An Epic One-Day Vang Vieng Itinerary
Welcome to Vang Vieng, a charming small town in Laos located on the Nam Song River. This town is one of my favorite places in Asia, thanks to its breathtaking limestone mountains and extensive caves. Short on time? Vang Vieng is still worth a visit even if you only have one day to spare! To help you make the most of your time, I have compiled the ultimate one-day Vang Vieng itinerary. So, let’s jump into this 24-hour adventure!
Pro Tip: Pack some snacks, food, and water for the day if you do not want to return downtown between itinerary items for breakfast and lunch. However, you should have time to head back for a late lunch before visiting the viewpoint.
Find an in-depth Laos travel guide here that includes tips and tricks for traveling around the country.
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An Epic One-Day Vang Vieng Itinerary
RIDE LIKE THE WIND…
With limited time, the most ideal way to see everything in this one-day Vang Vieng itinerary is to cruise around by motorbike. Vang Vieng is a picturesque little town on the Nam Song River, surrounded by massive mountains, and the best way to see it all is with an unobstructed view via motorbike. If you are a confident driver, you can hop on your own motorbike and venture through the mountains and around the beautiful blue lagoons sparkling in the midday sun. Some roads are unpaved with potholes hiding about so be sure to drive safely, wear a helmet, and be confident in your driving abilities. If you are weary of driving on your own, you can always opt for a taxi or tuk-tuk!
I chose to rent a bike, which cost around 130,000-140,000 Kips per day (around $6 USD). Do not fret when they ask; it is normal to leave your passport as collateral for the rental owners in Vang Vieng. However, I started opting to leave my driver’s license instead because I knew it would be easier to leave behind if necessary for any reason.
Stop #1: Venture to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
Your first stop on the Vang Vieng itinerary is a bit off the beaten path, but it is well worth the adventure and the scenic views along the way. Nestled among lush landscapes and 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 a 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 lush 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: Dip in A Blue Lagoon & Explore a Cave
Obviously, your Vang Vieng itinerary is not complete without experiencing one of its turquoise blue lagoons nestled among the mountains. There are more than six blue lagoons to explore, but with only one day, I recommend one of two options, depending on which cave you want to explore. Due to the mineral-rich water and the depth of some of the caves, the stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years are some of the coolest I have ever seen.
The lagoons and caves are best explored early in the morning to avoid large crowds from tourist groups and vans. Below are two different options for you to choose from, depending on what you consider the best way to spend your day in Vang Vieng.
Option 1: Blue Lagoon 3 & its’ Cave
Blue Lagoon 3 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. The entrance fee is 20,000 Kip. There are 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.
The Blue Lagoon 3 Cave: There is also a cave open for exploration just beyond the lagoon and 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 be sure to turn on your phone light. The paths lead to two swimming holes you can climb into. Personally, I started envisioning some horror film moments and decided to skip the dip in the swimming holes.
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.
Option 2: Blue Lagoon 4 & Hoi Cave
Blue Lagoon 4 is located around 30 minutes or so from the downtown area. This lagoon is usually less crowded, especially in the mornings, and has a small entrance fee of 10,000 Kip. There is a swing, a shorter zipline, tubes, bamboo rafts, etc. available for use. There is the Tham Nam Water Cave which costs an additional 10,000 Kip to explore. It offers some 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. Tours start arriving at this water cave in the late morning, so be sure to arrive before 11 AM.
Hoi 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 pool you can explore before turning around and exiting the cave, but I did not find it.
A headlamp and even 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 do not recommend exploring this cave alone in case you become lost or injured. The entrance to each cave was 10,000 Kip. A headlamp and additional lighting are recommended.
Bonus Option: For those who simply do not vibe well with cave exploration, Blue Lagoon 2 & Tham Chang Cave (Jang Cave) are for you. This cave is well-lit, secured, and one of the most visited by tourists. For more information on this option, check out the “Day 1” itinerary here!
Stop #3: Climb A Viewpoint
The best way to take in the beauty of this town is by climbing atop a viewpoint, making it the next item on the Vang Vieng itinerary. Silver Cliff Upper Viewpoint, Pha Hon Kham Cave Viewpoint, and Nam Xay Viewpoint are just a few of the best ones to climb atop. With only one day for exploring, I recommend the beautiful Nam Xay Viewpoint.
Nam Xay Viewpoint
This spot is the most iconic and Instagrammable viewpoint in Vang Vieng, and for good reason—locals have placed a motorcycle with the Laos flag on the edge of a cliff overlooking the karst limestone mountains. The cliff now has a second bike available on the opposite side of the cliff.
Nam Xay Viewpoint is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM but check with locals for any changes. The hike takes between 30 to 45 minutes straight up, depending on speed, with man-made steps, so be sure to wear the right shoes—some scrambling may be involved. The entrance fee to climb atop is 20,000 Kip.
Note: The viewpoint is closest to Blue Lagoon 2 and 3, about 20-30 minutes by motorbike, depending on the road you take. It is 40-60 minutes from Blue Lagoon 4 and 20-30 minutes from downtown Vang Vieng.
Stop #4: Catch The Sunset
The final stop in this epic Vang Vieng itinerary is to catch a sunset. The sunset here 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 unlike anything else. I recommend finding a balcony or rooftop to watch it from, or perhaps even booking a hot air balloon ride for a view from above.
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 definitely 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)
