Vang Vieng

Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Catch a local from Da Laat Sao, a local market in Vientiane. You can also catch a Thavonsouk Bus Company or Malany Bus Company ride, setting you back 60,000 Kip with a 4 hour travel time. It’s pretty easy to book your tickets through local people in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

You can catch a minibus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng daily at 9 am or 2 pm or hop aboard the VIP bus which departs at 9:30 am. The ride takes around 6 hours or so and will drop you at the Northern Bus Station. You’ll need to hop a short Tuk Tuk ride to get into town, which should cost you 10,000 Kip or so.

Tham Nam

Tham Nam is the highlight of the cluster of caves north of Vang Vieng. The cave is about 500m long and a tributary of the Nam Song flows out of its low entrance.

Tham Loup

Tham Loup, located a few kilometers north of Vang Vieng, is a large and delightfully untouched cavern with some impressive stalactites.

Tham Sang

Tham Sang, located a few kilometers north of Vang Vieng, is a small cavern containing a few Buddha images and a Buddha ‘footprint’, plus the (vaguely) elephant-shaped stalactite that gives the cave its name. It’s best visited in the morning when light enters the cave.

Wat Si Vieng Song

Located at the northern end of town, Wat Si Vieng Song is an active Buddhist temple.

Wat Si Suman

One of a handful of Buddhist temples in Vang Vieng.

Wat Kang

A Buddhist temple in Vang Vieng.

Silver Naga Hotel

The Silver Naga Hotel is home to Yoga in Vang Vieng, which offers two classes daily in the studio on the second floor. An infinity pool surrounded by lounge chairs and hammocks has a front-row view to the Nam Song and karst mountains.

The Elephant Crossing Hotel

The Elephant Crossing Hotel in Vang Vieng has 31 guest rooms and is partners with the Silver Naga Hotel. The riverside bar has a buy-one-get-one-free happy hour each night and great views of the boats coming down the river.

Amari Vang Vieng

Amari Vang Vieng, run by Thailand’s Onyx Hospitality Group is brand new to Laos as of 2017. Two other Amari hotels are set to open in Vientiane and Pakse in 2020.

Tubing

Even with the bars closed, I’m sure tubing down the Nam Song will remain a popular activity (although much less popular than before); 50,000 Kip for a tube and 60,000 for the deposit.

Rock Climbing

Hire a guide and rent equipment from one of several rock-climbing schools such as Adam’s Climbing School and drive the short distance to one of two locations where routes from novice to expert have been anchored to the limestone karst by European and Lao climbers.

Kayaking

Rent a single or double kayak and choose your pace. Paddling is hardly necessary as you float with the current down the Nam Song. Kayak rentals are available through any of the dozens of tour operators around town or can be booked through your guest house.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Waking up before dawn is worth the spectacular views of the mist over the mountains and river from the basket of a hot air balloon. This silent and majestic form of transportation offers breathtaking views. Vang Vieng Tours offers several flights per day, but the tours fill up quickly so booking in advance is recommended.

Caving

Tham Sang Triangle — four caves in walking distance of one another 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Vang Vieng — is easily accessible by bicycle or tuk-tuk and can be part of a half- or full-day tourist package.

Tham Mada

The name here means 'normal', but there are lots that's unusual about this place. The menu some of the better Thai-Lao food in town.

Breakfast Vendors

Many breakfast vendors serve basic but tasty Lao dishes, from noodles to rice porridge. One of the relatively few places in town to get real Lao food.

Sia Po

To eat with the locals, head to this open-air Lao place. The menu on the wall spans pounded salads, soups, and grilled dishes, or you can simply point to whatever looks good on the grill.

Restaurant du Crabe d'Or

Set on the tasteful grounds of the Riverside Boutique Resort. The restaurant serves Western and Lao dishes, all delivered with panache.

Viman Vang Vieng

Boasts an unlikely combo of Thai and German food, with schnitzel and bratwurst alongside curry and pad thai on the lengthy, wandering menu.

Smile Beach Bar

This riverside bar is a slice of the old Vang Vieng before the buggies took over.

Earth

Made from driftwood and clay, this artsy hillside bar-restaurant pipes out fine-tunes to match the ambiance with live music nightly from 7 pm. Located at the northern end of town; look for the glowing green sign.

Jungle Project

Gary's Irish Bar

One of the best bars in town is a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, live music, free pool and cheap grub like homemade pies, burgers and Lao fare (mains 39,000K to 49,000K). The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the area.

Sakura Bar

At the time of writing, Sakura was one of the most popular bars in Vang Vieng with the largest crowds and loudest music.

Heartbeat Pub

For a night out with more of a Lao flavor, head to this big beer garden and nightclub about 2km north of town.