Our Top 5 Vang Vieng Activities

Vang Vieng is a small town along Laos’ highway 13 which connects the more popular destinations of Luang Prabang and the country’s capital Vientiane. What used to be a simple rural town accessible only by local buses through rough roads has now evolved into one of the major stops in the ever-growing Southeast Asian backpackers trail.

Photo: The sun sets over the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos.  Courtesy of Miranda Siu

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Vang Vieng is the Nam Song River, where travellers can ride the gentle currents on inner tubes, with numerous bars along the banks to drink some more and meet fellow wondering nomads. The thrillseekers can ride giant swings and ziplines down to the water devoid of lifejackets or any kind of safety precautions. Both alcohol and accommodation in Vang Vieng are cheap, and the availability of other ‘substances’ (albeit illegally) are just a few more reasons why the place attracts thousands of free-spirited backpackers each year.

As appealing as the whole experience sounds, many travellers fail to discover that Vang Vieng has so much more to offer than friendly Beerlao by the river. There are many other things to see and do in Vang Vieng, and travellers looking to experience Laos’ more serene countryside and spectacular natural sites will not be disappointed.

Caves of Wonder

Not to be missed in Vang Vieng are its cave formations. The most famous caves are Tham Xang (Elephant cave), an important Buddhist temple, and Tham Hoi (Snail cave), which winds itself deep into the heart of the mountain. Tham Chang is well worth the visit - an extensive network high up in the mountains.  One way to explore these caves is through the Discover Vang Vieng tour, which also provides an immersion into Vang Vieng’s peaceful farm life.

Natural Pools of Eden

Apart from the famous “Blue Lagoon” near Phu Kham Cave which is a site to see on its own, there are many other secret spots in Vang Vieng waiting to be discovered. The Secret Eden tours, whether you take the One Day Trek or the 2 Day Trek, will take you to places deep in the heart of the countryside that many tourists and even locals don’t know about. These scenic treks take you to natural swimming pools where you can relax before embarking on the rest of your journey.

Trekking and Cycling

Vang Vieng is a haven for adventure seekers. Blessed with natural rock and limestone formations, companies like Green Discovery have developed Vang Vieng into a great destination for exploring - and a great way to do this is via a Vang Vieng trekking tour.

For those tired of the usual tuk-tuks and bumpy bus rides, one may opt to get around by bicycle. A bike tour of Vang Vieng is a great way to encounter the countryside more up close and personal, plus it weighs a lot less on the environment. The cycling tour takes you to Vang Vieng’s neighbouring villages and caves.

Vang Vieng Organic Farm

Three kilometres north of the town in the village of Phoudindaeng is the famous Vang Vieng Organic Farm. Founded in 1996 by a Lao man named Thanongsi Sorangkoun, his goal was to introduce more sustainable methods of farming to the region at a time when deforestation was becoming a major problem. The farm has since evolved into a community development project that provides local employment and education for the people of Vang Vieng. Today visitors are welcomed and educated about the production of organic fruits, vegetables, mulberry growing, silk production, poultry and goat’s cheese. Foreigners are also given the opportunity to work in the farms as volunteer English teachers for its Youth development programs. With accommodation and a great restaurant also available, a visit to the Vang Vieng Organic Farm provides a holistically rewarding experience that improves the quality of life of not just the traveller, but more importantly, the people of the village.

So if you’re embarking on an epic holiday in Laos, never forget to include Vang Vieng in your itinerary. There are several Vang Vieng hotels and guesthouses to choose from, and on top of all the fun you are sure to have partying by the river, keep in mind that there are also amazing landscapes, outdoor adventures, and local villages—the real Vang Vieng— just waiting to be discovered.