10 Awesome Things to Do in Vang Vieng for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng

1. Hike the Nam Xay Viewpoint

One of the best things you can do in Vang Vieng is to hike the iconic Nam Xay Viewpoint, where you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Vang Vieng from above, with its lush rice paddies and rolling hills.

At the top of Nam Xay Viewpoint, you will also find the iconic motorbikes with which you can pose and take photos. It is definitely a cool gimmick of Vang Vieng that makes the viewpoints here stand out from the others.

To hike Nam Xay Viewpoint, you will first have to get to the parking lot where you will find a small shop where you can park your vehicle and begin ascending the mountain. To get here, you can either rent a motorbike or a buggy car from Vang Vieng and drive west across the Nam Song River for about 15 minutes, and you should be at the parking lot in no time.

The trail takes about an hour to hike one way. It is incredibly steep and slippery, especially if it rained the day before, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting muddy.

Certain sections of the trail require that you hold on to ropes and scramble your way up, so be prepared to get your hands dirty. Also, don't forget to cover yourself in insect repellent before the hike, as the mosquitoes here are endless!

After about an hour, you will arrive at the top and be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of the surroundings, which, trust me, will make you completely forget just how tiring the hike was.

Although there are several other viewpoints in Vang Vieng, like Pha Ngern and Phapoungkham (with a small make-shift airplane at the top), I found the view from Nam Xay to be the best overall, allowing you to really appreciate the beauty of Vang Vieng in all directions.

If you want to do something adventurous in Vang Vieng, go and hike Nam Xay Viewpoint. Trust me, you won't regret it! The entrance fee is 20,000 LAK per person, and the trail is open from 6 AM to 5 PM every day.

2. Swim at one of the Blue Lagoons

Another popular thing to do in Vang Vieng is visiting and swimming at one of the many blue lagoons. One of the most popular ones is Blue Lagoon 1, which is located not too far from Nam Xay Viewpoint.

This is where most tourists often go because it is the easiest blue lagoon to reach from Vang Vieng. So, expect a ton of crowds unless you are willing to wake up early in the morning and get there before the tours arrive.

If you want a more secluded blue lagoon with fewer people, you can drive further along the Vang Vieng loop and check out Blue Lagoon 3. The place is well set up with makeshift pavilions, small swing contraptions, a zip-line, bamboo rafts, and more, making it a perfect place to freshen up after you hike the Nam Xay Viewpoint.

You can also drive around the loop further and visit either Blue Lagoon 2 or Blue Lagoon 6 instead, with even fewer people. They are pretty much the same, with a large body of pristine water, seating areas, and facilities to accommodate you while you swim, so you can pick whichever you want.

I went with Blue Lagoon 3, which was great. Blue Lagoon 1 was too crowded for my liking, and they can get pretty wild there with people jumping off trees, etc. Blue Lagoon is a little more relaxed, and it is the vibe I prefer nowadays.

The Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng are open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and the entrance fees are 20,000 LAK each. If you are looking for the best things to do in Vang Vieng, be sure to check out these blue lagoons.

3. Rent a Motorbike and Explore the Vang Vieng Loop

Vang Vieng Loop is a made-up name I called the road circuit that my motorbike shop recommended me to drive. It starts and ends in Vang Vieng and will take you to all the tourist attractions I listed above, and more.

The whole loop takes about an hour to ride without stopping, and you will be able to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint and all the blue lagoons in one go, which makes for a great day trip.

The road is 90% gravel and can be slippery if you are not careful. So, drive slowly if you are on a motorbike, or you can opt for a buggy car for a more comfortable ride.

What's cool about driving the loop is that you can explore Vang Vieng's countryside and see what life is like for the people living here, outside of the tourist strip.

You will find yourself surrounded by lush green rice paddies and rolling mountains as far as the eye can see while also allowing you to interact with the friendly locals along the way.

It is a fun thing to do in Vang Vieng, and if you are planning to rent your own vehicle, be sure to drive and explore the incredible Vang Vieng loop.

4. Visit Tham Chang Cave

Not too far from the tourist area, you will also find Tham Chang Cave, a nice and beautiful cave across the Nam Song River that you can explore.

The cave is located up a limestone mountain, which you must climb about 140 steps to reach. Inside, you will find yourself in a beautiful, well-lit cavern you can explore at your leisure.

The cave seems to go on forever, but the accessible area should take about 20 minutes to see them all. Inside, you will find all sorts of rock formations, a small Buddhist shrine and a pavilion on the other side of the mountain.

Outside the cave, you will also find a small blue lagoon where you can freshen up and swim around before heading out. It is a great thing to do in Vang Vieng, so do not miss it.

To get to Tham Chang Cave, you will first have to drive to this parking lot, pay the parking fee of 5000 LAK, and cross the river with the free ferry service to get to the cave entrance. There used to be a footbridge here, but it was completely destroyed during a flood in 2021, and I don't think they will rebuild it anytime soon.

Tham Chang Cave is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily, and the cave entrance fee, excluding the parking fee (5000 LAK), is 20,000 LAK. You will pay that before you arrive at the staircase to the cave.

5. Kayak the Nam Song River

Another cool day trip you can do in Vang Vieng is to go on a tour and kayak the Nam Song River while enjoying the incredible views of your surroundings.

The current on the Nam Song River is rather strong, so if you want to do it safely, you are going to have to rely on an organized tour to provide you with the equipment and teach you how to ride the current.

It's definitely fun and extremely exhilarating to do, plus you get to see the countryside of Vang Vieng from the river. If you are looking to spend a day and enjoy active activities, I highly recommend you check out this organized tour. The tour should include tubing and caving as well, which is what we will be discussing next.

6. Go Tubing inside Tham Nam Cave

Another exciting thing to do in Vang Vieng is to go tubing inside Tham Nam Cave, a long and impressive submerged cave system that you can explore with a tube, headlamps, and the installed zip-line.

Prepare to get wet here, as there are certain areas of the cave where water from above rains on you. It's definitely one of the most fun tubing experiences I've had, and if you want to do something adventurous here, you're going to love it.

Tubing in Tham Nam Cave is often included in the full-day kayak tour, and all the equipment will be provided and transported to the location for you, which is pretty convenient. If you want to go tubing in a cave once in your life, be sure to book the tour here.

7. Ride the Hot Air Balloon over Vang Vieng at Sunrise

Another bucket list thing you can do in Vang Vieng is to ride the hot air balloon at sunrise to see the sleepy town waking up, while also enjoying the beautiful scenery of morning mists hovering over rolling mountains across the horizon.

The hot air balloon is organized by a professional international team that values your safety more than anything else, so you won't need to worry about safety here.

Keep in mind that this activity is highly dependent on the weather, so there is a high chance that the tour might get canceled on the day you are there due to unsuitable weather. Be sure to prepare other activities in case that happens.

The hot air balloon ride should cost about 160 USD per person, and once you book the tour, they will pick you up at 5:30 AM for the sunrise flight.

Sometimes, they might also do a sunset flight instead if the sunrise flight was canceled previously, so be sure to keep in contact with the company throughout the day. Riding a hot air balloon over Vang Vieng is truly an unforgettable experience, so be sure to check it out while you are here.

8. Go Paragliding Above Vang Vieng

In keeping with its goal to turn Vang Vieng into the adventure capital of Laos, you can also take flight over Vang Vieng by paramotoring across the sky and enjoying the view from above.

Paragliding runs a little more often than hot air balloons, with around 6 morning flights per day starting from 6 AM to 8:30 AM. It costs about the same, at 160 USD per person.

If you are looking to take flight over Vang Vieng in a more exciting and personal way than a hot air balloon ride, then paragliding is definitely for you.

9. Go Zip-lining Across the Lush Forest of Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is home to some of the lushest green forests in Laos, and what better way to explore and experience the rich ecosystem of this region than to zip-line across it?

The company operating the zip-line is extremely professional and will provide you with all the safety equipment you might need for the entire trip, so there is nothing to worry about when it comes to safety.

With a half-day tour, you will be transported to a parking lot where you must hike a bit to get to the zip-line station. There are around 6 stations for you to zip-line through, which is plenty. If you love nature and want to do something exhilarating in Vang Vieng, you are going to love zip-lining here.

10. Stroll Around Vang Vieng Night Market

Last but not least, after a long adventurous day, it's time to end the day with a little stroll around Vang Vieng Night Market and go on a shopping spree for souvenirs while also finding some delicious street foods to try.

The market is located on one of the main streets in Vang Vieng and every evening, the road is closed, and lines of shops spring up on both sides, selling all kinds of goods from clothes to trinkets.

If you want to buy something for your loved ones at home, this is the best place to be. Don't forget to negotiate when you want to buy something here. The market is open from 6 PM to 10 PM every day.

What to eat and drink in Vang Vieng?

1. Have coffee at Naked Espresso

If you are looking for a place with great breakfast, delicious coffee, and reliable WIFI in Vang Vieng, you can't go wrong with Naked Espresso, my go-to cafe in Laos.

They serve all kinds of breakfasts, from local-style fried eggs to other international dishes like eggs Benedict and French pastries like croissants and cakes. It's a great place to drop by for your daily sugar intake.

The food and drinks here are a bit more expensive, but you are definitely getting your money's worth here, so be sure to check the place out. The cafe is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day.

2. Eat at AMD Restaurant

If you are looking for a small, local, family-run restaurant that serves local dishes like Larb, Pho, and fried rice, I highly recommend you check out AMD Restaurant.

The food here is quite affordable, with several local dishes you can try. They are delicious and taste great without being overly spicy. So, if you want to try some local dishes, be sure to check out AMD restaurant. The place is open from 9 AM to 10 PM every day.

3. Enjoy a nice glass of beet at Green Restaurant

Another one of my favorite restaurants in Vang Vieng is Green Restaurant, located near the river, not too far from the main tourist strip of Vang Vieng.

The restaurant serves both local and international dishes, but my favorite dish from here is their homemade pizza, which is not something I'd expect to love in Laos, but it was delicious!

The restaurant also has a lovely patio area with a great view of the lush green forest and the mountains of Vang Vieng, which is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of beer. The site is open from 6:30 AM to 11 PM every day.

How to Get to Vang Vieng?

The best way to get to Vang Vieng is to use the Lao-China speed train, which you can use to travel from either Luang Prabang or Vientiane. It is the most convenient way to reach Vang Vieng.

The train takes around 50 minutes both from Luang Prabang and Vientiane, and it should cost about 20 USD per person. You can check the schedule or book the train ticket here.

From Vientiane, you can also take the shuttle bus to Vang Vieng for around 15 USD, and it should take about 2 hours to get there using the new tollway. It will save you a few bucks, but it is not as comfortable as the train with all its legroom, etc.

For more information on train travel in Laos, check out:10 Tips For First-Time Laos Train Travel

How to Get Around Vang Vieng?

The best way to get around Vang Vieng is to rent your own vehicle, preferably a motorbike or a buggy car, as the roads around Vang Vieng are mostly gravel. Drive around the Vang Vieng loop, visiting the tourist attractions along the way.

Renting a motorbike should cost approximately 150,000 LAK per day (10 USD). For a great and honest motorbike rental place, I highly recommend you check out this motorbike shop.

They have a new fleet of automatic motorbikes you can rent at varying prices. They also allow you to leave your driving license instead of your passport, and they don't require you to pay an upfront fee.

I rented from them for 2 days and had no problem with it. That said, things to keep in mind are that the roads around Vang Vieng are mostly gravel roads, and it can be quite slippery to drive on, especially after the rain. So, be sure to go slowly.

If you are not confident enough to ride a motorbike or if you are traveling with many people, you can opt for a buggy car instead, which can fit about 4 people, including the driver. It is a great option for families.

If you do not want to drive yourself, you can rent a tuk-tuk to take you around Vang Vieng, but you are going to have to negotiate hard. This is the best option if there are more than 2 people in your group and you are not confident enough to drive on gravel roads.

Last but not least, you can also visit these tourist attractions via an organized tour. If you want to do things like tubing and kayaking, you are going to have to go this route, as they will be able to transport the required equipment for you. For organized tours, you can browse through and book the tours from here.

What to Pack for Vang Vieng, Laos?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Vang Vieng, Laos:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Vang Vieng, Laos in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Laos

Looking for more information for your trip to Laos? Here are a selection of articles that might help you with your trip planning:

• For a complete Laos backpacking itinerary, check out: 7 Days Backpacking Laos Itinerary By Train.
• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking to spend some time in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos? Be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane.
• Luang Prabang is definitely my favorite city in Laos, and it is a place not to be missed. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang.
• If you plan to travel around Laos by train, you are going to want to read this: 10 Tips For First-Time Laos Train Travel.
• Packing for a trip to visit a place as big as Southeast Asia is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Southeast Asia - The Essential Packing List.
• Not convinced by my words about Southeast Asia? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
• You can also watch my travel video about Southeast Asia here: Watch the "Asia Alive" travel video.
• You can see all my Laos-related articles on my Laos Travel Guide page.
• For more Southeast Asia-related articles, check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.