping across the whole river, needless to say this does pose some risk and there have been cases of people drowning so do be mindful about your intake of alcohol!
13. Hike for Panoramic Views
Along with the aforementioned viewpoints, there are also a lot of other places to hike all around Vang Vieng, including caves, waterfalls, and nearby mountains. It’s a part and parcel for exploration and what better way to appreciate the beauty of Vang Vieng but through seeing it from up high?
14. Go on an ATV Tour
An ATV tour is a thrilling and exciting way to explore the rugged terrain of Vang Vieng. With a powerful all-terrain vehicle at your disposal, you can easily navigate through the muddy paths and rocky roads of this picturesque town.
There are several ATV tour operators in Vang Vieng that offer a variety of packages to suit different preferences and skill levels. From easy scenic routes for beginners to challenging off-road tracks for experienced riders.
15. Get a Rush from Zip-lining
Ziplining are among one of the popular activities to do in Vang Vieng, you’ll find it offered in a lot of places from the lagoons to actual zipline parks. As you soar through the air, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and jungle while getting an amazing rush!
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a small town and almost every hotel and hostel is within walking distance from the main street. Though at night, the town comes alive with plenty of parties so if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, I recommend going for hotels a bit further from the main road:
Best Hotels in Vang Vieng
- Vang Vieng Diamond Resort – this is actually where I personally stayed, the hotel is a bit far from the main road so the nights were really peaceful. They have a swimming pool and other amneties include wi-fi, private shower rooms, and a free breakfast buffet. The staff were really nice and you could ask them to drive you to town if you don’t feel like walking.
- Premier Vang Vieng Hotel – the property is allergy-free. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and free private parking.
- Sansan Resort – located in a peaceful garden setting, just a 5-minute walk from the main street of Vang Vieng and the night market, across the old airfield. Free WiFi is available in the restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms have wooden flooring and come with a TV, fan, and en suite bathroom.
Best Hostels in Vang Vieng
- Nana Backpackers Hostel – offers a swimming pool, movie room, mini gym, bar, and restaurant. The air-conditioned private and dorm rooms have shared bathrooms. You can also enjoy free vodka and whiskey every night, and tickets for the jungle party are available. The hostel has a swimming pool, a bar with a pool table, and a two-floor restaurant.
- Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Hostel – has both dormitory and private rooms. The property has a 24-hour reception, an outdoor roof terrace, and free high-speed WiFi throughout the building. The hostel provides free tourist information, tour booking, and travel staff to assist guests with booking scooter rental, tubing, and more.
- Vang Vieng Chill House – offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a shared lounge. There is a 24-hour front desk, restaurant, and a sun terrace, along with a bar for you to enjoy. All rooms at the hostel have air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer.
How to Get Around Vang Vieng
Bicycle: Vang Vieng is quite a small town and is easily explored through foot but renting a bicycle is also another popular and inexpensive way to get around Vang Vieng. Bicycles can be rented from various shops and guesthouses in town.
Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace. However, be aware that roads can be quite dangerous if you’re not experienced.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transport for short trips in or out of town. They can be hailed on the street or arranged through your accommodation to go to the various spots around Vang Vieng.
Songthaew: Songthaews are shared taxis that operate on set routes around Vang Vieng. They are a good option for longer trips and can be flagged down on the street but they usually won’t depart until there’s a good number of people inside.
ATV: ATV rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore on their own.
Tours: Going with a tour is also a fantastic way to meet new people while having most of the logistics done for you, find tours around town or from your accommodation to compare prices, don’t be afraid to haggle a bit!
For further excursions beyond Vang Vieng, you can try out 12Go, they are a transportation booking specialist for Southeast Asia, and of course Laos.
How to Stay Safe in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a generally safe place but it still is a party town though not to the extent it was in the past. You can still easily find restaurants all around with “happy menus” where you can purchase pretty much any drug you can think of. It’s just important to be aware of the risks and consequences involved when choosing to partake in these sorts of things. Also watch your drinks and party responsibly! I’ve also heard of a common scam involving brothels where unsuspecting chaps get the cops called on them by scammers as sleeping with Lao women is technically illegal.
Outside the party scene however, Vang Vieng is really just a laidback and peaceful town, I’ve seen plenty of families with kids around town. That being said, it’s always better to have the peace of mind knowing that you’re insured and the kind folks over at SafetyWing got your back.
Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng
The best time to visit Vang Vieng is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this time, you can expect cooler temperatures 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) and less rainfall, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities like kayaking, tubing, and hiking. The high season for tourism in Vang Vieng is from December to February, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
If you don’t mind the heat and humidity, you can also visit Vang Vieng during the wet season, which runs from May to October. This time of year is characterized by hot temperatures 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F) and frequent rainfall, which can make outdoor activities more challenging. However, the lush green landscapes and fewer tourists can still make it a worthwhile experience.
Plan Your Trip to Vang Vieng | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
