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Home Travel Food & Drink

5 Places to Visit in Vang Vieng That Aren’t the Blue Lagoon

Because Vang Vieng is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers! Read on for what to do in Vang Vieng and where to stay in Vang Vieng

by Flo
September 10, 2016 - Updated on December 25, 2020
in Food & Drink, Travel
64
Vang Vieng landscape in Laos
Blue swimming hole in Vang Vieng Laos with text overlay Woman at mountain viewpoint in Vang Vieng Laos with text overlay Woman in swimming pool with view of mountains in Vang Vieng Laos with text overlay Waterfall in Vang Vieng Laos with text overlay

Vang Vieng is one of the best places to visit in Laos, but before Vang Vieng became a hub for adventure and outdoor sports it was famous for hosting drunken tubing excursions down the river. After a government crackdown led to the riverside bars being shut down, the town has worked on rebranding itself (although you will still be able to join bar crawls a few nights a week!); places like Yoga in Vang Vieng have opened up and the focus has been shifted to promoting the incredible natural caves, waterfalls and lagoons in the area. Believe me when I say that there are a plethora of beautiful places to visit and exciting things to do in Vang Vieng!

Vang Vieng rice paddies on the way to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall

The most well known hot spot in Vang Vieng is the “Blue Lagoon”, a swimming spot famous for its aquamarine water…except much like the Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, it is not so blue during rainy season from June to August.

Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon 1 during rainy season

It also tends to be extremely crowded (and isn’t even the only blue-coloured lagoon in the area – there are more than 3 that are all named “The Blue Lagoon”!), which is why you need to know about some of your other options for amazing places to visit in Vang Vieng, especially if you are visiting during the off-peak season. You can also read this article on 14 things you should do in Vang Vieng!

Things to know before you visit Vang Vieng in Laos

Laos Visa On Arrival form
  • You can get to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang or Vientiane. It is possible to apply for a visa on arrival in Laos at both airports for most nationalities – bring 1 passport photo and US dollars for the application fee, though they might also accept Thai Baht. The Laos visa-on-arrival fee varies between about 30 USD to 40 USD depending on your nationality (+1 USD for the visa service fee), and in general the Laos tourist visa is good for 30 days.
  • You can get a local Laos SIM card at the airport for cheap, and internet connectivity is surprisingly strong.
  • Before you travel to Vang Vieng in Laos, make sure you download these maps to your phone from Hobo Maps: Vang Vieng town map, Vang Vieng area map & Vang Vieng north map. Most places in town will sell hard copies of these maps of Vang Vieng but you can access them for free online.
  • The currency is the Lao Kip, and the exchange rate varies from approximately 8000-8600 LAK: 1 USD. There are plenty of places to exchange money in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng itself, and there are also ATMs where you can withdraw money.
  • Vang Vieng is a fairly small town but has plenty of restaurant options and minimarts where you can find most of what you need.
  • The best time to visit Vang Vieng is from around October to March (you can even go hot air ballooning over Vang Vieng during this season). The summer months can be miserable with torrential downpour, but it does mean that the rice paddies are lush and beautiful to photograph during this season! If you are hoping to go tubing or kayaking you will want to avoid visiting during the thick of rainy season as the Nam Song River becomes very rough.

Looking for more Southeast Asia travel tips? Click here for 10 things you should know before you visit Southeast Asia!

Where to stay in Vang Vieng

Inthira Vang Vieng Laos

Inthira Vang Vieng is a new boutique hotel in town that offers beautiful rooms with a view oerlooking the Nam Song. But that’s not all – the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, the bathrooms are fantastic with wonderful water pressure and the staff always go out of their way to help and make your stay more enjoyable. They can book everything for you, from a tuk tuk to transportation to Vientiane or Luang Prabang and even your day trips or hot air balloon ride.

Inthira Vang Vieng Laos

Make sure you budget some time to lay by the pool and enjoy a delicious cocktail or two while you watch the sun go down! If you are looking for a more upscale and modern hotel in Vang Vieng, click here to see current rates at Inthira Vang Vieng. The attention to detail and level of hospitality was outstanding, and I highly recommend staying at Inthira Vang Vieng; Inthira also has a hotel in Thakhek, south of Vientiane, if you are headed that way.

Vang Vieng Nam Song River Silver Naga

The Silver Naga Hotel also sits right on the Nam Song River and has a variety of room options, an infinity pool and is home to Yoga in Vang Vang. I would recommend the pool view rooms with a balcony so you can watch the sun go down behind the mountains. Click here to book your stay at the Silver Naga Hotel!

If you’re on a budget but still want the great view, check out the Silver Naga’s sister hotel just down the road, the Elephant Crossing Hotel. They also offer a sunset happy hour on the deck! Click here to book your stay at the Elephant Crossing Hotel!

How to get to Vang Vieng

VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Getting to/from Vang Vieng is relatively painless if everything goes to plan. You can take a large bus (AKA “VIP bus”) or minivan from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, or you can take a bus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Buses run from Vientiane (drive takes ~4 hours) and Luang Prabang (drive takes ~5-7 hours) every day. You can ask your hotel to book your bus ticket, or head to one of the many travel agencies in town to purchase your ticket yourself. The prices are fairly comparable across the board – approximately 120,000 Kip. You can also hire a private van for approximately 120 USD each way if you prefer a more comfortable journey.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng bus schedule

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng bus tickets

Visiting Luang Prabang before or after Vang Vieng? Head on over here for 9 of the best things to do in Luang Prabang (and what you might want to skip!)

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang and Vientiane bus schedule

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang and Vientiane bus tickets

The VIP bus is not as luxurious as the name might suggest, but it ain’t that bad either. The bus makes a few stops midway for a toilet and food break, but you’ll want to make sure that you go to the bathroom before you hop on. However, things can go sideways if the bus breaks down – during our last trip, the bus broke down 3 times and our 6-hour bus ride turned into the 13-hour journey from hell.

VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

I have not taken the shared minivans in Laos, but from what I hear they are packed like sardines and can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you are prone to motion sickness – your best bet is to stick to the VIP buses. The upside of taking a minivan is that it can travel along the “new road” between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang and the journey time is slightly shorter.

VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

The buses travel along fairly windy roads and the bus journey can take an extra hour longer when it rains, so pop a Dramamine tablet before you hop on. Buy your ticket at the local bus depot or from one of the many tour agencies around town.

Vang Vieng bus ticket prices

Once you arrive in Vang Vieng, you can hop in a shared tuk tuk to get to your hotel for about 20,000 Kip per person.

How to get around Vang Vieng

Tuk tuks in Vang Vieng Laos

You can easily get around Vang Vieng town on foot, but if you’re hoping to get over to the rice paddies, blue lagoons and waterfall then you’ll want to rent a bicycle or scooter. Alternatively, you can also rent a UTV, which looks like a desert buggy. We rented from this small bicycle shop across the street from Cafe Eh Eh.

Bicycle rental in Vang Vieng

There are lots of tuk tuks that are available for hire – just make sure you agree on a price before you hop in. We paid approximately 250,000 Kip to rent a tuk tuk for 6 hours and organized this in advance via the hotel.

Unmissable places to visit in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Laos drone photo

1. Kaeng Nyui Waterfall

After being slightly disappointed that I wasn’t able to swim at Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, I quickly Googled whether there was a waterfall in Vang Vieng I could frolic in. I was still slightly skeptical about visiting Kaeng Nyui Waterfall just 1 week later – during rainy season.

Kaeng Kyui Waterfall in Vang Vieng Laos

Kaeng Nyui is a super scenic 20-25 minute drive away from the center of town on the east side of Vang Vieng. While Kuang Si was roaring during rainy season, Kaeng Nyui was at its best (it tends to be a trickle during the dry season) with the heavy rain flow that we experienced the days leading up to the visit.

A leisurely 5 minute walk later, you reach the first of several smaller waterfalls which you can also swim in.

Vang Vieng Kaeng Nyui Waterfall 2
Vang Vieng Kaeng Nyui Waterfall 3

Keep walking for another 10 minutes and you will reach the Kaeng Nyui Waterfall where you can marvel at the water rushing down the 30-meter drop. The crystal clear water collects at the base where you can spend a few hours frolicking. Entry costs 10,000 Kip.

Looking for more travel tips on visiting Laos? Head on over here!

2. Phangern Mountain Viewpoint

Vang Vieng View from Phangern Mountain 3

Looking for an amazing Vang Vieng viewpoint? Head to Phangern Mountain – hiking to the top is one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng. The entrance for Phangern Mountain can be a little difficult to spot. From Vang Vieng town, cross the wooden bridge (you have to pay a toll, prices vary depending on what type of vehicle you have) and head west.

Vang Vieng Phangern Mountain 2

About 3 KMs in, you will see a large blue wooden sign on the right for “Primary School Phone Ngeun Village”. Turn right down this path and keep driving around 200 meters to get to the starting point of the hike. The hike up is not well paved so you will need to wear proper shoes. There are signs that say the hike takes approximately 20 minutes, but it took us closer to 40-45 minutes each way with plenty of breaks – it was HOT!

Vang Vieng View from Phangern Mountain 2

There are two viewpoints at Phangern – once you’ve reached the first one, keep walking and follow a set of steps up to the summit where you are greeted with 1) a snack stand with icy cold beverages, and 2) panoramic views across the rice paddies and Avatar-like mountains. Honestly, I wanted to shoot myself half way up the mountain as it is not an easy hike (and I do not enjoy hiking), but the views made the trip worth it! Entry costs 10,000 Kip. Tell the tuk tuk driver that you want to go to “Phangern”, “Pha Ngern” or “Phangeun” viewpoint – they’ll know what you’re referring to.

3. Nam Xay Viewpoint

Nam Xay Viewpoint in Vang Vieng Laos

If you ask someone where the best viewpoint in Vang Vieng is, you’ll get a number of differing opinions: Nam Xay viewpoint is another stunning place to check out Vang Vieng from above. In comparison to the Phangern hike, Nam Xay is slghtly easier and shorter and will only take you approximately 20-25 minutes to get to the top. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views.

Nam Xay Viewpoint in Vang Vieng Laos

Though the hike starts out well paved, towards the end you will need to crawl on all fours up boulders and rocks. Be careful where you step as the path can be very muddy and slippery.

Nam Xay Viewpoint in Vang Vieng Laos

Entry costs 10,000 Kip. Tell the tuk tuk driver that you want to go to “Nam Sai” viewpoint, or tell him to drive towards Blue Lagoon 1 and take a left at the fork in the road instead of the path on the right which will lead you to the lagoon.

4. Tham Jang/Chang Cave

Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave 2

Vang Vieng is home to dozens of caves – some spectacular, some not so much. If you only visit one cave while you are in Vang Vieng, make it this one! It is well known for its history as a bunker during an invasion in the 19th century, but many people skip it and visit the Tham Phu Kham Cave next to the Blue Lagoon instead.

It’s extremely easy to get to and will take just 10 minutes on a bicycle from Vang Vieng town. To get to Tham Jang Cave, head south from Vang Vieng town until you get to a fork in the road where you will see a sign for Jamee Guesthouse (KA272 on this map). Turn right down the dirt road and keep going until you reach the gate for Vang Vieng Resort. You’ll have to pay a small entry fee here to get in. Keep going until you see an orange bridge (it has since been repainted blue) and park your bike.

Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave 6

Cross the bridge and turn left, and the entrance to the cave will be about 200 meters ahead. Entry is 15,000 Kip, but also grants access to a small Vang Vieng viewpoint here. Granted, the view is not remotely as picturesque as wall-to-wall rice paddies from the top of Phangern Mountain, but it’s still very beautiful (and much easier to get to).

Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave Viewpoint 1

Once you are in the cave, the temperature drops significantly (a welcome change in the summer months) and you can wander around and explore the cave to your heart’s content. Unlike some of the other caves, Tham Jang is actually paved inside and well-lit.

Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave 3

Another bonus: there is also a blue lagoon here that you can swim in! Head there in the morning to beat the crowds during peak season. No entry fee!

Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave 5
Vang Vieng Tham Jang Cave 4

Looking for even more things to do in Vang Vieng? Head on over here for 14 must-do’s in the adventure capital of Laos!

5. Blue Lagoon 3

Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng Laos

Ok, ok, so I know this list is supposed to include places in Vang Vieng that AREN’T the Blue Lagoon, but Blue Lagoon 3 deserves a spot because it is nowhere near as crowded or busy as Blue Lagoon 1. It is approximately an hour away from town by tuk tuk, but during the peak season the water is beautiful and offers far few tourists as well as a number of fun swings and zip lines.

Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng Laos

If you only have time to visit 1 blue lagoon in Vang Vieng, make it this one! Entry costs 10,000 Kip and you can buy beer and snacks onsite.

Read more about the different blue lagoons in Vang Vieng here, including the differences between them and why I love Blue Lagoon 3!

Where to eat and drink in Vang Vieng

Where to eat in Vang Vieng sandwiches

There are plenty of restaurants in Vang Vieng to choose from. Here are some of the best places to check out.

Il Tavolo: When my friend told me there was an amazing Italian restaurant in Vang Vieng, I thought to myself, “yeah mm hmm okay sure.” That is until I tried the food at Il Tavolo. It is run by an Italian father-son duo and the food is as authentic as some of the best meals that we’ve had in Italy. Come and try their amazing wood-fired pizza and incredible arrabiata.

Chaleun: A laid-back local restaurant with almost every possible dish on the menu. Try the chicken satay, morning glory and pad thai. Oh and did I mention your meal comes with a free fruit shake?

Cafe eh eh: A small Australian-owned coffee shop next to the Elephant Crossing Hotel. Good coffee at reasonable prices, try the homemade kombucha as well!

Gary’s Irish Bar: Every town has an Irish pub, and Vang Vieng in Laos is no exception! Decent food (try the fish and chips) and good service with a quiet 2nd floor terrace. They also have a ping pong table if that’s your thing.

Mama Sababa Organic Restaurant: A lovely little family-run restaurant next to Cafe eh eh. Try their pad thai!

Where to eat in Vang Vieng 2

And don’t forget about the dozens of sandwich and fruit shake roadside stalls! My favorite sandwich lady is right next to the Elephant Crossing Hotel/Cafe eh eh. $3 for a loaded sandwich in a baguette bun? Yes please!

Where to eat in Vang Vieng 1

There are plenty of accommodation options in Vang Vieng, from hostels to boutique hotels. If you want a perfect view of the Nam Song River and karst mountains then I recommend staying at Inthira Vang Vieng, the Silver Naga Hotel or the Elephant Crossing Hotel. All three hotels are located in the heart of Vang Vieng town.

Told you there were great things to do in Vang Vieng besides the Blue Lagoon! Have you visited Vang Vieng in Laos? Tell me all about your stay in the comments section below!

You might also enjoy these guides:

  • Here are some of the top things to do in Vang Vieng for adventure lovers
  • Heading to one of the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng? Here are my thoughts on Blue Lagoon 1, 2 and 3
  • Read this first if you’re planning to visit Luang Prabang before or after your time in Vang Vieng

Pin this for later!

My stay at Inthira Vang Vieng was hosted; however, no compensation was received for the review, and as always, the opinions on Yogawinetravel.com are (and always will be) my own! I only recommend products, services and hotels that I have had positive personal experiences with. This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links!

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Comments 64

  1. Soraya says:
    4 years ago

    Stunning! I have only been to Luang Prabang and fell in love with Laos. I have yet to explore more of this country. Your photos are incredible! Phangern Viewpoint looks absolutely stunning – that view…wow! I can’t believe there are several places called Blue Lagoon – that must cause a lot of confusion! Thanks for sharing, I am saving this for my next trip to Laos!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Laos has completely and utterly blown my mind! The people are amazing and the culture is so rich. I will definitely be back! It’s hilarious that there’s a Blue Lagoon I, II and III haha. But my favorite swimming spot is definitely at Tham Jang Cave!

      Reply
  2. Rachael says:
    4 years ago

    Wow! Vang Vieng looks beautiful! I would love to get to Laos. It seems like one of those countries that is still not overrun with tourists.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Oh Rachel, you have to visit Laos! It has completely blown my mind – it has waterfalls, rice paddies, temples galore, amazing people and an incredibly rich culture!

      Reply
  3. Hannah says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks so much for sharing this, I am hoping to make it to Laos next summer, eek! This past 2 years we have been able to take 3-4 weeks off and travel, so I am hoping we get to do this again next year and I plan to hit up Laos & Thailand…how long would you recommend to spend in Laos?

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Oh wow Hannah! That sounds like such a fun trip. I would say it depends on how much ground you want to cover – I was teaching for a month so didn’t travel down south to Pakse and the islands. If you’re hoping to hit up the main towns then I would say 2 weeks in Luang Prabang/Vang Vieng/Vientiane and perhaps Pakse would be good!

      Reply
  4. Danielle says:
    4 years ago

    This place looks absolutely stunning! I’d only ever thought of the area of that tubing, partying, crazy-house. So glad to see that they have found a new way to attract us backpackers! And that blue lagoon you pictured, next to the cave, looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Danielle you definitely have to visit! There are still lots of bars around but I’m glad they diversified!

      Reply
  5. Gina says:
    4 years ago

    This guide is incredible and I will definitely be using it! I’m book marking it for later. Even during the rainy season Kaeng Nyui Waterfall looks incredible! Tham Jang is definitely on my radar for early morning of no crowds, incredible pictures and perfect scenery!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Gina you have to visit Tham Jang! It’s seriously awesome – when we went a few days ago there was noone in the swimming hole except for 12 child monks – none of them could have been over 12, 13 years old. We waited for them to finish playing and leave before we got in (we had bikinis on). It was really lovey to hear the sound of their laughter!

      Reply
  6. bee says:
    4 years ago

    I would definitely love the waterfall and the cave

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s a fantastic place!

      Reply
  7. Allison says:
    4 years ago

    What a fantastically detailed post. I love the waterfall and of course the ‘blue’ lagoon. This posts makes me want to jump on a plane to Laos immediately!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Oh Allison it’s such a great country to visit! Thanks for taking the time to read my article!

      Reply
  8. HappyPlaceHunters says:
    4 years ago

    Never realised just how gorgeous Laos is, your photos look amazing – it looks so green and lush! And that cave looks epic, like something straight out of The Goonies. Will be adding it to my ever-growing travel wish list!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It is more than anything I ever imagined! Definitely add it to your travel bucket list 🙂

      Reply
  9. Courtney says:
    4 years ago

    ‘Yes I am Pancake’ gave me a chuckle – haha! Vang Vieng looks like an incredible place to visit 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Haha just make sure you ask for no butter as they tend to cook with oil AND butter so it’s super greasy!

      Reply
  10. Kristen says:
    4 years ago

    Laos looks amazing! I have never been, but I sure would love to go there someday. Your photos really inspired me to add it to my travel bucketlist. And what a great post! You have so much helpful information. I will have you talk to you whenever I am able to plan a trip over there 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Kristen! Vang Vieng is seriously amazing – in fact, Laos has completely blown my mind!

      Reply
  11. Ricarda Christina Hollweg says:
    4 years ago

    Your blog post was a great inspiration to me. I’m thinking about going to Laos soon and am looking for some inspiration beyond Luang Prabang.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thank you so much Ricarda! Laos is so amazing – I hear great things about the south as well. Hope your trip goes well!

      Reply
  12. Ann says:
    4 years ago

    The times I went through Vang Vieng the drunken tubing was at its peak but outside of the centre there were so many amazing and mostly deserted things to explore. We went to these caves as well as some others another amazing cave that was an army hospital. It’s an amazing area to explore.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Isn’t it just? For such a small town there is so much to see and do! And it’s right between Luang Prabang and Vientiane which makes it the perfect spot to stop for a few days!

      Reply
  13. Tara @ ShataraTravel says:
    4 years ago

    What a great and comprehensive guide!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for checking this out Tara!

      Reply
  14. Ferna says:
    4 years ago

    Wow just wow. I’m planning to visit Laos next year before heading to Chiang Mai. And checking if I could visit this. Thanks for the tips will surely have our own maps too.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Ferna you must stop in Vang Vieng! It’s between Luang Prabanag and Vientiane so is the perfect place to stop for a few days.

      Reply
  15. Kassie says:
    4 years ago

    Gosh I loved Laos so much. Vang Vieng was one of my favorite spots in the country for it’s chill but adventurous vibes. I wish I had known about that view point hike because the view definitely looks amazing! Maybe next time 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Definitely revisit! I’m sure it will have changed the next time you are in town but the views should be just as amazing!

      Reply
  16. Abbi says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks so much for sharing this. I have been put off Vang Vieng because of tales of drunk backpackers, but I am so happy to see there are lots more things to do. That waterfall looks stunning! Vang Vieng is definitely on my itinerary for SE Asia – when I finally make it there!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s super easy to avoid drunk backpackers! You’ll have a great time!

      Reply
  17. Bethan Greenhalgh says:
    4 years ago

    Laos is such an incredible place!! the surroundings of Vang Vieng are just too beautiful! when i went to vang vieng it was to go tubing so we could have seen so much more than we did!! your post makes me want to add it to my list all over again and see it all again 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Bee you have to go back! I have a feeling I’ll be going back to Vang Vieng time and time again <3

      Reply
  18. Tianyi says:
    4 years ago

    I think I’m going to enjoy the hiking in this area, let alone the waterfalls and food

    Reply
  19. Katie @ Zen Life and Travel says:
    4 years ago

    Looks like a beautiful country!

    Reply
  20. Stuart Kidder says:
    4 years ago

    As I sit and write this, my daughter and I are looking west across the river at a stunning mountain range. We climbed to the Thang Jang (sp?) earlier today, and the view back east was amazing. The cool air as you enter the cave is so refreshing, because I was sweating profusely after climbing those stairs!
    If I could just rip up my plane tickets home…

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Those stairs are brutal! I hope you enjoy the rest of your time there, Stuart. If your thighs aren’t burning tomorrow I would recommend climbing Phangern Mountain as well!

      Reply
  21. Vlada says:
    4 years ago

    Finally I found useful article on VangVieng) good job. I wouldn’t say thatt Laos blew my mind especially compared to Myanmar or Индонезия Indonesia, But it certainly has very beautiful scenery. VangVieng reminds me of Guilin.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Thanks for your comment! I have yet to visit Myanmar but I’ve heard amazing things. I did love Luang Prabang though!

      Reply
  22. Marc says:
    4 years ago

    Excellent post! im planning a trip there soon and your post has really been helpful. thank u and keep up the amazing job!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Have a fantastic time, Marc!

      Reply
  23. Filipa says:
    3 years ago

    Hi Flo!! Thank you this amazing article and cool tips :). If you don’t mind I would love to ask you some questions. In Laos I want to see vientiane, van vieng, luang prabang and maybe the Elephants camp (a sustainable and real one, no the touristic trap that mistreats animals) – which one you think I should go?. How many days you think I need to see all of this? Do you think I am missing some crucial place? And I would love to have a spiritual experience, is one of the reasons why I choose Laos. So I am not definitely searching for party and drinks.
    also, I would love to try some yoga there 🙂

    Thank you and warm regards!!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Hi Filipa, thanks for taking the time to read this. I have personally NOT been to this one as it may have only opened after my trip, but I hear good things about Mandaolao, a non-riding elephant camp: http://www.mandalaotours.com/.

      You shouldn’t really need more than 2-3 days in Luang Prabang, 2-3 days in Vang Vieng and 1-2 days in Vientiane. You can practice Yoga in Luang Prabang (there are several studios) and also in Vang Vieng here: https://www.yogawinetravel.com/yoga-studios-around-the-world-yoga-in-vang-vieng-laos/

      Have a great trip!

      Reply
  24. Gie says:
    3 years ago

    Found your site on Pinterest!

    I only had 24 hours in Vang Vieng (it was part of a jam-packed Thailand-Laos-Vietnam 11-day itinerary) and wanted to go back! It’s just so00 beautiful.

    That view of the rice paddies is gorgeous 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      Hi Gie! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. Vang Vieng is really stunning, I hope its reputation as an eco-adventure destination continues to soar!

      Reply
  25. Jessica says:
    3 years ago

    Why weren’t you able to swim at the kuang si waterfall? I’m planning a trip to include Laos just to see this waterfall! But I’m gonna be bummed if I can even swim in it :/

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      3 years ago

      I visited during the monsoon season (July), which means that the waterfall is completely roaring and unswimmable. You can see some photos here:

      https://www.yogawinetravel.com/why-i-turned-around-and-left-halfway-through-my-visit-to-the-kuang-si-waterfall/

      Reply
  26. Mark nissel says:
    2 years ago

    Actually on phangern there are THREE view points and if you didnt continue to the last you missed the best view !

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      2 years ago

      Hi Mark, yes – we climbed all the way to the top of Phangern.

      Reply
  27. Jess says:
    2 years ago

    I spent 3 weeks in Laos this summer and I had a great time, it was monsoon season so not the best time to visit. I’d love to go back in peak season. Either way Vang vieng was stunning!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      2 years ago

      Aren’t the rice fields incredible? I hope you get to go back one day!

      Reply
  28. Unmesh Rajput says:
    2 years ago

    i think van prices fro luang to vang vieng are out dated. cheapest rates i got was 115,000 kip. normal bus was 150,000 and 180,000 for vip.. let me know if i am wrong. i am writing this from Luang after asking several agents here..

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      2 years ago

      Unmesh, it’s possible prices have gone up by 1-2 US dollars in the last 3 months, which is why you will need to ask around and pay what you’re comfortable with. Perhaps you should ask your hotel what rates they recommend. Good luck with your journey.

      Reply
  29. Alex says:
    2 years ago

    Hi! Thanks for the tips, great pictures! I am planning on going to Vang Vieng in two weeks (currently in Vientiane), I will definitly do the 2 viewpoints, the tham jang cave and maybe the blue lagoon 3. I’m just wondering about the Kaeng Nyui waterfall, do you thing it is worth doing considering it’s gonna be in May (Im afraid its gonna be dry).

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      2 years ago

      Hi Alex, Kaeng Kyui is unlikely to be roaring in May. I would recommend that you get to Vang Vieng first, and then play it by ear – ask around and see if any other travelers have been recently and see what they have to say!

      Reply
  30. Kristel Anne Sy says:
    2 years ago

    Amazing & Helpful post will do the hike as well 🙂 just curious who took your photos? 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      2 years ago

      Hi Kristel, thanks! I took all of the landscape photos, and friends took photos of me 🙂

      Reply
  31. Kass says:
    1 year ago

    Hi Flo, which blue lagoon would you recommend for those who can’t swim?

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      1 year ago

      Hi Kass, there are life jackets that you can use. I would recommend either 1 or 3 – enjoy!

      Reply
  32. Sasha Hardman says:
    1 year ago

    Thank you so much for this – we are about to go and all of your pictures and advice is so clear and easy to follow 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      1 year ago

      Hi Sasha, thanks for taking the time to read this and I’m so happy to hear that you found this article helpful! Enjoy your trip to Vang Vieng!

      Reply
  33. Kendall says:
    7 months ago

    I really wasn’t sure what there was to do in Laos at all but this is one of the best blog posts I’ve come across…like ever! So helpful. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      7 months ago

      Hi Kendall, thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so happy to hear that you found this article helpful!

      Reply

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Hello!

Hi! My name is Flo. I'm a wanderlusting yogi who won’t say no to a good white sangria. I believe that travel and yoga are important avenues to experience new stories, lifestyles, culture and views - join me on Yoga, Wine & Travel as I share destination & travel guides, tips and hacks as well as stories from my Yoga journey! Read more about me and Yoga, Wine & Travel here.

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