Vang Vieng is a backpacker's paradise! This gem of a town in Laos has got something to suit everyone. It was an easy choice to feature in our Laos tour. The 'Party Backpacker' will love the jungle parties, tubing and crazy nightlife. The 'Adventure Seeker' will be scaling rocky ledges, kayaking rapids and exploring the local area by bicycle. The 'Insta Blogger' will be trying to get the best shot of the Lao children playing in the Nam Song River, captioning the Blue Lagoon with #nofilter.
Make sure you plan a few nights here to really make the most of Vang Vieng.
Population: 25,000
The Vibe:
Vang Vieng's stunning natural scenery and range of adventurous outdoor activities along with its reputation as Laos' party town means the vibe here can be whatever you want it to be!
Spend your days mountain biking or kayaking and enjoy a nice meal, a cold beer and the sunset, or spend your days tubing from bar to bar down the river and finishing the night off at the famous jungle party - it's completely up to you!
What's Vang Vieng Known for:
Vang Vieng is best known as a little river town famous for combining partying and tubing...not always the best idea and it's got a pretty sketchy past thanks to rickety slides, homemade rope swings, inebriation and a river that can flow faster than expected. After more than a few accidents and deaths new regulations were imposed. You still go tubing, it's still fun, it's just not as wild as it once was.
Must Do:
Swim in the Blue Lagoon!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The Blue Lagoon
Located just a few km outside of town, this serene natural paradise is one of the best swimming holes in Laos. If you're feeling fit you can rent a mountain bike in town and ride there, but be warned - the roads are unsealed, bumpy and often either very dusty or muddy. The easy option is to get a tuk-tuk, it’ll be worth it! The river gently flows out of the lush green jungle and into the breathtaking blue lagoon. Look out for local cheerful kids showing off their jumping skills from the highest branch of the tree that grows over the deepest part of the river. The Blue Lagoon is a lovely spot to spend the afternoon relaxing with friends. If you’re up for it, you can hike up the stairs behind the lagoon to explore the Tham Phu Kham cave – BYO torch and good shoes! You’ll spot a reclining Thai Buddha shining in bronze amongst many other interesting galleries.
River Tubing
There are a few places in town to rent inner tubes, and they usually include a tuk-tuk ride about 10 minutes out of town, further up the river. You'll have the day to float down the river surrounded by the beautiful karst mountains. There are still a few bars along the river that'll be more than happy to throw you a rope and pull you in if you need some refreshment.
Cave Tubing
Head to Tham Nam (Water Cave) for a different tubing experience! You'll sit in a tube in total darkness with only a rope to guide you through the flooded cave system. The trip takes about 20mins. Your Stray Guide can help you sign up for a local tour where you'll get a headlamp and an inner tube.
Rock Climbing
The rocky karst mountains that surround Vang Vieng are the perfect setting for some epic rock climbing! There are a number of tour providers that offer experiences for first-timers right through to old pros!
Hot Air Ballooning
Its hard not to scroll through Instagram without seeing a epic skyline without a balloon in it these days over Vang Vieng. For those who want to check out the beautiful landscape from above, there is a Laos-owned and run called Above Laos to get your fill.
Kayaking
Explore the Namsong river by Kayak. There a variety of tour options available including some with rapids and one that will almost take you to Vientiane!
Volunteer
For those ready to get their hands dirty, consider a stay at the SAELAO project - a farm run by a local Vang Vieng resident where you can volunteer teaching English, doing garden work and helping with community projects. Definitely a feel good experience which you’ll take back with you!
Party!
You'll have a great night out at the Irish Pub, Sakura Bar, or the Full Moon Bar. If you're around on a Friday check out the Jungle Project's weekly Jungle Party every Friday night just outside of town. Starting at 10 pm and finishing around 3-4 am this is one of the best places to get your house music fix. The jungle parties have grown from just a few people in someone's backyard in 2011 to a proper party event.
EATING AND DRINKING
If you've been enjoying local food from the markets in Luang Prabang, or down by the river in Vientiane, you might be ready for some creature comforts. Vang Vieng is one of the only places in Laos that excels in international cuisine so get your burger/pizza/roast dinner fix!
Gary's Irish Bar
Gary's Irish Bar in the centre of town is a great place to hang out. Spilt over two levels there's a pool table, well priced drinks, nice "homestyle" pub food, big screens to watch the sport, live music nights and friendly staff - what more could you want from a home away from home!
Luang Prabang Bakery
If a cookie as big as your face, massive baguette sandwiches and espresso coffee are just what you need, head to the Luang Prabang bakery on Kangmuong Street.
Green Restaurant
With beautiful views of the Nam Song river and delicious Laos/Thai cuisine you can't go past Green Restaurant if you're after a good Asia food fix.
WHERE STRAY STAYS
Silver Naga Hotel
Laos Select Tour
Nam Song Riverside
Vang Vieng
Laos
View in Google Maps
Tel: +856 23 511 822
Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, Free WiFi, Airport shuttle, Non-smoking rooms, Spa and wellness centre, Room service, Free parking, Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast
CHECK OUT OUR TRAVEL BLOG:
- Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Vang Vieng, whether you’re a party animal or a nature lover
- Or if you've only got a short time in Laos, here's how to get the most adventure from 48 hours in Vang Vieng