The Ultimate Two Day Itinerary
for Vang Vieng, Laos
Discover the best of Vang Vieng in just 48 hours
We may earn a commission from purchases made through some affiliate links on this website
Vang Vieng has quietly evolved from a dusty backpacker town to one of the best places in Laos to visit for adventure, adrenaline and everything in between. Famous for its riotous river tubing that got so out of hand it was banned in 2012 (they have since resumed with safety in mind), nowadays, there’s much more to this place than cocktail buckets and rope swings. Swim in blue lagoons, hike to jungle-clad caves, watch the sunset from rooftop bars and experience a laid back town that has a charm all of its own. If you only have 48 hours to explore, our handcrafted two day itinerary for Vang Vieng will help you make the most of your time in one of Laos’ most underrated destinations.
Day 1 - Classic Vang Vieng
Morning
Once you’ve settled in, start your first proper day with a light breakfast at Luang Prabang Restaurant & Bakery, where you can fuel up with fresh pastries and delicious Lao coffee. Grab one of the cocoon chairs and watch the world go by. Afterwards, stroll the streets and get a feel for this small, laid back town.
No trip to Vang Vieng is complete without experiencing the iconic tubing on the Nam Song River, so after breakfast, head straight to one of the local tubing operators to rent a tube and life vest. You’ll be taken to the starting point to set off on a leisurely float down the river, passing rice paddies, small villages and of course, the odd bar or two! The total experience lasts about 2-3 hours and is a rite of passage for anyone visiting Vang Vieng. If you want a more party tubing experience, do this later in the day when the atmosphere gets more lively! If you want to know more, read our Full Guide to River Tubing in Vang Vieng here.
hand picked tours we love:
Tham Chang Cave Entrance, Vang Vieng
Afternoon
After your tubing adventure, grab some lunch at Delicious, a small eatery with an outside terrace festooned with fairy lights. The food here is – as you’d expect – truly delicious, freshly cooked by the loveliest owner. Try the green curry or the stir fried pork with basil.
After fueling up, head to Tham Chang Cave, one of Vang Vieng’s many natural wonders. It’s only a short distance from town, with huge caverns to explore and breathtaking views of the landscape. The cave was used as a shelter during the Vietnam war, so history buffs will love it here too.
Pha Ngeun Viewpoint
Evening
End your first day in Vang Vieng with a hike up to Pha Ngeun Viewpoint for an unforgettable sunset experience. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour of mostly uphill walking through some beautiful scenery. You’ll pass rice fields and winding paths, and at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Vang Vieng’s iconic limestone peaks and the Nam Song River winding through the valley below. Watch as the sun sets the sky on fire and turns this already magical landscape into something truly mystical.
For dinner, grab a table at one of the most popular spots in town, Beats & Bites Restaurant. Serving up everything from Spanish charcuterie boards to classic Lao dishes, the food here is always exceptional and the vibes hit just right. The wine list is as impressive as the food – enjoy a glass of chianti or pinot noir and unwind after a big first day in the adventure capital of Laos.
Blue Lagoon, Vang Vieng
Day 2 - Blue Waters & Local Flavours
Morning
Start your second day in Vang Vieng with a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural swimming hole with crystal clear turquoise waters. The lagoon is surrounded by dense jungle, and a morning here is a morning well spent. Jump from the rope swings, relax in the wooden shacks and enjoy this paradise before the crowds show up – it’s a must-visit.
The Nam Song River, Vang Vieng
Afternoon
Just outside the Blue Lagoon you can find Mittaphap Restaurant, a spacious, colourful local joint where painted welcome signs in various languages greet you, and colourful bunting flags fly above you. This place hits the spot just right. Fresh local food at its best, this is just what your body needs after swimming all morning. You can’t really go wrong here, but we loved the mango, mint & lime shake, as we devoured our lap chicken salad.
After lunch, head back to town and rent a kayak for a trip down the Nam Song River. Instead of the tubing bars, here you can experience the river’s beauty at a more intimate pace. Several companies in town offer guided tours and excursions, including visits to caves and swimming spots only accessible by boat.
hand picked tours we love:
Evening
For your last evening in Vang Vieng, watch the sunset from the Sip & Chill Rooftop Bar, where the views are just as good as the drinks. Choose your cocktail and watch as hot air balloons take up their final flight of the day, turning into specks against the towering peaks that surround you. It’s one of our favourite spots in the city for a reason.
Wind down for the night as you explore Vang Vieng’s Night Market, which stretches through the main street in town. It’s everything a good night market should be, with local souvenirs, including textiles and jewellery, as well as sizzling street food and a bustling atmosphere. Try the fried crickets if you dare, and eat as many khao nom kok’s (coconut rice pancakes) as you possibly can.
Things to Do
things to do
hand picked tours we love:
