Vang Vieng
The town with endless activities
The town of Vang Vieng is located just 1 hour from Vientiane thanks to the newly built highway and railway system. For the highway route there is a toll fee and for the train there is an obvious ticket you have to purchase. With beautiful natural landscapes in every direction. The jutting peaks and evergreen hill sides will have you in awe. Perhaps best well known as a “party town” in past years. The city has outgrown that name and transformed itself into a more well established tourist town with something for everyone. Three main tourist attractions come to mind. First there is the obvious natural beauty that Vang Vieng is blessed with. For the outdoor enthusiast there are dozens of peaks to climb and plenty of hiking. Second, recently there has been a push towards adrenaline activities such as dirt biking, off-roading and spelunking. It’s perfectly normal to see a dune buggy speeding along the streets. Lastly something that most people enjoy, relaxing. With a general laid back atmosphere to the whole town you can’t help but want to just sit along the Nam Song and enjoy a drink while watching the sun slowly kiss the mountain peaks.
Things to do:
From my personal experience here are few places and activities that I recommend checking out. Vang Vieng being traveler friendly offers all the amenities that a traveler could want. Stay in a high-end resort or backpack in a hostel. You can get you travel bug remedies here!
Nam Song
The Nam Song River gracefully winds its way through the stunning landscapes of this tranquil town. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and lush greenery, the Nam Song River offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking natural beauty and relaxation.
Take a leisurely tubing excursion down the gentle currents of the Nam Song River. Drift along at your own pace, taking in the idyllic scenery and immersing yourself in the serene ambiance. Alternatively, embark on a kayaking adventure and explore the river’s hidden gems, such as enchanting caves and remote villages nestled along its banks.
As the day draws to a close, find a comfortable spot by the riverbank for some food/drink and witness the breathtaking sunset over the Nam Song River.
The Nam Song River is a serene haven in Vang Vieng, inviting you to embrace the beauty of nature and find solace in its gentle flow.
Pha Ngeun
Just a 10 min scooter ride outside of the town and over the admission bridge. An imposing but not impossible peak. Here you will pay a 20,000kip admission fee.
The hike is somewhat difficult and made grueling if you go during the hot season like I did. Note it is HIGHLY recommended to wear proper footwear and have WATER when attempting to scale any of the many peaks around. Seeing people attempt these in flip flops is just painful to watch. With a hike time of 1 hour for the first peak and 2 hours for the second peak. If you’re feeling alright attempt the second. If not the first peak and viewing point is well worth the hike.
With an amazing view of the surrounding country side and other peaks. There are small huts up there so you can take a break or a quick nap. Note there is a family selling water and snacks up there which is amazing and we should support them 🙂 There are many view points in the area so if anything take this as a simple guide.
Tham phu kahm / Blue Lagoon
There’s nothing like a cool swim after walking about in the sweltering Laos heat. You’ll find that here and at the many other swimming holes spread throughout Vang Vieng. This one in particular is popular due to its vicinity and nearby attractions.
Here you will find tourists lounging about watching the brave souls diving off the rickety wooden structure or doing their best Tarzan impressions off the rope swing. It’s a great place to spend some time cooling off and taking in the atmosphere. At times a little overcrowded.
There have been rumored to be up to 16 swimming holes in Vang Vieng. See if you can find them all! The second part of this attraction is the cave itself located just a few steps away. The main attraction is not only the cave itself but the shrine built right in the center. Surrounded by darkness yet glimmering gold and red. It truly makes for a dramatic scene. Tread lightly as it can be very slippery and a light is definitely recommended. Note there is an entrance fee to the caves and head-lamps are available for rent at the stalls nearby.
Tham Chang
Probably the most popular cave in Vang Vieng Tham Chang has been recently developed and is quiet accessible to tourists nowadays. Access is granted through the Vang Vieng resort where there will be a fee of course. Once you pass over the iconic “orange bridge” you will come up to the entrance to the staircase you must climb in order to enter the cave. Depending on your fitness level it could take anywhere from 15-30mins to reach the top. Once there you are granted free roam of the caves many paths. Simply wander and take in the many rock formations formed over thousands of years and witness the power of water over time. Don’t miss the lookout which gives you an amazing view of the surrounding landscape. Make your way down and perhaps purchase a snack from the local vendors.
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Hot Air Balloon
Experience the magic of Vang Vieng from new heights with a hot air balloon ride. As you soar above the picturesque landscapes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of the majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and lush valleys below. Feel the gentle breeze as you float through the sky, capturing unforgettable moments and creating lasting memories. The tranquility and serenity of the surroundings combined with the exhilaration of the flight make this hot air balloon ride an extraordinary adventure not to be missed in Vang Vieng. There are only a few companies that offer hot air balloon rides and it is best to choose one that reputable and not just the one with the best price.
Where to stay
The accommodations in Vang Vieng are abundant to say the least. You can find any level of comfort for your stay. Here are a few places with excellent reviews.
Key Points
Although becoming a bit crowded with hotels popping up everywhere fighting for that special view-point. Vang Vieng has much to offer outside of the town itself. Looking past the modernization and finding that special spot is sometimes all worth it.