Vang Vieng Travel Guide
This Vang Vieng travel guide will show you all the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in this beautiful city of Laos.
- Introduction to Vang Vieng
- List of Places to Visit in Vang Vieng
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Vang Vieng
- Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Vang Vieng
- Food and Drink Scene of Vang Vieng
- Where to Stay in Vang Vieng: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Vang Vieng: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Vang Vieng
- Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng
- Do’s and Don’ts of Vang Vieng
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Vang Vieng: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Vang Vieng
- Where to Go Next from Vang Vieng: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Vang Vieng
Nestled among the beautiful forested mountains and the serene Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is a small but charming city located in Central Laos, Southeast Asia. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and exciting adventure activities, Vang Vieng is a traveler’s paradise and is a must-visit destination in Laos.
In this comprehensive travel guide to Vang Vieng, we’ll take a look at all the best things to see, do, eat, and experience in this beautiful city.
List of Places to Visit in Vang Vieng
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Wat That
- Tham Chang Cave
- Lao-Japan Friendship Bridge
- Nam Song River
- Tham Phu Kham Cave
- Pha Ngern Viewpoint
- Kiew Lom viewpoint
Natural Attractions of Vang Vieng: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Blue Lagoon
- Tham Nam Cave
- Tham Xang Cave
- Tham Loup Cave
- The Elephant Cave
- Pha Ngeun Viewpoint
- Hot air balloon ride over Vang Vieng
Hiking/Biking Routes of Vang Vieng
- Viewpoint Trek
- Waterfalls and Caves Trek
- Nam Ngum River Bike Path
Best Things to Do in Vang Vieng: Activities and Tours
- Kayaking
- Tubing
- Zip-Lining
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Rock Climbing
- ATV Tours
- Tuk-Tuk Tour
Week-Long Itinerary for Vang Vieng
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the city and visit Wat That |
| 2 | Visit historical places and caves |
| 3 | Hiking at Blue Lagoon and viewpoints |
| 4 | Enjoy adventure activities like kayaking and zip-lining |
| 5 | Explore rural villages and learn about local culture |
| 6 | Take a hot air balloon rid or ATV tour |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Vang Vieng |
Food and Drink Scene of Vang Vieng
Must-Try Dishes
- Tam Mak Hoong (spicy green papaya salad)
- Larp (minced meat salad)
- Khao Piak (spicy noodle soup)
- Laap Het (spicy mushroom salad)
Local Beverages
- Beer Lao
- Lao Lao (rice whiskey)
- Iced Coffee
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Riverside Boutique Resort
- Kongsavanh Guest House
- Central Backpackers Hostel
- The Elephant Crossing Hotel
- Vieng Tara Hotel
What to Buy in Vang Vieng: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handwoven textiles
- Herbal soaps and cosmetics
- Small statues of Buddha
- Handcrafted jewelry
Local Culture and Customs of Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng has a predominantly Buddhist culture, and visitors are expected to dress modestly when entering religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng
The best time to visit Vang Vieng would be from November to February when the weather is cooler and dry. March to June is a hot and humid period, whereas July to October is the rainy season, so avoid visiting during these months.
Do’s and Don’ts of Vang Vieng
Do:
- Dress modestly when entering religious sites
- Try the local cuisine
- Respect the local culture
Don’t:
- Litter on the streets or in natural areas
- Disrespect the local culture and traditions
Safety and Health
Safety in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a safe city for travelers, but it’s always better to take precautions like keeping your belongings safe and being aware of your surroundings.
Health in Vang Vieng
Visitors should drink only bottled water and keep themselves hydrated at all times. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are recommended, and vaccination for Hepatitis A and B is also suggested before traveling to Vang Vieng.
Getting to Vang Vieng: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Vang Vieng
The nearest international airport to Vang Vieng is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, which is around 160 km away.
Bus Stations Near Vang Vieng
Direct buses are available from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, and the journey takes around three to four hours.
Other Options
Taxis and private cars can also be hired, while those feeling adventurous can rent a motorcycle or a bicycle.
How to Get Around in Vang Vieng
The best way to explore Vang Vieng is by tuk-tuk or bicycle. It’s also possible to rent a motorcycle or a car, but caution should be taken while driving on the mountain roads.
Where to Go Next from Vang Vieng: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Luang Prabang
- Vientiane
- Nam Ngum Lake
- Houaphan Province
Conclusion
Vang Vieng is an incredible destination in Laos with stunning natural beauty, a rich history, and exciting adventure activities. From exploring the city’s historical sites and hiking to kayaking along the Nam Song River and taking a hot air balloon ride, Vang Vieng has something for everyone. Make sure to check out the local food scene and explore the local culture to make the most of your trip to Vang Vieng.
