Vang Vieng is in Lao pronounced as wáŋ wía̯ŋ. It is a small laid-back town in the Vientiane Province in Laos. It’s a popular destination among tourists, especially backpackers. Tourists are attracted by the available adventure sports and hiking the karst landscapes. Situated on the Nam Song River, it’s about 130km north of Vientiane. It a 1,5-hour drive or bus ride away. This article is an overview of cultural and natural highlights to see and do in Vang Vieng.

Tourism in Vang Vieng

When Laos opened its doors to tourists in the late ’90s, Vang Vieng really began to boom thanks to all the backpackers showing up. This lead to lots of new businesses. The place became a hit for its adventure tourism vibes. The Nam Song River and the stunning limestone karst scenery around the town offers many things to do. Such as hiking, swimming in the lagoons, exploring the caves, tubing, kayaking, flying in a hot air balloon and much more.

In recent years, Vang Vieng has made significant efforts towards sustainable tourism by promoting responsible and eco-friendly practices. Many tour operators and accommodations have implemented sustainable practices such as reducing plastic waste and preserving the natural beauty of the town.

A short history of Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng started around 1353 as a pit stop between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. It was first called Mouang Song because someone spotted the body of King Phra Nha Phao floating down the river. During the French colonial era in the 1890s, its name got switched to Vang Vieng.

The town really started to expand during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1973. The US built an air force base and a runway here for Air America’s use, and the spot was known as “Lima site 6.” That runway’s still visible today, right between the main street and Route 13. Today it’s an empty stroke of land but there are plans to develop the area and built hotels, restaurants, shops etc.

Reasons to visit Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a small town nestled in the mountains of Laos, known for its breathtaking scenery, adventurous activities, and laid-back atmosphere. It may not be as well-known as other tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, but it’s definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Scenic Beauty

One of the main reasons why you should visit Vang Vieng is the stunning scenery that surrounds the town. Vang Vieng is surrounded by high limestone mountains, picturesque rice fields, and the Nam Song river which flows through the town. You can take a leisurely walk or bike ride to explore the countryside and take in all of its natural beauty.

Adventure activities

If you’re an adventure seeker, then Vang Vieng is the perfect destination for you. The town offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, tubing, rock climbing, and zip-lining. You can also hike to the top of Pha Ngeun Mountain for panoramic views or go tubing in Tham Nam caves.

Laid-back atmosphere

Vang Vieng may have gained a reputation as a party destination in the past, but it has since transformed into a more relaxed and laid-back town. You can spend your days lounging by the river or enjoying a drink at one of the many riverside bars.

Cultural experience

Despite its small size, Vang Vieng has a history and culture that can be seen through its temples and local markets. You can visit the Wat Kang temple, which is known for its beautiful architecture. Or explore the busy morning market to try some traditional Lao cuisine.

Wat That

Wat That is a large temple compared to other temples in small Laotian towns. It stands out as the best-kept temple in the Vang Vieng region. It’s home to several buildings, including a fully functional Buddhist temple where monks live. The biggest and fanciest building is the main prayer hall. Anyone can visit the prayer hall at Wat That. Just remember to dress modestly (no shorts, short skirts, or tank tops) and to take off your shoes before you go in. The prayer hall feels cozy with its low ceiling and houses a collection of Buddha statues set against a mural at the back.

The most ancient part of Wat That is the chedi,. It has turned black over the years due to weather exposure. Chedi towers are usually the oldest parts of Buddhist temples in Asia because their sturdy build lasts longer than other buildings. It’s common for chedis to hold holy relics at their base. The whole idea of having chedis at Buddhist temples comes from old Hindu beliefs. The chedi symbolises Mount Meru. Hindus consider Mount Meru as the universe’s center and the residence place of the Gods.

Namsong Bridge

The Namsong Bridge is a toll bridge. I’ve crossed it four times, twice on foot and twice on a scooter, without ever being asked to pay a fee. I only discovered its toll status later on. Riding a scooter across this bridge is an absolute delight, thanks to its charming wooden planks that have been carefully patched and repaired over time. This bridge leads directly to a smaller one, completing the crossing experience. Observing the locals navigate this bridge is a joy. There’s a unique ambiance to the place, which becomes even more magical at sunset. The scene is alive with motorized canoes zipping below, creating a picturesque moment.

Nestled between the two bridges, you can find a cozy establishment perfect for grabbing a drink or a bite to eat. I highly recommend taking a moment to stop and immerse yourself in the bridge’s energetic atmosphere.

Swimming at the lagoons

The Blue Lagoons are a must-visit when you’re in Vang Vieng. In Laos, when people talk about the Blue Lagoon, they’re usually picturing this stunning natural pool with its amazing aquamarine colours. This happens because limestone in the water mixes with other elements. That is how you get those incredible bright colours. If you’re into swimming in gorgeous natural spots, the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng are your place. Most travellers visiting Vang Vieng go straight for the super accessible ‘Blue Lagoon 1’, without realizing there are several smaller and less crowded Blue Lagoons to check out.

When’s the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?

The absolute best time to visit the Blue Lagoons is between October and March. That’s the dry season. It’s when the water has that perfect blue colour you’re probably dreaming of. The rainy season rolls in from May to September. The Blue Lagoons aren’t quite as blue, thanks to all the muddy water on rainy days. But it’s still has a blue-green colour and for sure worth a visit.

Best lagoon to visit

Lagoon 1, despite being the most popular and crowded, is surprisingly the least beautiful. Lagoon 4 is the most exquisite lagoon near Vang Vieng, in my opinion. The water is tranquil, clear, and a beautiful shade of blue. While you’ll find tourists here, it’s significantly less crowded than Lagoon 1.

Getting to the Blue Lagoons

So you’re going to  need some transportation to get to the Blue Lagoons from downtown Vang Vieng. There are plenty of places to rent bicycles and scooters. Or you can book a tour and they will drive you to the lagoons. If the road was a bit smoother, maybe a bicycle would do, but given the mostly unpaved roads and the distance, scooters or ATVs are your best bet. The nearest Blue Lagoon is about 7 kilometres from downtown. Renting a scooter is pretty popular among travellers and will cost you around 160,000 kips for the day.

Just a heads up, though: driving on those unpaved roads can get tricky, especially after it rains and those puddles start to look like mini traps. If driving isn’t your thing, there are also tuk-tuks you can hire. To visit the lagoons you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee which is about 10,000 kips.

Elephant Cave (Tham Xang)

The Elephant Cave is part of the Tham Sang triangle. It got its name from a stalactite that looks like an elephant and some old elephant fossils found inside. One of the great things about Tham Xang is its collection of Buddha statues and a footprint said to belong to Buddha himself.

There’s this golden bell in Tham Xang that’s actually made from an American bomb. The bell is dating back to the intense Vietnam-America war era between 1964-1973. Back then, the U.S. was dropping bombs like crazy over Laos to cut off the Viet Cong’s supplies. It made Laos the most bombed country per capita in history. Until this day they still find bombs in Laos!

Tham Nam (Water Cave)

Close to the Elephant Cave and Lagoon 4 is the Tham Nam or Water Cave. The cave is about 15 kilometres north of Vang Vieng. Tubing through Tham Nam is a bit of an adventure. You’ve got to use ropes to get around in there. But as you follow those ropes, you’ll get plenty of chances to check out some awesome stalactites and the super clear water. After paying the entrance fee you get a headlight. And use that headlight! You need it. 

Tham Chang

Tham Chang is within a comfortable walking distance from the heart of Vang Vieng. Accessing it from the town center is pretty easy. Go to the town’s southern border, where you’ll enter the Vang Vieng Resort. Upon arrival you need to pay a small fee of 5,000 Lao Kip at the entrance gate for passage through the resort. From the suspension bridge you will have a stunning panoramic view of the Nam Song River.

After crossing the bridge go left and follow the riverside path for about 200 meters. On the way to the cave’s entrance, you’ll see a blue lagoon. The lagoon is a nice spot for swimming.

The ascent to Tham Chang Cave requires taking 150 concrete steps. After these steps you will run into the ticket office. As you walk further you can admire scenic views across rice fields and hills to the east of Vang Vieng. The cave itself extends across two levels. The cave has several chambers and can be explored in around 20 minutes. There are lights, stairways and handrails so it’s an easy cave to visit.

Tham Chang Cave has many stalactites and stalagmites. The walls have different kind of colours caused by mineral rich water dripping down for decades. There are more impressive caves in the area of Vang Vieng. But the Tham Chang Cave is easy accessible from the town. It’s perfect if you have a few hours to kill.  

Nam Xay Viewpoint

Nam Xay Viewpoint welcomes visitors daily from 06:00 to 18:00, opening just before sunrise and closing as the sun sets. Signs will guide you to the viewpoint, ensuring you won’t lose your way, although the climb can be challenging during or after rain.

The difficulty in rainy conditions comes from the path. It is mostly steps carved directly into the soil, with minimal wooden elements and no concrete or rock surfaces for better traction. There are bamboo handrails and bamboo ladders to help you through the steepest sections. The Nam Xay viewpoint is the most popular viewpoint around Vang Vieng. It’s an easier hike compared to the Phapoungkham viewpoint.

Phapoungkham cave and viewpoint

I must admit, I love this hike even more than Namxay! There are two viewpoints to choose from: the airplane or the pegasus. I went for the airplane, and approaching it filled me with excitement. I did not sit in the plane, because I hiked up alone and was the first one up there. There was no one around to ask for a photo. The climb was challenging, particularly the upper level, and the heat intensified up there. But I still loved the experience. The view from the top was breathtaking. There is also a cave to explore with the stalactites and stalagmites inside.

Impressive fact: The viewpoint was established by the family that you will meet at the entrance. They constructed the handrails, stairs, and most notably, the airplane and the Pegasus. The gentleman told me that his family, including his parents, made numerous trips up and down the hill, carrying parts of the plane and Pegasus. Once at the summit, they meticulously assembled both the airplane and Pegasus. On top of each hill, shelters have been built. It allows visitors to rest and enjoy the breathtaking views in comfort and shade.

Highlights to visit in Laos

Travelling from the north of Thailand, you’ll likely enter Laos through Huay Xai, a quaint border town. The only thing to do around Huay Xai is the the Gibbon Experience. The experience is popular among backpackers and you go ziplining across treetops in the Nam Kan National Park. This offers a unique perspective on the stunning natural scenery. From Huay Xai, you can go a slow boat to Luang Prabang. This journey takes two days. This voyage is not only practical but also scenic, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. The city tends to be more of a transit hub, though it’s worth a stop if you have time. For hiking enthusiasts Nong Khiaw is an irresistible challenge with several trails leading to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the area. Si Phan Don, known as the 4000 Islands, is perfect for gentle exploration by bike or canoe. Pakse offers the thrill of a motorbike tour with its renowned loop.