10 Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng Laos You Can’t Miss
Welcome to Vang Vieng, a small town in Laos located on the Nam Song River, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. It is one of my favorite places in Asia, not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for the many unforgettable things to do in Vang Vieng. After spending nearly a week exploring this Laos gem, I put together a bucket list travel guide with the top activities, from hiking massive limestone mountains and swimming in sparkling blue lagoons to venturing deep into extensive cave systems. If you are planning a trip to Laos, keep reading to discover the best experiences and must-do adventures in Vang Vieng.
Find an in-depth Laos travel guide here that includes tips and tricks for traveling around the country.
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Best Things To Do in Vang Vieng
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Table of Contents:
10 Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng
#1: Cruise Around Vang Vieng by Motorbike
#2-4: Explore the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng
#5: Visit a Temple in Vang Vieng
#6: Visit Vang Vieng’s Waterfall
#7: Explore Vang Vieng’s Caves
#8: Catch a Sunset in Vang Vieng
#9: Climb to a Viewpoint in Vang Vieng
10 Best Things To Do In Vang Vieng
#1: Cruise Around Vang Vieng by Motorbike
Overlooking Vang Vieng’s limestone mountains and winding rivers from one of its most epic viewpoints
The first item on the bucket list of the best things to do in Vang Vieng is to cruise around the town on a motorbike. Vang Vieng is a picturesque little town that sits on the Nam Song River, surrounded by massive limestone mountains. The best way to see it all is with an unobstructed view via a motorbike. If you are a confident driver, you can hop on your own motorbike and venture through the mountains and around the sparkling blue lagoons in the midday sun. Some roads are unpaved, with potholes hidden along the way, so be sure to drive safely, wear a helmet, and feel confident in your driving abilities. If you are wary of driving on your own, you can always opt for a taxi or tuk-tuk.
I chose to rent a mid-range automatic bike, which cost around 130,000–140,000 LAK per day (6–7 USD). Don’t worry when they ask— it is normal to leave your passport as collateral with rental owners in Vang Vieng. I personally opted to leave my driver’s license instead, as I knew it would be easier to leave behind if necessary for any reason.
#2-4: Splash Into the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng
Relaxing at one of Vang Vieng’s sparkling blue lagoons, surrounded by turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs
The next item on the bucket list of things to do in Vang Vieng is splashing into one of its stunning blue lagoons! Vang Vieng is well-known for its turquoise lagoons nestled among the mountains. There are six or more blue lagoons to explore, depending on how much time you have. If you are limited on time, I recommend visiting Lagoon 2, 3, or 4. The fee to enter each lagoon is around 20,000 LAK (1 USD).
Most lagoons can be reached by motorbike or tuk-tuk from town, and some are within walking distance of each other. Some lagoons have stands with food and beverages once inside. Zip lines, tubes, bamboo rafts, and towers to jump from into the water are just a few of the fun activities awaiting you. If you only have time for one lagoon, I suggest Lagoon 3 or 4. Both are located near unique caves, making it easier to combine a lagoon visit with a cave adventure in one day.
For safety, be aware that some jump towers are high, so only dive in if you are comfortable with heights. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy the lagoons more peacefully.
Pro Tip: Do not leave valuables out in the open or unattended!
#5: Visiting Temples in Vang Vieng
The beautiful red temple in Wat Pho Karm Vang Vieng.
The green pagoda inside of Wat Pho Karm, a fun little thing to do in Vang Vieng.
Visiting temples is a must in Laos, but after seeing so many across Southeast Asia, I was hoping to find one that felt a bit different. That is why I loved these smaller, more local ones at Wat Pho Karm. The larger temple was freshly painted bright red, and the smaller pagoda was painted green. They had that charming, local vibe that really stood out.
I stumbled across this tiny Buddhist temple while heading to the bamboo bridge in Ban Pha Tang Village. Sadly, the bridge is not there anymore, thanks to constant flooding during the rainy season, but the temple itself was a fun little gem to find, explore, and snap some photos of.
Back on the main road near the temple, there is a bridge where you can pull over and park your bike. The bridge offers a beautiful view over the Nam Song River and limestone cliffs— a perfect little reward for your detour.
#6: Visiting Vang Vieng's Waterfall
Enjoying the serene Kaeng Nyui Waterfall in Vang Vieng, Laos. A peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery and butterflies.
Nestled among lush landscapes and massive cliffs, this hidden gem offers a serene escape in Vang Vieng, Laos. A variety of butterflies surrounds you during a short hike over a quirky wooden bridge that leads to the first smaller waterfall, pouring into a refreshing pool. Continuing onward, you’ll find Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, cascading over terraced limestone cliffs into a shallow pool. I even watched a local take a dip, so swimming is welcome for those looking to cool off.
The quiet, the abundance of butterflies, and the flourishing green surroundings make this a wonderful spot to relax and escape the crowds in Vang Vieng. I brought some snacks and sat here for an hour, enjoying the waterfalls and watching the butterflies before hopping back on my motorbike to continue exploring. I only saw three other people during my visit, making it a perfect place to decompress. There are supposedly other trails and hidden pools nearby, but I stuck to the main path due to a busy itinerary.
#7: Journey Into Vang Vieng's Caves
Number three on the list of top things to do in Vang Vieng is cave exploration. Aside from the blue lagoons, Vang Vieng is best known for its many large karsts that you can climb into and explore. Tham Chang Cave, Water Cave, Hoi Cave, and Tham Loup Cave are just a few examples. Some caves are perched high, offering incredible viewpoints before entering, while others are deep underground, requiring a ladder to climb down. The Water Cave, as the name suggests, involves getting onto a tube and holding a rope to pull yourself through the cave.
Thanks to the mineral-rich water and the depth of some caves, the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years are truly breathtaking. If you only have time for one cave, I recommend Hoi Cave. This cavern is sacred to locals and feels like discovering a new cave route for the first time.
Hoi Cave:
The entrance fee is 10,000 LAK (0.50 USD), which includes a headlamp. Small donations near the large Buddha at the entrance are requested by locals. Headlamps and hand lights are essential— the cave is pitch black! Never explore alone in case of injury or getting lost. From what I remember, the cave stretches over 3 km each way. It can be slippery, with water pools scattered throughout. At some points, crouching low and crawling over the clay-like ground is required.
Alternate Option:
If Hoi Cave feels a bit too adventurous, I recommend visiting the popular Tham Chang Cave. It is well-lit, secure, and one of the most visited caves by tourists in Vang Vieng.
Sustainable Tourism Tip: Caves contain fragile ecosystems that can be easily disrupted by touching or removing formations, and even simply by leaving your waste behind. Please travel respectfully so that generations to come can continue to explore the caves.
#8: Catch a Breathtaking Sunset in Vang Vieng
A burning orange sunset over Vang Vieng.
By far, my favorite thing to do in Vang Vieng was to watch the sunset. It is one of the most mesmerizing sights in Laos, with shades of orange and yellow stretching over the limestone mountains and hot air balloons dotting the sky. The photos you can capture here are truly unforgettable. I recommend finding a balcony or rooftop in downtown Vang Vieng to sit and take it all in.
Pro Tip: If you are short on time, another incredible way to catch the sunset is by motorbike. The sunset is equally as beautiful as you ride through the mountains, and if you time this right, you may even catch some of the hot air balloons readying to land.
#9: Climb to a Viewpoint in Vang Vieng
Sitting atop Nam Xay Viewpoint, enjoying sweeping views of limestone mountains and the landscape of Vang Vieng.
What better way to take in all of the beauty this town has to offer than by climbing atop a viewpoint, making it the next item on the bucket list of the best things to do in Vang Vieng! Silver Cliff Upper Viewpoint, Pha Hon Kham Cave Viewpoint, and Nam Xay Viewpoint are just a few of the best ones to climb. If you only have time for one, I recommend the famous Nam Xay Viewpoint.
Nam Xay Viewpoint is a famous spot where locals have placed the iconic motorcycle with the Laos flag on the edge of a cliff overlooking the karst limestone mountains. There is a second one now on the opposite side of the cliff. The viewpoint can get quite crowded closer to sunset, so I suggest arriving a bit earlier to have more space at the top and a better chance of capturing a photo without someone in the frame.
The viewpoint is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but be sure to check with locals for any changes. The hike takes between 30 and 45 minutes straight up locally created steps and rocks— so be sure to wear the right shoes, as some scrambling may be involved. The entrance fee to climb atop is 20,000 LAK (about 1.20 USD).
#10: Soar in a Hot Air Balloon over Vang Vieng
Watching the sun set over Vang Vieng as hot air balloons drift across the sky.
I feel like I really missed out on this one. Riding a hot air balloon is on my bucket list, and I felt there was no better way to capture yet another viewpoint of Vang Vieng than floating over the cliffs and limestone karsts. I only felt comfortable booking with licensed pilots from Above Laos, but they were fully booked. They can fill up a couple of days in advance, so I recommend reserving a spot before you arrive in town.
It is a bit more expensive (135 USD for a shared balloon), but it truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you go, PLEASE send me some photos so I can vicariously live through you… :)
Best Time To Visit Vang Vieng
The best time to visit Vang Vieng is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is sunny and warm, perfect for exploring viewpoints and lagoons.
March and April are usually the burning seasons, which can cause smoky air and drier vegetation.
The wet season, from May to October, can bring heavy rain and high humidity, which might make some hikes or destinations a bit tricky. If you want the best chance to enjoy the blue lagoons, limestone mountains, and caves without worrying about the weather, stick to the dry season.
Pro Tip: Some people have told me that the blue lagoon is more brown towards the end of the rainy season— September-early October. I went in January, and the lagoons were very blue and the vegetation was flourishing. The closer to the end of the rainy season you go, the higher the chance you will have to see lush vegetation and running water, but this also gives you a greater chance of having brown-blue lagoons, so plan accordingly!
Where To Stay In Vang Vieng
The downtown area of Vang Vieng is quite small, so staying anywhere on either side of the river is fine. I loved where I stayed: the Downtown Vang Vieng Hotel.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Downtown Vang Vieng Hotel
Best Low-Budget: Confetti Garden Resort
Best Mid-Budget: Sansan Resort
Best Luxury: Riverside Boutique Resort, Vang Vieng
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
How To Get To Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng lies between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, so I suggest adding it to the middle of your itinerary. There are plenty of ways to get to Vang Vieng from either city, but I recommend taking the train. (I tried the minivan option, but it was tiny, full, and cramped…even for my 5-foot self.) You can find more in-depth information on how to navigate Vang Vieng, including transport tips and local hacks, here.
For more information on train schedules and pricing, click here!
How To Get Around Vang Vieng
Motorbike is the best mode of transport in Vang Vieng, but be sure to be cautious on unpaved roads and potholes. I rented a bike for around 130,000-140,000 LAK (6-7 USD) per day. It is normal to leave your passport as leverage for the rental owners, but I started choosing to leave my driver’s license instead.
ATVs, bicycles, and tuk-tuks are also available for rental. I do not recommend choosing a bicycle as a mode of transport, given how far apart some of the places to see are. Tuk-tuks would be the more expensive option, as you would have to hire a taxi for the day.
Pro Tip: Get an eSIM with Airalo—so you do not get lost navigating your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Vang Vieng?
My list of absolute must-visit spots in Vang Vieng is Nam Xay Viewpoint, watching a sunset on a rooftop, driving around on a motorbike, and venturing through Hoi Cave!
Are there any family-friendly activities in Vang Vieng?
Yes! The lagoons are perfect for a day out with the family. As are the viewpoints (of course, being safe at the top near the edges), the temples, and some of the shorter caves.
How many days should I spend in Vang Vieng?
I LOVED Vang Vieng, so I could spend an entire week just relaxing and hiking. However, I suggest a minimum of 3 days to enjoy a relaxed pace of exploring. If you only have one day, you can make it work with my epic one-day itinerary. Find it here!
Are there any gluten-free or vegan restaurants?
Happy Mango (Thai)
Kiwi Kitchen (Healthy Veggie)
Vela Cafe & Restaurant (Laotian)
Kapphet-Vegan (Vegan)
Naked Espresso (Yummy Coffee)
