Top places to visit in Vang Vieng

• Blue Lagoon 1 Vang Vieng

  lake · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The original and most popular of Vang Vieng three Blue Lagoons — a vivid turquoise swimming hole at the base of a karst cliff with a rope swing, bamboo huts, and a cave to explore above. 7km from town.

• Vang Vieng Night Market

  market · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  The main street of Vang Vieng becomes a lively night market from dusk, with vendors selling Lao street food, fresh fruit shakes, grilled skewers, Lao BBQ, and souvenir crafts. The most social gathering point in Vang Vieng in the evenings.

• Tham Phu Kham Cave Swim

  cave · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  The original Blue Lagoon and cave combination — a turquoise swimming hole with a cave above containing a reclining Buddha. The cave climb is steep but rewarding.

• Vang Vieng Evening Food Street

  district · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The main town strip at dusk with food vendors, evening markets, and travellers gathering for happy hour. The views toward the karst peaks at sunset are photogenic.

• Pha Ngern Silver Cliff Panorama

  viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A spectacular cliff-top viewpoint above the Nam Song River valley, reached by a 30-minute hike. Panoramic views of the full Vang Vieng karst landscape from the cliff edge at the silver-streaked limestone face.

• Rock Climbing Vang Vieng

  adventure · 4.7 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The limestone karsts of Vang Vieng offer some of the best sport climbing in Southeast Asia — over 200 documented routes from beginner to expert. The Nam Xay viewpoint area is the most popular climbing zone with multi-pitch routes and…

• Riverside Yoga and Meditation

  wellness · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Morning yoga and meditation classes on bamboo platforms overlooking the Nam Song River, with karst mountains as backdrop. Vang Vieng has become a popular wellness retreat destination alongside its adventure sports scene.

• Blue Lagoon 2 Jungle Pool

  lake · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A less visited secluded swimming hole surrounded by thick forest, accessible via a short jungle trail. Deeper and calmer than Blue Lagoon 1.

• Tham Hoi Underground River Cave

  cave · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A cave you enter by kayak, paddling through a dark underground river tunnel for 600m to reach a large internal cavern. One of the most unique cave experiences in Laos.

• Kaeng Nyui Falls North

  waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall 15km north of Vang Vieng set in a forested gorge with excellent swimming holes at the base of each tier.

• Green Lagoon Jade Pool

  lake · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  A jade-coloured natural swimming hole with a different mineral hue from the Blue Lagoons. Smaller and quieter — a peaceful alternative once you have done the main Blue Lagoon circuit.

• Kamu Elephant Camp Vang Vieng

  sanctuary · 4.6 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  An ethical elephant sanctuary north of Vang Vieng offering half-day programs — feeding, bathing, and observing rescued working elephants in a river and forest setting without riding.

Things to do

• Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon Tham Phu Kham Rope Swings Adventure · 4 h · from LAK 115,000 per person
• Vang Vieng Karst Mountain Road Cycling Villages Nature · 6 h · from LAK 461,000 per person
• Vang Vieng Tham Chang Cave Swimming River Cave Adventure · 4 h · from LAK 184,000 per person
• Vang Vieng Province Motorbike Scenic Loop Villages Adventure · 8 h · from LAK 230,000 per person
• Vang Vieng ATV Karst Mountain Trail Adventure Adventure · 5 h · from LAK 807,000 per person
• Vang Vieng Sunset Landscape Photography Golden Hour Sightseeing · 2 h · from LAK 115,000 per person
• Caves & Blue Lagoon Half-Day Tour Cave & Nature Tour · 4 h · from LAK 478,000 per person
• Vang Vieng Nam Song Sunrise Kayaking Karst Water Sports · 3 h · from LAK 346,000 per person

Day trips and tours

• Vang Vieng Caves, Lagoon & River Adventure 7 h · from LAK 765,000

Where to stay in Vang Vieng

• Nam Song Riverside Strip about LAK 1,800 per night

  The strip of guesthouses, bars, and restaurants flanking the Nam Song River facing the karst mountains. Best karst views from rooftop hammocks, direct access to kayaking and tubing launch points, and lively evening…

Hotels

• Phudoi Resort Vang Vieng 5-star · LAK 900,000 to LAK 2,500,000 per night
• Riverside Boutique Resort Suite Vang Vieng 5-star · LAK 1,200,000 to LAK 3,500,000 per night
• Elephant Crossing Hotel Vang Vieng 2 5-star · LAK 1,000,000 to LAK 2,800,000 per night
• Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa 4-star · USD 90 to USD 220 per night
• Vang Vieng Eco Lodge 3-star · LAK 1,363,351 to LAK 2,914,751 per night
• Riverside Resort Vang Vieng 4-star · LAK 700,000 to LAK 2,000,000 per night

Where to eat

• Eden Bar Nam Song Riverside Bar, Western, Lao · about LAK 60,000 per person
• Kangaroo Sunset Rooftop VV Western, Bar, International · about LAK 80,000 per person
• Morning Baguette Stall VV Lao, French, Street Food · about LAK 10,000 per person
• JoMa Bakery Cafe Vang Vieng Bakery, Cafe, Western · about LAK 70,000 per person
• Smile Beach Lao Kitchen Lao, Bar, Western · about LAK 70,000 per person
• Sunset Café Nam Song VV Cafe, Western, Lao · about LAK 60,000 per person
• Whatever Bar Extra Menu VV Western, Bar, Multi-cuisine · about LAK 80,000 per person
• Bamboo Bridge Sunset Bar VV Bar, Lao, Street Food · about LAK 50,000 per person

Getting to Vang Vieng

Airport: Vang Vieng (VNG)

How visitors arrive in Vang Vieng

• Laos-China Railway from Vientiane By train from Vientiane · common

  Trains from Vientiane stop at Vang Vieng station north of town, on the way to Luang Prabang. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Bus or minivan on Route 13 By road from Vientiane / Luang Prabang · common

  Tourist buses and minivans on Route 13 are sold at most guesthouses. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Minivan from Phonsavan By road from Phonsavan · possible

  Minivans also run from Phonsavan. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the railway station to the centre

• Minivans and minibuses at the station

  The Lao-China station is north of the main town; minivans and green minibuses wait to take visitors to their accommodation. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Taxi drivers at the station do not approach you; walk to where they park. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the bus terminal to the centre

• Tourist bus or minivan on Highway 13

  Tourist buses from Vientiane usually drop on the main street near the centre; buses from the north use a terminal north of town. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Scooter Rental

  Motorbikes and electric scooters are available to rent in Vang Vieng, and shops there also rent bicycles.

• Tuktuk

  Tuk-tuks in Vang Vieng run within town, including to the riverside tubing bars, and can also be hired for a full day.

• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Tuk-tuk "free tour"

  Major tourist zones

  Cheap city tour ends at gem shops where the driver collects commission.

  How to avoid it: Use LOCA app. Confirm destination + price first.

• Tubing Safety Risks

  Nam Song River, riverside bars

  While tubing is now much safer than during the notorious 2000s, some bars on the river still operate with insufficient safety equipment, and alcohol consumption while swimming in a river with currents is always risky. Drowning incidents do occasionally occur.

  How to avoid it: Always wear the provided life jacket — this is non-negotiable. Do not jump into unfamiliar sections of the river. Limit alcohol consumption while on the water. Avoid tubing after heavy rain when currents are faster.

• Overpriced Rental Damage Claims

  Scooter and bicycle rental shops

  Some rental operators photograph pre-existing damage and claim the renter is responsible upon return. Some obscure damage in shade during handover then "discover" scratches when you return the vehicle.

  How to avoid it: Photograph every scratch, dent and existing damage on the vehicle before accepting the rental — with the rental agent present. Send the photos to yourself with a timestamp. Use well-reviewed rental shops recommended by your guesthouse.

Best time to visit Vang Vieng

• Jan 26°C
• Feb 28°C
• Mar 31°C
• Apr 32°C
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct 29°C
• Nov 28°C
• Dec 26°C

More in Laos

• Vientiane
• Luang Prabang
• Savannakhet
• Don Det
• Phonsavan
• Pakse

Frequently asked questions about Vang Vieng

How many days do you need in Vang Vieng?

A typical trip to Vang Vieng is 2-3 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Vang Vieng?

The highest-rated places in our Vang Vieng guide are Rock Climbing Vang Vieng, Kamu Elephant Camp Vang Vieng, Blue Lagoon 1 Vang Vieng, Tham Phu Kham Cave Swim, Pha Ngern Silver Cliff Panorama.

Where should I stay in Vang Vieng?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Vang Vieng: Nam Song Riverside Strip.

How do I get around Vang Vieng?

Ways to get around Vang Vieng covered in our guide: Scooter rental, Tuk-tuk, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Vang Vieng?

Scams reported to us for Vang Vieng include Tuk-tuk "free tour"; Tubing Safety Risks; Overpriced Rental Damage Claims. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Vang Vieng?

Average daytime highs in Vang Vieng run from 26°C in Dec to 32°C in Apr.