Tubing is definitely a much more enjoyable experience now that the drugs and excessive partying are gone. Rent a tube, get taken to the top of the river, and then float lazily back to town. Rentals cost around 55,000 LAK ($6.35 USD), which includes transportation to the starting point.
One of the most popular and most accessible caves in Vang Vieng is the Golden Cave (Tham Phu Kham) at the Blue Lagoon. Inside, there’s an aquamarine lagoon where you can cool off with a swim. The Tham Chang Cave is another option, reached via an orange suspension bridge and a steep staircase behind the Vang Vieng Resort.
ATVs and dirt bikes are really popular here. There are plenty of well-marked trails for off-roading fun. Prices will vary depending on what you rent and whether or not you are on a tour. For hourly rentals, expect to pay around 70,000 LAK ($8 USD) for an ATV.
While it does tend to get crowded, the lagoon is a quick trip via tuk-tuk, and you can explore the lagoon’s cave too. Plus, it’s fun to watch people conquer their nerves as they jump from the highest branch of the tree hanging over the lagoon. The entry fee is 15,000 LAK ($1.75 USD).
Hot air balloon rides are offered during the dry season. Rides usually last about 45 minutes, and it is one of the best ways to take in the mountainous scenery around Vang Vieng. Expect to pay at least 735,505 LAK ($85 USD). You can book directly through Balloons Over Vang Vieng or through a third-party company like Wonderful Tours.
There are lots of accommodation options in Vang Vieng, and some hostels even come with pools or epic views of the mountains. Our suggested places are:
It’s very easy for you to get around Vang Vieng on foot. The town is small, and if you’re here for adventure activities, transportation is likely included in your tour ticket.
Bicycle – Bicycles are a great way to navigate Vang Vieng and its neighboring areas. It’s possible to rent a bicycle at lots of different shops in town, and sometimes at your accommodations. Regular bicycles are available for around 20,000 LAK ($2.30 USD) per day, while mountain bikes are from about 30,000 LAK ($3.45 USD) per day.
Motorcycles – At many of the bicycle rental shops you’ll also find motorcycle rentals. Rentals are from 50,000-70,000 LAK ($5.75-8 USD) per day.
Tuk-Tuks – There are some tuk-tuks around town, and 10,000 LAK ($1.15 USD) will be enough to get you anywhere you need to go. A full-day hire will cost about 130,000 LAK ($15 USD). If you want to get beyond Vang Vieng (like to the cave sites), you can hire a tuk-tuk from the old market for about 86,795 LAK ($10 USD) per trip.
ATV – Want to do some off-roading? Rent an ATV! It’s one of the best ways to see the stunning countryside around Vang Vieng. Prices will vary depending on what you rent, but for hourly rentals expect to pay around 70,000 LAK ($8 USD).
Between November to March is the best time to visit Vang Vieng. This is when the area’s weather is consistently warm and dry, and if you’re here primarily to do adventure activities, this kind of climate is perfect. Temperatures are quite cool if you’re spending most of your time in the mountains. In the city itself, the average daily temperature is 77°F (25°C). This is the busiest time of year as well, so you can expect higher prices and bigger crowds.
March to May tends to be the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C). Humidity is high as well. July and August are popular months to visit Vang Vieng for European and South American travelers making the most of their holidays.
The rainiest times of year are September and October. This isn’t great for adventure activities as the area may experience flooding, and the thick mud makes it difficult to get around. Plus, if you want to get out into the mountains, there’s a higher risk for landslides.
Vang Vieng is a very safe place to backpack and travel. Since the government shut down most of the party tubing scene, safety has drastically improved. The town also doesn’t have the same amount of tourist traffic anymore, so petty crimes like pickpocketing are also rare (but by no means unlikely).
In addition, you have to follow health regulations during Covid-19. You should wear a mask and wash your hands when visiting crowded places.
Prepare a suitable packing list for your Vang Vieng tour:.
+ Clothes and personal items: shorts, swimsuit (modest), T-shirts, flip-flops, sneakers, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, toiletries… Some warm clothes should be packed if you travel in December and January when the weather can be cooler, especially in the early morning and late afternoon;
+ Small medical kit: band-aid, earplugs, hand sanitizer, antibacterial cream…
+ Miscellaneous: plastic bags (great for laundry), universal charger/adapter (the standard electrical current used in Laos is 220 volts), water bottle with a purifier…
What a wonderful escape plan for you to do during your holiday! Just pack your luggage and we will take care of the rest of the journey!
Lux Travel DMC has just turned 15 years old in the travel industry sector within Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. With the prior experience from the young staff, we believe that this will be helpful for you when planning your holiday to Southeast Asia.
Let us be a part of your memorable trip to Southeast Asia!
If you are interested in Vang Vieng Tours, you may send us an email at [email protected]