Located practically between charming Luang Prabang and the country’s capital Vientiane, Vang Vieng is the perfect place for those who love nature and adventure. The town itself is rather quiet and sleepy, but that’s okay, because the real adventure begins outside the town.

Vang Vieng gained its popularity from tubing along the Nam Song River, a sport that is no longer as popular as it was, but tubing was replaced by kayaking, so for those who want to enjoy water sports, city of Vang Vieng still has something to offer.

Besides, this is the place from where you will see the most beautiful view in Laos, even if you have to climb to the top first, the views are definitely worth the trouble.

The town of Vang Vieng was our second stop in Laos. We arrived in town late, after several hours in a minivan, and our first impression was not the best, but this is happening to us quite often when we arrive to the destination late in the evening or at night.

However, already on the second day it turned out that what is beautiful in Vang Vieng is outside the city. The nature surrounding the town is wonderful and definitely worth those few hours in an uncomfortable minivan.

Our favorite spot has to be the Nam Xay viewpoint, followed closely by the amazing Lagoon No. 3.

But that’s not all Vang Vieng has to offer. In this post, you’ll learn about the 7 points you absolutely must tick off the list, during your stay in Vang Vieng.

#1 Rent a scooter

Since most of the attractions that Vang Vieng has to offer are located outside the city, it’s worth renting a scooter and taking a ride on town outskirts.

Traffic in Vang Vieng is light, especially on some of the back roads, but you should still be careful how you drive, as some roads are dirt track.

Any inconvenience, however, is made up for by the views that surround you from all sides. Drive through small bridges, quaint villages, among greenery, admire the mountains all around, after all Laos is as much as 70% hilly terrain. These views are truly beautiful and driving around on one of the loops is one of the best things you can do in Vang Vieng.

#2 Bamboo Bridge

Located about 30 minutes by scooter from the town of Vang Vieng, the bamboo bridge in Ban Pha Tang village is not yet a very popular place among tourists.

Here you’re more likely to see boys from a nearby school efficiently running across the bridge than other travelers.

The views in this place are amazing. The river, the surrounding greenery and the mountains all around are a perfect addition to this charming place. It really feels like in a fairy tail.

#3 Wat Pho Karm

This small Buddhist temple is located right by the bamboo bridge, so if you’re in the area don’t miss this place. The temple is very colorful, and inside there are friendly monks who warmly welcome visitors.

#4 Kayak on the river

Since tubing is no longer such a popular attraction due to the numerous accidents, even fatal ones that have occurred in Vang Ving, everyone has switched to safer option – kayaks.

This incredibly relaxing activity is the perfect water activity for you to enjoy the incredible views around. Reserve one morning for this pleasure, when the sun is not so high yet, to avoid the heat.

There are many local agencies where you can buy a tour to go with the flow of the Nam Song River.

If you are looking for a trusted one, choose trusted company for kayaking in Vang Vieng.

#5 Lagoon no 3 + Lagoon no 1

Lagoon No. 3 is located about 50 minutes by scooter from the city, but thanks to this distance it is an ideal place to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility in beautiful natural surroundings. There are far fewer people who come here to swim in the turquoise water.

This lagoon is beautifully situated amidst greenery. Jump into the water from several piers, or float on one of the tubes that are at the disposal of visitors completely free of charge.

The lagoon is practically empty in the morning, but getting to it is not the easiest thing to do, so if you don’t feel up to taking the dirt track, which can be a bit tricky on the scooter, book a ride with one of the local Songthaews which is like a local taxi, and you can find them everywhere around the town.

Lagoon Number 1 is located about 20 minutes away from the city, which makes it very popular among visitors. Unfortunately, because of the feasts, fried chicken and noisy tourists, this place is not the best place to relax.

Although there are not many daredevils to jump into the water, the areas around the lagoon are very crowded.

The only way to avoid the crowds is to get to the lagoon very early in the morning.

Entry to each lagoon costs $0.60

#6 Balloon flight

Recently, a balloon flight has become a very popular attraction in Vang Vieng. Since the town is surrounded by mountains, the views from above are exceptional. Watch the town, the fields and the setting sun during this wonderful activity.

In many places in the city you will find companies organizing balloon flights, with prices starting from about $120 per person.

#7 Nam Xay viewpoint

Last but most beautiful point of your stay in Vang Vieng let the amazing Nam Xay viewpoint be. It is located a few minutes by scooter away from town and is definitely a point you don’t want to miss while in Vang Vieng.

This place is the most visited sunset spot in Vang Vieng. At the top there are as many as two motorcycles brought by locals, at which everyone is eager to take pictures (you have to be very careful going down to the motorcycles). The views from the top are absolutely magnificent and unforgettable. We can safely say that the most beautiful in all of Laos. If you do not care so much about the sunset, you can easily climb to the top during the day, the views are just as beautiful, and the place is practically empty.

The climb to the top takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your condition, and costs about a dollar per person.

• Luang Prabang Bakery | Tasty cinnamon rools and coffee
• Naked Espresso| Amazing coffee and breakfast
• Green Restaurant | Delicious pizza
• Happy Mango | Yummy Thai food
• Bamboo Bistro Garden | Great pasta and burger

Since Vang Vieng lies between Luang Prabang and Vientiane you can get here from both places.

Choose a local minivan, or one that’s a bit more vip, and book it at the hotel, guest house, or hostel you’re staying at.

The drive from Luang Prabang takes about 6h and the road is often not the best, so arm yourself with patience. The fare for a local mini van costs about $12.

The drive from Vientiane takes about 2h and the road is paved the whole time, so the ride is very pleasant and efficient. The price for a mini van ride is about $9.

Since almost all the attractions are located outside the city, the best solution would be to rent a scooter, quad or electric car.

Remember that in order to rent a vehicle you must leave your passport as deposit, so before choosing a company carefully check reviews on the Internet to avoid any scams.

Prices depend on the rental company you choose. If you decide to rent an electric scooter, which is an ideal  for those who do not have much experience with this type of vehicle, choose a trusted place to rent a electric scooter in Vang Vieng .

The price for 8 hours is $9, for 24 hours $12, but with this option it is worth having an extra battery for about $2.

The best time to visit Vang Vieng is during dry season, which starts in November and ends in March. Temperatures at this time of the zear are much cooler, and the weather should be nice during your whole stay.

Remember that every year in March and April is the burning season for local farmers. This can make the air very polluted and breathing difficult.

Since Vang Vieng is beloved among backpackers from all over the world you will definitely find budget accommodation options here, but not only, as there are also some more luxurious and expensive options. Check out places to stay in Vang Vieng .

If you decide to stay at Huest House, a good option is Malaya Guest House .
Included in the price of accommodation is a very decent breakfast with several options with eggs, fruit, fresh juice, and coffee.

Depending on the country you’re coming from different Visa requirements apply. Most of the countries will require a Visa on arrival or eVisa. Check your Laos visa requirements before your travel.

In Laos, cash is still largely handled. Places such as night markets, local stores and even restaurants only accept cash.

ATMs in the city can be found mostly around the Night Market, but sometimes they don’t accept all cards, or accept them only after the fifth or tenth attempt. So it’s worth having at least two cards from different banks, e.g. Visa and Mastercard, so that you don’t have a problem with withdrawing cash.

If you manage to find an ATM that accepts your card, withdraw more money so you don’t have to worry about it later.

At the airport, and border crossings, only cash is accepted, so it’s worth having $40 with you for the visa, as well as $1 for scanning the photo from your passport (if you don’t have prints) and $1 for “service”.

If you don’t have dollars, the airport also accepts Thai Baht, and Euros.

There are also ATMs at the airport (right at the airport exit), and if you don’t have cash, customs officials allow travelers to go out to withdraw it, but here again there may be a problem with withdrawing. So if you have the opportunity, take some cash with you so you don’t have to worry about it.

In Luang Prabang, unfortunately, a few times it happened to us that in stores or markets we were given bad change, so it is worth checking before putting money in your wallet.

As in every country there are different mobile operators, so it is no different in Laos. When we buy a Sim card in a new country, we always look at the most important criteria for us. Coverage and internet credit for a fair price.

After some research and our trip across Laos, we can recommend Unitel without hesitation.

Remember that at registration it is necessary to show your passport!

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and scooter, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $15 / night

Restaurant: $2 – $6 / meal

Scooter: $9 – $12 / day

Activity: $0.60 – $120 / event