Ways to explore Vang Vieng

EXPLORING VANG VIENG – ON LAND

Vang Vieng’s geological wonders can be explored in a variety of ways:

Trekking: Step away from the tourist hub and explore Vang Vieng’s unrivalled natural surroundings on foot, whether through an organized multi-day trek, walking by yourself along marked trails, or strolling on the cultural side of town to visit four peaceful temples. Check out some of the treks offered by the tour companies and enter a side of Vang Vieng that’s well-worth the hike. You can follow streams, explore caves, eat organic local foods, go for a swim, camp out, and visit villages with an overnight stay.

Caving: When it comes to caves, Vang Vieng is king – it has 17 distinct caves, many of which are conveniently clustered in groups. You can visit the caves on your own, hire a local guide, or join a tour. Most of the caves are easy to reach by motorbike, cycle, and foot, and each one has its own tale to tell, whether they are legends or historical facts. All the caves are managed and maintained by local communities and entrepreneurs, and they charge a small entrance fee for their efforts. You may also have to pay a modest toll to cross bridges leading to the caves, with much of the payment going into village funds.

Rock Climbing: Ardent rock climbers will feel an adrenaline surge when they see the sheer cliffs around Vang Vieng, and would-be climbers can learn the art of scaling rock walls. Green Discovery and Adam’s Climbing School have teamed with climbing enthusiasts from Australia and Europe to carve out almost 100 routes on eight of Vang Vieng’s crags.

Biking: Whether you’re looking to tackle the trails on a rugged mountain bike or take a leisurely pedal in and around Vang Vieng, a number of shops in town rent a range of two-wheel cycles to meet your needs. You can head out on your own and follow the roads and trails or join a mountain-bike trek organized by a local tour company. Biking is a perfect way to access the quiet rural areas and caves along the outskirts of the town.

Motorbike and ATV riding: Grip the handles of a motorcycle for a stunning adventure a bit further afield. You can motor your way to waterfalls and caves, or journey along a 5-km unpaved road out of town to the popular 100m-deep Tham Poukham (Golden Crab Cave) and water hole for a cool swim. Four-wheel ATV (also known as buggies) are also now available for those who don’t mind the mud.

EXPLORING VANG VIENG – BY RIVER

With Nam Song river flowing through the heart of town, Vang Vieng is expectedly an aquatic paradise.

Tubing: Vang Vieng’s most famous attraction, tubing is a must-do when you’re at Vang Vieng. Many visitors can spend half a day tubing, as they get lost in the mystic and serenity of Nam Song river. Whether you’re tubing to check it off your bucket-list, soak in the scenery, or hop between bars with friends, there are strategies to maximise your enjoyment.

Kayaking: Tackle the rapids around Vang Vieng by choosing between half-day runs down the Nam Song to multi-day camping trips. There are multiple registered companies offer kayaking with lessons for paddlers of all abilities. Couple Vang Vieng’s spectacular scenery with silence and solitude.

Swimming: Looking to take a dip? Vang Vieng offers several swimming opportunities with a natural backdrop. East of town, Kenlon Waterfall in the Kaeng Nyui group offers a pleasant swimming hole. Along Route No.13, you can wade in the Po River at the KM 161(Lak 161) Bridge, swim in the Nam Xong near Tham Lom (Wind Cave), or swing off trapezes into the river at “Water Fun Park” at Ban Phoudindaeng. West of Vang Vieng, visitors to Tham Pou Kham (Golden) Crab Cave can dive into the Ka River water hole, and Tham Pha Pheung (Bee Cliff Cave) offers a natural swimming pool inside. And, for those seeking really cold water, jump into the water basin inside Tham Chang south of town.

EXPLORING VANG VIENG – IN THE AIR

Ever wondered how Vang Vieng would look from the air? The quick answer is: it’s surreal. Though these attractions are not cheap and are weather-dependent, there’s nary a person who regretted trying. Here are some ways you can do it yourself.

Hot air balloon ride: Unlike other tourist destinations famous for their hot air balloon rides, Vang Vieng’s airspace is not overcrowded with balloons. The best time to get the gorgeous views of the town is near dawn and dusk, when the rising and setting sun paints the sky a soft golden hue.

Paramotor: Similar to a hang-glider, the 20-minute ride promises to be a unique experience. Power through the air with a motorised parachute; it’s a freedom that’s difficult to replicate.

Ziplining: Offered at multiple locations in Vang Vieng, there are many operators who can offer day packages that include ziplining, in conjunction with other activities. Flying across Nam Song river or the Blue Lagoon are the fan-favourites.

LOUNGE BY NAM SONG RIVER

Vang Vieng is a small town set in the midst of towering limestone karst and rice fields with so much natural beauty, Vang Vieng is hauntingly beautiful. This place is a nature lover’s paradise. There is amazing deal outside things to do vary from water sports activities on the Nam Song to hiking, climbing, exploring caves, and swimming.

Nevertheless, if you are exhausted from doing all those activities, then you can admire with nature at your resort by sitting at the riverside or lounge in the pool at your resort and take a big inhale of the fresh air from lush nature plus the quiet atmosphere.

Sitting and facing to the Nam Song River with commanding, expansive views both of the mountains and river that surrounded by striking karst rock formations with the mountains lined up gracefully comprising luxuriant woodlands. As you take in the lush vegetation gently dotting the river bank with the silhouettes of the majestic mountains contrasting against the sun-lit sky in the background, you’ll realize: the view itself is to be savored. This is an ideal spot to grab drinks relax, sunbathing, and see the stunning sundown.