Vang Vieng is today, among the top tourist attractions in Laos, tempting visitors with its stunning landscapes and plethora of outdoor activities. Nestled on the hill of the Nam Song River and tucked up in limestone karst ridges and surrounded by mysterious caves and terraced rice paddies that create a very peaceful and relaxing setting. Activities in Vang Vieng include kayaking, rock climbing, spelunking, cycling along the countryside and hot air ballooning to watch the world from above. No matter how you like to travel, Vang Vieng will give you a memorable time with relaxation, adventure and nature in spades. Whether you decide to travel to Vang Vieng to discover its marvels of nature, because you come to Vang Vieng to keep the memory of an authentic adventure, one thing is for sure, this paradise on earth will make you experience a trip of relaxation, discovery and fullness in nature.
Of all the Vang Vieng things to do, could not fail to mention the iconic Blue Lagoon, an oasis of calm set about 7 km west from Vang Vieng center, near the village of Ban Na Thong. With its lean fresh water, the blue lagoon is the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing swim. The site is surrounded by thick greenery that provides lovely natural shade and you will feel at ease. Hanging ropes make for fun diving opportunities ensuring a fun experience diving in. You can even leap from tree branch to tree branch or recline in the shade while you take in the serene woodland scene.
A wonderful place, and impressive and sacred, is Tham Phu Kham cave, just up above the Blue Lagoon. It’s arrived at up a steep 200-meter stone path. Cave this cave air cool and mysterious air, where stalactite across the distinct seat reclining bronze Buddha. The cave itself has a few deep nooks and crannies, so if you choose to explore, I would recommend bringing a flashlight. In the long list of what to do in Vang Vieng is this one which makes up a part of what to see in Vang Vieng that has spectacular natural beauty as well as a spiritual atmosphere.
Ella Benchan's review of Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham cave:
“Blue Lagoon was an amazing experience and a definite ‘must do’ for people wanting to know what to do in Vang Vieng. The water is so fresh and so clean, it's perfect for a leisurely swim, and the surrounding views are downright gorgeous. Just nearby is the stunning Tham Phu Kham cave, definitely worth the hike to reach. The pathway is a little bit steep so be ready, and be sure to bring a flashlight — it’s pitch black inside, though the cave is deep and impressive. After the adventure, the refreshing lagoon is the best treat.”
What to do in Vang Vieng if you love nature and adventure? The landscapes of Vang Vieng offer a spectacular backdrop, combining karst peaks, verdant rice paddies and serpentine rivers in the heart of unspoilt nature. In the heart of this wilderness, a number of mysterious caves await curious travellers.
Among these, the Tham Jang cave is one of the more accessible attractions in Vang Vieng. It is near the centre of town and reached by crossing a suspension bridge and climbing some 150 steps. At the top, there are expansive views over the lush countryside and the town of Vang Vieng in the distance that can be observed from the top. The inside of the cave is cool and full of light, which throws its formations of stone into sharp relief. The location is quiet and historical great for glassing the travel to Vang Vieng for a natural, peaceful experience.
The Tham Sang and Tham Nam caves, besides Tham Jang, are also worth visiting, nice and original to even add to your what to do in Vang Vieng list. Tham Sang, or Elephant Cave, is famous for its beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations and spiritual atmosphere. This chamber is a small one and houses several Buddha images and the almost elephant-shaped stalactite for which the cave is named. Its best to visit in the morning, when light enters the cave. You can also use this tranquil setting for meditation or just to relax amongst the serenity. It’s a peaceful, sacred place, perfect for travelers looking to explore the spiritual world of the Laotians.
Finally, for those who enjoy thrills, Tham Nam is another flooded cave where you explore by tubing and pulling yourself along the darkness with a rope. A good headlamp is needed for seeing the odd rock formations that pop up in the icy water. It’s exciting as hell, but also a little nerve-wracking, especially when you’re exploring the narrow, silent hallways. For anyone creating their list of Vang Vieng what to do, this full on day out should absolutely be up there — an incredible experience which includes both nature and adrenaline.
Review by Ezra Creasy on the caves of Vang Vieng:
“Gorgeous spots to visit here in Vang Vieng! After 147 steps up to Tham Jang, the view of the river and several picture-postcard lookouts over town are your reward. For any of you who are curious to know what to do in Vang Vieng, do not bypass Tham Sang – it’s right there, it’s easy to reach, and has rocks shaped like elephants. And for a relaxed, all the fun of the fair experience try Tham Nam: crawl into it in a tube, then pull yourself along with your hands on a rope. An ideal blend of adventure, exploration and nature!”
For those of you wondering what to do in Vang Vieng, kayaking or tubing down the Nam Song River is definitely one of the most memorable Vang Vieng tourist attractions. The Nam Song River can be reached on foot or by bicycle in only a few hundred meters distance from the center of the city. This is a great day out, floating down the river through a tranquil landscape, where the river winds itself between limestone edifices, alongside lush paddy fields. Your choice of kayaking or tubing, you gently float above the reflective, mirror-clear water mirroring sky, clouds and amazing karst landforms. Along the way, you’ll pass quaint bamboo bridges, sleepy riverside villages and the smiling faces of the locals. Open for all, this is one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng to chill out and escape and experience the real beauty of Laos.
Review by Janahan on activities on the Nam Song River:
“With the karst mountains in the background, and a clean river (in the dry season – avoid the rainy season) the best thing to do in Vang Vieng is to go tubing or kayaking down the Nam Song river. We had arrived to tube down the river and it was exhilarating — I couldn’t take my eyes off of the amazing scenery or the local sightseeings along the banks. Whether you want to take it slow, or are looking for an adrenaline pumping rip through some small rapids, it's one of the best ways to experience Vang Vieng's natural side. It’s exactly this loyal opposition to cake that captures the essence of this eccentric town, by turns peaceful and adventurous.”
And travelling to Vang Vieng also equals taking up must-regret challenges, like hiking Mount Pha Hon Kham, about 10 km’s away from the city center. With 13 km of trail and lofty altitude, it’s no doubt one of the tallest and toughest peaks in the region. For that hike you will need to be properly outfitted: wearing thick mountain boots and bringing a lot of water as the path crosses rocky stretches, very steep terrain and slippery stretches. It is a matter of patience and caution at every step – sometimes you even have to use your hands for support, to clutch a rock or a root. But no matter how hard you work, the obstacles — in this way, at least — are as you get higher: beautiful mountains, gorgeous forest, and cleaner and air that chases away the tired. When you get to the top, a panoramic view of Vang Vieng at your feet is your deserved reward. If you are looking for what to do in Vang Vieng this hike should be at the top of your list — and it is great fun for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers wanting a true adventure.
Scout Perry’s review of Mount Pha Hon Kham:
“Stunning view! It’s not an easy climb and can be a little risky if you’re not a hiker or a climber. But if you are one of those people who exercises regularly, your efforts will be well rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We went about 1.5 hours before sunset and had time to explore both the pegasus and plane viewpoint before it got dark. It had been raining all day so some of the sections felt a little slippery, but the trail was clearly well-kept, with handrails and ropes to help keep you safe. If you’re travelling to Vang Vieng and needing ideas on what to do in Vang Vieng – this is a definite must.”
Cycling through the countryside of Vang Vieng is probably one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng if you’re looking to get out of the city and back to nature. Cycling across golden rice fields, walking in cool forest trails and trundling down village back lanes, you will encounter a profound tranquillity and an intimacy with rural Laos. It leads to other natural caves such as Phou Kham so you can visit that and admire stunning karst limestone formations and breath fresh country smell air. You’ll encounter peasants harvesting rice, tending vegetable gardens or gossiping under their stilt houses. Cycling in the region is not just like a walk: it’s an experience of cultural and natural immersion. There are lots of activities to do in Vang Vieng, but this gets a in a good mix of culture, beautiful nature, and adventure.
Russell Scott’s review of the Vang Vieng countryside:
“Peacful, authentic with friendly locals” To see a different side of Vang Vieng, away from the throngs, ride a bicycle through the rice fields and the little villages. It’s a good time to slow down and take it all in. One of the must-do in Vang Vieng for me if you love nature and mlace in this place!”
Don't miss the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon ride at sunset during your trip to Vang Vieng. The amazing deluge of the Lao wilderness and as the sun slowly sets, and the balloon gracefully ascends, you will be gobsmacked by the views over this part of Laos. Farther on, the lazy Nam Song River snakes its way tranquilly between towering karst cliffs and golden rice fields, completing a picture-perfect natural landscape. From here you can also simultaneously look out over the busy town of Vang Vieng and out into the countryside for miles around. The air is clean, the silence tranquil, and every moment spent in the air is pure joy and a gift! First time or not, a hot-air balloon ride remains a magical way to imprint your travelling to Vang Vieng on your memory forever. For those who are considering what to do in Vang Vieng, it’s simply one of the best activities you can get yourself into !
Julie Martin’s review of the hot air balloon ride at sunset:
"I'm so happy I picked this for something during my stay. The sky view at sunset is absolutely stunning. Also a great thing to do in Vang Vieng and in fact one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng in my view, only being the list that is for a reason! It’s most certainly one of the best memories I will get to keep from this trip to Laos.”
In sum, when you keep asking yourself what to do in Vang Vieng, this iconic Laotian attraction has just countless things to offer. The town, however, has become a destination for those looking forward to truly unique experiences during their holidays, filled with amazing caves, a glassy river, and some of the best forms of accommodations in the country. Whether you’re fantasising about drifting lazily down the Nam Song River, hiking, caving or watching the sunset from a basket on a hot-air balloon, the must-do activities in Vang Vieng will placate all your need for escape, nature and adventure. Autour Asia trusts that you have found these tips for your visit to Vang Vieng interesting and that they have helped plan your trip and make the most of your stay.
You may be interested in:
- Laos travel agency
- 5 days in Vang Vieng
- Vang Vieng Travel Guide
- Laos itinerary 3 weeks
- Laos Tour
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