The former party town of Vang Vieng in Laos was once notorious on the backpacking circuit for its raucous drunken tubing. However, after multiple drownings, things have changed a lot. Nowadays, Vang Vieng attracts a range of tourists, all searching for adventure and eco-tourism.
From rock climbing to kayaking, hot air ballooning and hiking, and the awesome blue lagoons, this town has a lot to offer travellers. Read on for our ultimate guide on where to stay, the best things to do and where to eat among Laos’ most jaw-dropping scenery…
Vang Vieng, Laos – Backpacking Guide
Vang Vieng Map & Resources
MORE INFO: (opens in new tab)
- 🇱🇦 Laos Travel Guide
- 🎈 Hot Air Ballooning in Vang Vieng
- 🏞️ Nearby places: Luang Prabang | Phonsavan | Sayaboury
- 🧗 Must-do activity: Rock Climbing Course
Best Time to Visit Vang Vieng
Late October to mid-January is the best time to visit Vang Vieng. This is the dry season and there is little rainfall during these months. The days are generally warm but not hot, however, the nights can be a little chilly so it is worth bringing clothes you can layer up.
As Vang Vieng is an adventure destination, it is worth avoiding the wet season which can make trekking to viewpoints and air sports difficult. Some of the hot air ballooning companies offer reduced flights in the low season and may close altogether for some of the period.
Vang Vieng is an agricultural area, so is affected by Southeast Asia’s burning season. Avoid visiting during mid-February to mid-April as this is when the burning tends to be at its worst. Smog and haze can make outdoor activities more taxing and shroud the beautiful views.
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng
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In all honesty, Vang Vieng town leaves a little to be desired. It’s a little rundown and feels like a shadow of its former hedonistic glory. Despite this, the town is still by far the most popular base for travellers, though there are also a few nice options on the road towards the blue lagoons.
Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Rooftop Hostel
Vang Vieng Rock Backpacker Rooftop Hostel, located in the centre of town is a lively traveller hub within walking distance to the many bars and restaurants of Vang Vieng. As well as 24-hour reception and tour bookings, the hostel also has a pool table and is a great place to socialise and meet new people. There are both private options and dorms, with the latter being super cheap. Female-only dorms are also available.
Faraway Suites Guesthouse has both dorm beds with shared bathrooms and private rooms. It’s a little more pricey than surrounding hostels but it’s brand new, very clean and nicely decorated with stunning views of the mountains across the river. The staff are friendly and they can organise adventure tours, laundry and motorbike rental from the main desk. There are a lot of stairs up to the rooms but other than that, it’s a perfect base just a short walk to the main street and many restaurants.
Around a 15-minute walk from town is DD Guesthouse. Known for its friendly owners, they offer clean and comfortable rooms with wonderful views. Get up early to catch the views of the hot air balloons as they float by.
For a unique stay, head to Sabai Glamping Vang Vieng where you can stay in a futuristic dome! The rooms offer breathtaking views of the scenery and the town is only a short walk away. There is a swimming pool on-site and breakfast is included in the room rate.
Lao Valhalla Bungalows
Situated outside of town, this is an ideal place for those looking for a quieter stay in Vang Vieng. The bungalows are clean and comfortable, each with its own balcony. Tours and transport can be arranged on-site and pick-up is offered by the friendly host Nouth at no extra charge. To get around, you can rent a motorcycle or bicycle. Lao Valhalla Bungalows is not on the main booking engines so book via Airbnb or direct.
Perched on the banks of the Nam Song River, this is a great place for those looking to relax in luxury. The colonial French architecture gives the place a warm and cosy feel while still being an easy walk from the main drag. There’s a swimming pool, a well-rated restaurant and a wonderful outside area.
Things to Do in Vang Vieng, Laos
1. Visit the Blue Lagoons of Vang Vieng
One of the best (and cheapest) things to do when in Vang Vieng is to visit the blue lagoons. Blue lagoons 1, 2 and 3 are the most well known but there are now 8 or 9 of them dotted around the area.
Blue Lagoon 1, which has a large tree for jumping off, is the closest to town, making it the most frequently visited. Blue Lagoon 2 is slightly further away meaning there will be fewer crowds, and Blue Lagoon 3 is even further still and therefore attracts those wanting to escape the organised tour crowds. All three lagoons have beautifully cool blue waters, jumping spots and are super cheap to enter.
2. Caving around Vang Vieng
Go deeper underground and visit the many wondrous caves around Vang Vieng, where you can navigate secret corridors and gaze in wonder at the stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years.
From the main cycle trails, you’ll spot intriguing signs pointing down bumpy tracks, indicating the caves in the area. If such a sign is followed, like magic, you will encounter a young guide who knows the routes through the caves like the back of his hand and will guide you through the darkness with a flashlight to appear at the other side, occasionally pointing out huge spiders lurking unseen!
A few of the caves have underground lakes and some open up into impressive lagoons where you can swim. Obtain a map in the town to find out the spots.
3. Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon
Although not strictly a backpacker activity, taking to the skies in a hot air balloon is undoubtedly the thing to do in Vang Vieng. In fact, this tiny riverside town is probably the cheapest place in the whole world to go ballooning!
Flights are offered twice a day during peak season; at sunrise and sunset. The going rate for a 30-minute flight is around $100USD per person, however, this varies by company. There are a few companies which offer flights around town so make sure you do your research when choosing who to fly with so you know what to expect. You can read more about hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng here.
4. Go Paramotoring
Another popular air sport in Vang Vieng, paramotoring is ideal for those short on time or who prefer a faster-paced activity. Sail through the skies with the wind in your hair onboard a motorised buggy. The advantage to choosing this over a balloon is that you can fly at any time of day. Prices start at around $100USD for a 15-minute flight.
5. Rock Climbing with Adam’s Climbing School
Due to the abundance of stunning limestone karst cliffs surrounding the town, rock climbing is one of the most popular things to do in Vang Vieng. Head out on a rock climbing trip and scale the rocks for amazing views over the Laotian countryside. From climbing courses to half and full-day climbs, Adam’s Rock Climbing School is the place to go for a fun and safe adventure that’s excellent value for money. Book your trip here.
6. Ride the Vang Vieng Loop
Rent a motorbike and drive the short loop on the other side of the river. This loop will take you past blue lagoons 1, 2 and 3, through local villages, alongside rice fields and stunning scenery, as well as many viewpoints. The road is mostly tarmac, however, there are sections of dirt track so experience riding a bike is useful. If you are planning on driving this little loop, make sure you leave relatively early in the morning to avoid the blazing heat of the day!
Motorbike rental in the area is around 100,000-250,000 kip for a day and there is also the opportunity to rent bicycles. Once away from the tourist enclave, you can get into the real Laotian countryside, as you pootle over rickety bamboo bridges spanning flowing rivers, watch local farmers at work in the fields and be constantly impressed by the beautiful countryside that surrounds you on all sides.
Many other great motorbike and cycling routes around the town can be tackled in a day from Vang Vieng. Pick up a local map from any bike rental place in town and plan a great day out amidst the gorgeous karst landscape.
7. Hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint
Just after the first blue lagoon is the entrance to Nam Xay Viewpoint – a short but steep climb up to a stunning 360-degree view over the surrounding karsts, farmland and rice fields. You’ve probably seen this viewpoint on Instagram; there is a motorbike perched on the edge – we have no clue how it got there but it makes for a great photo!
Nam Xay is definitely worth a visit, but it is essential that the journey is made early in the morning as even by 10 am it was almost impossible due to the heat! Take a lot of water, prepare to get sweaty, and plan to make a stop at one of the lagoons after for a cool down! (We were there in April-May, which is the hottest time of year!)
If your legs still have a little life in them, make sure you check out these other viewpoints in Vang Vieng too:
- Pha Honekham Viewpoint
- Pha Nguen Viewpoint
- Silver Cliff Viewpoint
8. Take Part in an Adventurous Tour
Kayaking, caving, zip lining and trekking are just a few of the things you can do here, after all, Vang Vieng is the adventure tour capital of Laos! There are a huge number of tour companies to choose from and many offer the same things.
To book, either speak to the staff at your hostel (they normally have a tour partner) or wander around town and pop into the various tour company offices. Here are some companies that were recommended by travellers in the South East Asia Backpacker Facebook community:
- Green Discovery – An eco-tour company with an office in the main town of Vang Vieng that can organise rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, climbing and caving! At their office in town, you will encounter English-speaking guides with great local knowledge of the area.
- VLT Tours – Another company that offers full-day adventure packages in Vang Vieng. They have a package that includes zip lining, kayaking and swimming in one of the blue lagoons. The package includes lunch too. It’s a great way to make the most out of a day in Vang Vieng if you’re short on time.
Some Vang Vieng History: What was Tubing?
Tubing was a backpacking phenomenon that made the sleepy little riverside town of Vang Vieng infamous all over Southeast Asia. For those of you who haven’t heard about it… in short, it was floating down a river in a rubber tyre getting hammered out of your face as you stopped at little bars along the way. There were mud baths, volleyball, happy shakes, potent buckets, soaring zip wires and downright dangerous water slides. However, with many accidents and even deaths due to backpackers being out of control, the Laotian Government clamped down and put a stop to the chaos in 2012. Read more about the end of tubing in Vang Vieng here.
9. Float Down the River in an Inner Tube
Whilst the hedonistic days of tubing are a thing of the past, this is still an activity to do along the Nam Song River, albeit a more sedate experience than it used to be! If you want to go tubing, head to one of the travel agencies in town or ask at your accommodation. The trip costs around 100,000 kip, plus a refundable deposit of another 100,000 kip which is claimed upon return of the tube. You’ll usually be required to sign a waiver (you’ll need your passport number for this).
10. Volunteering
The Sae Lao Project is a local organisation that works to bring education to the inhabitants of the local villages. Join the team of international volunteers to deliver classes and get involved with other community projects. It’s a great way to see the local side of this popular tourist town. You can read more about the Sae Lao Project here.
11. Go to a Jungle Party
The party still lives on (in some places)! There are jungle parties every Friday, at an indoor club with funky sounds; nu disco and experimental, while an outdoor stage plays deep house, tech house and techno.
For more nightlife, check out DK3 and Gary’s Irish Bar where you can spend the day playing table tennis, darts or foosball.
12. Hire a Buggy
Buggies are available for rent all over Vang Vieng and many a hedonistic traveller has enjoyed tearing up the countryside on one of these bad boys. While not the most peaceful way to travel, there is no doubt that the buggies are more suited to the rough roads than bikes! Make sure to wear a buff or mouth covering as the back roads are super dusty!
Food and Drink in Vang Vieng
Methanol Poisoning
In 2024, Vang Vieng sadly hit the headlines when a group of backpackers tragically died after drinking alcohol tainted with methanol. The deaths resulted in the closure of popular party hostel Nana Backpackers, where some of the travellers had been staying and had received free shots. To stay safe, always buy alcohol from reputable bars, restaurants or shops, and avoid unsealed or homemade spirits. Be especially cautious when offered free or extremely cheap drinks, as these can sometimes contain lower-quality spirits. We urge you to remember that methanol poisoning isn’t a problem exclusive to Laos and can happen anywhere, particularly in poorer countries. If you or someone you’re with experiences any unusual symptoms after drinking, seek medical help immediately.
Every evening, Vang Vieng Walking Street comes alive with street vendors selling elephant print dresses and local handicrafts, as well as cheap noodle dishes and fruit shakes. Visit here to grab some souvenirs or sit on the pavement tables for dinner.
Taking centre stage in the little town of Vang Vieng, the somewhat confusingly named Luang Prabang Bakery boasts a wide array of delicious-looking cakes, pastries and cookies to entice backpackers and holidaymakers alike to satisfy their sweet cravings. Not only does it offer baked goods, but it also has a restaurant with a big menu full of breakfast and lunchtime meals. It’s a little pricey, but the portions are ginormous which makes it totally worth it! The Banana and Chocolate Pancake is the size of a dinner plate, whilst the sandwiches are at least a foot long!
For something a bit more local, try Chantheo’s Restaurant. As well as rice, noodle and soup dishes, this restaurant serves some mouth-watering grilled food! Choose from pork (belly as well as the more adventurous organs), duck or chicken and add some sticky rice––it even comes with a platter of greens. It might not be the most tourist-minded restaurant but it’s always busy with locals and that’s good enough for us!
Golden Bamboo Restaurant is a great option for veggies and vegans who flock here for the excellent falafel and hummus. The menu is small (always a good sign) and they serve mostly Asian cuisine, however, there are Western options too.
In Vang Vieng, if not basically everywhere in Laos, you can’t walk more than five minutes without coming across a sandwich stall. The country’s history of French colonisation has resulted in some very good bread (!), which is a rare, and normally an expensive find in many Asian countries but not in Laos! Stop at one of these for delicious and fresh sandwiches, costing as little as £1/under $2 and made with just about any filling you could want! A must-try in Laos.
Getting Around Vang Vieng
Many of Vang Vieng’s main attractions are located quite far out of town so the best way to explore is by motorcycle. These are available to rent all over town and cost between 100,000-250,000 kip per day depending on the model chosen. Alternatively, if you’d rather not ride a motorcycle, there are also buggy and bicycles available.
How to Get to Vang Vieng
From Luang Prabang…
From Luang Prabang it’s a 5-6 hour bus ride south, passing through winding roads through beautiful countryside. Air-conditioned minibuses cost from 300,000 Laos kip (including pick up from your hostel) and take around 5.5 hours.
The quickest way to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is to hop onboard the Laos-China Railway. Book your tickets up to 3 days in advance and make sure you allow enough time to travel to the station, which is located around 30 minutes from Luang Prabang proper. Tickets will cost around 160,000 kip (approx. $8USD) and the journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Read more about travelling through Laos by train here.
From Vientiane…
From Vientiane, it’s a 4-5 hour bus trip north to Vang Vieng. Many buses are leaving throughout the day as this is a popular route. The roads are relatively bumpy and don’t forget snacks because there aren’t any stops for food, although there is a stop about halfway through for a toilet break and to swap onto a second minibus, so the drivers don’t have to make the entire journey! Air-conditioned minibuses also run frequently between Vientiane and Vang Vieng and cost from 160,000 kip. The journey is bumpy and takes around 4-5 hours.
Onboard the LCR, the journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes around 1-1.5 hours and costs around 170000 kip (approx. $8USD). Make sure to account for journey time to and from both train stations, which are located on the outskirts of town.
Where to Go Next:
- Vientiane: The capital of Laos, Vientiane, is a three-hour bus journey towards the Thai border. Spend a couple of days here getting acquainted with the city, visiting Buddha Park and learning about Laos’s recent history at the COPE Visitor Centre.
- Luang Prabang: The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is around an eight-hour bus journey north or a short hop on the new Laos-China Railway. Head here for colonial architecture, night markets and excellent pastries.
- Luang Namtha: Jungle treks and dramatic landscapes await in this adventurer’s paradise in Northern Laos. Still overlooked by most visitors, it offers a great peek into traditional Laotian life.
Will & Ellie | Tapp and Bear Travel
Will and Ellie are the UK travel bloggers behind Tapp and Bear Travel. Originally from Devon and The Cotswolds, they both graduated from Falmouth University with degrees in Marine and Natural History Photography and set off on the adventure of a lifetime!