10 Best Things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos
10 unforgettable ways to explore Laos’ most surprising town
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Surrounded by dramatic mountains and sparkling rivers, Vang Vieng is an adventure lover’s paradise in Laos. While Luang Prabang is full of laid back charm and incense-filled temples, Vang Vieng hits a little harder. Adrenaline and parties are the name of the game here, where you can trek, hike, river tube and swim to your heart’s content, then dance to jungle beats come sundown. If you’re unsure of where to start in this buzzing town, here’s our run down of the top 10 things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos – and not a temple in sight.
1. Tube on the Nam Song River
Vang Vieng’s claim to fame is undoubtedly its tubing experience on the Nam Song River. This iconic activity has you floating down the river in a donut-shaped inflatable tube while surrounded by towering cliffs and rainforest. But it’s not the scenery that people come tubing for – for many years, this was a riotous party, with multiple stops at riverside bars as you cruise downstream, with overflowing cocktail buckets, rope swings and pumping music. Things have toned down a lot in recent years, thanks to a flurry of new safety regulations and restrictions, but you can still enjoy the riverside bars and buzzing atmosphere as you float through one of Laos’ most spectacular landscapes. The crazy tubing era might be over, but it’s still a fun and legendary experience.
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2. Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Once people have had their fill of river tubing, next on the list is usually a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. It lies in a forested valley, peaks rising through the canopy above you. Wooden shacks on the shoreline serve up snacks, juices and street food, so you can easily make a day of it here, cooling down in the lagoon and having fun on the rope swings. While you’re there, take a look at Tham Phu Kham Cave, a large limestone cavern that’s home to a sacred Buddha statue.
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3. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Vang Vieng
A hot air balloon ride over the jagged limestone karsts of Vang Vieng is nothing short of magical. Up here, you’ll be treated to a panorama of rice paddies, towering cliffs and rainforest, with the Nam Song River winding its way to the horizon. If you can, take a sunrise trip to witness the early morning mist lifting over the hills beneath you. The landscape here is some of the most spectacular in the country, and a bird’s eye view is perhaps the best way to appreciate its scale and beauty.
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4. Trek to the Pha Ngeun Viewpoint
This beautiful hike to the Pha Nguen Viewpoint takes you through emerald rice fields and small villages, giving you a real taste of rural Laotian life. It’s a challenging climb, but at the top you’re greeted with world-class views over Vang Vieng’s towering karsts that frame the valley below you. Spot the Nam Song River winding through the landscape, and arrive for sunset to see the view cloaked in a golden mist.
5. Ride an ATV Around the Countryside
ATV tours are one of the best ways to explore the wild landscape of Vang Vieng, with dirt trails that wind through rice paddies, small villages and dense forests. You’ll be getting off the beaten path, as you zoom beneath the jungle canopy and splash through small streams. Usually lasting a couple of hours, these tours often include stops at the Blue Lagoon or other swimming spots, as well as ziplines and cave tours – Vang Vieng is the adventure capital of Laos for a reason!
6. Sunset at the Nam Song River
For when you’ve had enough adrenaline for the day, one of the best ways to unwind is to enjoy the sunset along the Nam Song river. Cafes and restaurants along the riverbanks have front-row seats to the spectacle, which sees the setting sun turn the sky golden as it disappears behind the jagged limestone cliffs. With a cold beer in hand, the water shimmering before you, there’s really nowhere else you’d want to be. Unless of course, you still haven’t had your fill of adventure, in which case, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to float down the river as the sun sets.
7. Visit the Vang Vieng Night Market
Like most Southeast Asian towns, Vang Vieng’s Night Market is an iconic fixture, a place to enjoy fresh street food and find local souvenirs. It’s buzzing and lively, with music performers and streets filled with the smell of grilled meats and charcoal. Try the khao piak sen (a hearty noodle soup) and the iconic Laotian jeow (a spicy dipping sauce). An essential stop for anyone staying in Vang Vieng.
8. Rock Climb on Vang Vieng’s Limestone Cliffs
Vang Vieng’s craggy limestone cliffs make it one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia for rock climbing. All skill levels are catered for, with the karsts providing a variety of routes that will test even the most seasoned climber. The views as you ascend are breathtaking, with rice paddies and rivers spreading away beneath you. Several companies in town offer tours and lessons, ranging from absolute beginner classes to multi day trips.
9. Bike Ride to Hidden Gems
Despite being surrounded by giant, towering cliffs that seem to pierce the sky, Vang Vieng’s terrain is otherwise flat, with winding paths and quiet roads that are just asking to be explored by bicycle. Cruise past rice fields, local villages and along the shores of the river, the wind in your hair and the sounds of cicadas and birdsong surrounding you. It’s the best way to get off the beaten path and find some hidden gems you might otherwise miss, including small caves, scenic viewpoints and idyllic river swimming spots.
10. Find the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
On the eastern side of Vang Vieng town, you’ll find the impressive Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, a cascade that plunges 30m into an emerald pool. A small path leads you through untouched jungle to the falls, where you can sit and bask on the rocks, before heading for a swim to cool down. Lying 7km from the town, this is much quieter than the Blue Lagoon, although this will likely change in the coming years. Wooden shacks have been built near the entrance, and although they were empty when we visited, we imagine these will be full of small local restaurants and cafes at some point soon – so get here to enjoy the tranquility while you can.
Things to Do
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