3 Perfect Days in Vang Vieng: Travel Guide
Welcome to Vang Vieng, a small town in Laos located on the Nam Song River, renowned for its beautiful picturesque views. This town holds a special spot on my list of favorite places in Asia, thanks to its breathtaking beauty and incredible things to do. The views from simply driving your motorbike around never cease to leave me in awe. Planning your next trip to Laos? Look no further, I have created an itinerary on how to spend 3 perfect days in Vang Vieng. Whether you are climbing its massive limestone mountains, splashing into its sparkling blue lagoons, or venturing deep into its extensive cave systems, Vang Vieng will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Find an in-depth Laos travel guide here that includes tips and tricks for traveling around the country.
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3 Perfect Days in vang vieng
Day 1: Waterfalls, Caves, & A LAgoon!
Stop #1: Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
Your first stop is a bit off-track but well worth the little adventure and the views surrounding you to get there. Nestled among lush landscapes and massive cliffs lies this hidden gem that offers a serene escape. A variety of butterflies surround you during your short hike over a quirky little wooden bridge that leads you to the first smaller waterfall, pouring into a pool of water. Continue your journey onward to find the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall cascading over terraced limestone cliffs into a small, shallow pool. I did watch one local take a dip in the waters here, so swimming is welcome to those looking for a quick dip to cool off.
The silence this place offers, the abundance of butterflies, and the beauty of the flourishing green nature make this a truly wonderful place to escape to during your travels to decompress and relax. I brought some smaller snacks and sat here for an hour or so, watching the butterflies and waterfalls before heading back to my motorbike to continue my journey. I only saw three other people during my time here, so it is a great spot to escape the crowds. There are supposedly some other trails and hidden pools around this area, but I chose to venture onward with a busy itinerary ahead of me.
Note: This waterfall says “temporarily closed” when googling, but it is open.
Stop #2: Wat Pho Karm
I stumbled across this small Buddhist temple on my way to find the bamboo bridge in Ban Pha Tang Village, which sadly no longer exists due to constant flooding during the rainy season. However, this small temple was a fun little gem to find, explore, and take some photos of.
You can still access where the Bamboo Bridge was and find the remaining pieces of it. Follow the third road on the right after Wat Pho Karm (heading towards the bridge mentioned below) and you will eventually come to the Nam Song River where the bridge once stood.
Once back on the main road, you will cross over a bridge where you can pull over and park your bike. Here, you will find a beautiful view over the Nam Song River facing cliffs, with some local children running along the water below. I watched a playful young boy drop yellow flowers into the water, creating large schools of fish popping their heads up to try and eat them.
Stop #3: Tham Chang Cave
This cave is a 30-35 minute ride from your previous stop at the bridge and, not surprisingly, offers incredible views for you to stop along the way and take in. Keep in mind that this may turn your 35-minute ride into an hour ride—at least, it did for me!
Historical Significance: During the Indochina War, the cave served as a shelter for local people seeking refuge from the bombings and conflict. It is also viewed as a sacred place, where monks worship and meditate.
Getting to the Cave: The cave is perched higher up and is only accessible via 328 steps (yes, I counted to make sure the sign was not tricking me). Once at the top, you will pay the cave entrance fee (15,000 Kip) and be allowed to venture inside the dual-level cave. It is well-lit, and the deeper you go, the more stalactites and stalagmites you will see, that have formed over thousands of years. You can happily explore all the cave has to offer in about 20 minutes, depending on your pace.
Below the cave, along the small bridges, you will find the “secret lagoon” – a small pool of blue water where you can take a dip.
Sustainable Tourism: Caves contain fragile ecosystems that can be easily disrupted by touching or removing formations, and even by leaving waste behind. Please travel respectfully so that future generations can continue to explore and enjoy the caves.
Note: The iconic orange bridge no longer stands, with only small fragments of it remaining on either side. In its place is a new wooden bridge that you must walk over to reach the entrance of the cave. You will pay 5,000 Kip before entering the area.
Stop #4: Blue Lagoon 2
Vang Vieng is most well-known for its iconic Blue Lagoons. Since Blue Lagoon 1 is the most visited and crowded, I decided to skip it and head to the sunniest of the lagoons, 2. I chose to come here later in the day to avoid larger crowds and tourist groups who head here earlier in the day. The ride to this lagoon from Tham Chang Cave is around 20-25 minutes.
Here is some information about Blue Lagoon 2:
Entrance Fee: 20,000 Kip
What's There: Two large lagoons surrounded by a green oasis. There is a wooden tower to climb up and jump into the water from, but beware that during certain times of the year, the water can be shallower. There are aquatic ziplines, small shelters with tables to sit in, and shops for food, beverages, and other items.
Safety Tip: Do not leave valuables in the open and vulnerable areas.
Stop #5: Watch the Sunset
After a long day, I chose to watch the sunset from the balcony of my room before heading out to dinner, but there are plenty of other options to find a good view. The sun sets over the massive mountains, with hot air balloons sprinkled about, creating a picturesque moment that you cannot miss.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon #3 & Nam Xay Viewpoint
Stop #1: Blue Lagoon 3
This lagoon is around 40-50 minutes from the downtown area, and depending on which way you choose, the dirt road can be a bit bumpy. However, I rode down both ways and found them not as bad as some posts describe. The views surrounding you are breathtaking! Blue Lagoon 3 is much quieter compared to the others but still has the same beautiful green-blue waters.
Here is some information about Blue Lagoon 3:
Entrance Fee: 20,000 Kip
What's There: Bungalows to sit under, a tower to jump into the water from, a Tarzan swing, floats, zip lines, and balance beams. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Safety Reminder: Do not leave valuables in the open and vulnerable areas.
There is also a cave open for exploration just beyond the lagoon, as well as a viewpoint. The entrance to the cave is accessed via a slim ladder and is difficult to maneuver around. Once inside, the cave is completely dark, so make sure to turn on your phone light. The paths lead to two swimming holes you can climb into. I started envisioning some horror film moments and decided to skip the dip in the swimming holes. See below for some photos!
Stop #2: Nam Xay Viewpoint
This is the iconic viewpoint that you see most people posting when visiting Vang Vieng—locals have placed a motorcycle with the Laos flag on the edge of a cliff overlooking the mountains. There is now a second one available on the opposite side of the cliff.
Nam Xay 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 to 45 minutes straight up, depending on speed, with locally created steps, so be sure to wear the right shoes—some scrambling may be involved. The entrance fee to climb atop is 20,000 Kip.
The viewpoint can get quite crowded as sunset approaches, so we chose to hike down and catch most of the sunset while riding the motorbike through the massive cliffs on the way back to our place. I highly recommend this! I was even able to catch some of the hot air balloons readying to land.
Two Other Viewpoint Options:
Day 3: Blue Lagoon #4 & Cave Exploration
Stop #1: Blue Lagoon 4
Another less crowded lagoon is located near Tham Nam Water Cave. Tours start arriving late in the morning, so be sure to go before 11 AM.
Entrance Fee: 10,000 Kip
What's There: A swing, a shorter zipline, tubes, a raft, and the water cave.
The Water Cave: This cave has a 10,000 Kip entrance fee and offers cave tubing through towering stalactites, pools illuminated by shafts of sunlight filtering through openings in the cave's ceiling, and small alcoves waiting to be discovered.
Stop #2: Hoi Cave and Tham Loup Cave
A quick one-minute drive down the road are two additional caves you can explore. My favorite was Hoi Cave, a cavern sacred to locals. Offering donations by the large Buddha at the entrance is required by locals. This cave is great for adrenaline seekers who want to feel like they are discovering a new cave route for the first time. The path supposedly leads up to a large lake you can explore before turning around and exiting the cave, but I did not find it.
A headlamp and hand lights are necessary to explore this 3 KM cave, along with proper shoes and attire. The cave is pitch black and it can be quite slippery, with water pools sprinkled about. Crouching low to the clay-like ground and crawling is required at some points. I would recommend not exploring by yourself in case you become lost or injured.
Entrance Fee: 10,000 Kip for each cave, this includes a headlamp.
Recommendations: A headlamp and additional lighting are recommended.
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.
Stop #3: Your Final Stop!
As mentioned before, the sunset in Vang Vieng is one of the most mesmerizing sights in Laos. An array of oranges and yellows stretches over the many limestone mountains, with hot air balloons sprinkled about. The photos you can capture are like nothing else. I recommend finding a balcony or rooftop in downtown to sit on and watch it one final time. It is the most memorable way to conclude your three perfect days in Vang Vieng!
Pro Tip: If you are short on time due to a flight, train, or other travel plans, 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 it right, you may even catch some of the hot air balloons readying to land, as I did.
General Information: Vang Vieng
Where to Stay:
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: 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
Best Time to Visit:
Late October - Early March.
March and April are usually the burning seasons which can cause smokey air and drier vegetation.
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 blue and vegetation was flourishing. The closer to the end of the rainy season you go the higher 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!
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 options for getting to Vang Vieng from either city, but I recommend the train. (I tried the minivan option, but it was tiny, full, and cramped, even for my 5-foot self.)
For more information on train schedules and pricing click here!
How to Get Around In Town:
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 kips 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.
Vegan Food Options:
Happy Mango (Thai)
Tip: This spot gets busy leading to longer waits around dinner time.
Kiwi Kitchen (Healthy Veggie)
Vela Cafe & Restaurant (Laotian)
Kapphet-Vegan (Vegan)
Naked Espresso (Yummy Coffee)
