5 Things to Do in Vang Vieng

Surrounded by limestone cliffs and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting adventures. Whether you're seeking serene landscapes or thrilling activities, this charming town has something for every traveler.

Transportation

The easiest and most recommended way to get to Vang Vieng is via the high speed train. You can either take it from Luang Prabang or Vientiane and the trip is only 1-11/2 hours. Download the app LCR ticket to get them ahead of time (at least 2-3 days before) to ensure the seats don't fill up. You don't want to take a car to reach Vang Vieng - it could end up taking ~ 7 hours and be incredibly bumpy ride.

While in Vang Vieng, you can get around via motorbike, buggy, bicycle, or tuk tuk. If you choose to motorbike, keep in mind there's a lot of loose gravel on the way to the lagoons and viewpoints.

Things to Do

Blue Lagoon 1, 2, & 3

Vang Vieng is known for their variety of blue lagoons, each offering a slightly different experience. The time of year is also an important factor on what kind of experience you'll get. From November - May, you'll likely see the bright blue waters, but come June-October it changes to a more murky green color.

Blue Lagoon 1: The most well-known and frequently visited lagoon. You can take a refreshing dip, explore the nearby cave, or simply relax by the water. Because there are so many people that come to this one, it's the ideal spot for people watching.

Blue Lagoon 2: Attracts visitors by its stunning clear blue waters and a more secluded atmosphere. The slightly off-the-beaten-path appeal makes Blue Lagoon 2 a perfect choice for those seeking a quieter escape.

Blue Lagoon 3: The 3rd lagoon offers a mix of fun and relaxation. It doesn't get as much sun as the other lagoons, but there is more to do in the water including: swings, ziplines, a bamboo raft, and balancing beams.

There are also Blue Lagoons 4 and 5, but are farther from Vang Vieng.

Nam Xay Viewpoint

A short but challenging hike rewards you with panoramic viewpoints overlooking Vang Vieng, with breathtaking vistas of the town, river, and surrounding landscapes. This is the famous hike with the motorbike at the top. Try to go as early as possible because it does get busy and hot the later you go.

Nam Song River

One of the highlights of this town is the peaceful Nam Song River. Fortunately, Vang Vieng offers multiple ways to experience it depending on the experience you're going for.

Tubing: Many backpackers opt to join in on the tipsy tubing, stopping at three different bars in between soaking in the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Halfway through, you can normally look up and witness hot-air balloons ascending for their sunset journey as you lay back and work your way down the river.

Kayaking: Whether you're a novice or an experienced kayaker, the calm flow of the Nam Song River caters to all levels. The experience provides a unique perspective of Vang Vieng, allowing you to explore and appreciate the natural beauty at your own pace.

Longboat: The longboat excursion is a cultural and leisurely experience that brings a touch of tradition into the mix. You'll drift along as the boatmen share insights into the local surroundings and the history of Vang Vieng.

Kaeng Nyui Waterfall

Venture on a short motorbike ride from Vang Vieng, and you'll hit the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall. A quick hike of 10-15 minutes from the parking lot brings you to the falls. In the rainy season (May - October), it can get pretty powerful and the trail may be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. During the dry season (November - April), the flow settles down, making it a decent spot for a casual swim or a mellow hangout.

Tham Chang Cave

The best time to go to the cave is the hottest part of the day as it provides a nice break from the heat outside, offering a calm environment to wander through and appreciate the natural beauty. Inside you'll find typical limestone formations like stalactites and stalagmites, giving you a simple but interesting underground experience. If you're up for a low-key adventure and want to check out something different, Tham Chang Cave is worth a visit.

Food to Try

Khao Niao

It is a common belief within the Laos community that sticky rice is the glue that holds communities together, making this one of the most prominent foods. It's not hard to find as it's typically served as a side on a variety of dishes.

Larb/Laap

Laotian minced meat salad, featuring ground meat mixed with aromatic herbs, lime, fish sauce, and chili.

Mok Pa

A dish consisting of seasoned fish, typically catfish, marinated in a mixture of herbs, lemongrass, and spices. The fish is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled.

Tam Mak Houng

Papaya Salad consisting of shredded green papaya mixed with tomatoes, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice, creating a blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy tastes.

Sai Oua

A flavorful Laotian sausage comprised of ground pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. You can find this commonly served as street food or at restaurants.

Jeow

Jeow refers to the dipping sauces for Laotian dishes such as steamed fish, grilled meat, vegetables, or sticky rice. Try Jeow Ha Yaang served at the Riverside Boutique Resort which consists of 5 traditional dipping sauces from North to South Laos made of: mushroom, eggplant, egg, tomato, and fish.