Vang Vieng: A Backpacker is Guide to Laos Adrenaline-Fueled River Town

Explore Vang Vieng, Laos: hike cliffs, kayak Nam Song, cave tours, iconic tubing, and lively nightlife. A Southeast Asian adventure gem.

Vang Vieng: A Backpacker's Guide to Laos' Adrenaline-Fueled River Town

Vang Vieng is a small town in central Laos, located on the Nam Song River between the capital city of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Known for its stunning limestone karst scenery and outdoor adventure activities, Vang Vieng has transformed in recent years from a wild backpacker destination to a more sustainable tourism spot.

The area has been inhabited for centuries by different Lao tribes. In the 19th century, French colonists founded the town as a trading post between northern and southern Laos. However, Vang Vieng remained a quiet rural settlement until the 1990s, when tourism started booming. Backpackers came for the picturesque landscape, river tubing, and notorious party scene.

By the late 2000s, concerns grew over safety issues and underage drinking. Authorities cracked down and closed the bars along the river. Since then, Vang Vieng has repositioned itself to focus more on outdoor activities like hiking, caving, kayaking, and hot air ballooning amidst the stunning karst mountains. The tubing scene is still popular but more regulated.

Vang Vieng lies around 4 hours north of Vientiane by road or bus. The bus trip passes through incredible scenery of limestone cliffs and rice paddies. The town center is small and walkable, clustered around the Nam Song River and surrounded by hills. Must-see attractions include Tham Chang cave, the Blue Lagoon swimming hole, and Pha Ngeun viewpoint overlooking the karsts.

Getting There

Vang Vieng is located in central Laos, about 4 hours north of the capital city Vientiane by road. The nearest major airport is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. From there, you can take a bus, minivan, taxi or private car to reach Vang Vieng.

By Air

The closest airport to Vang Vieng is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. From there, you can take ground transportation to reach Vang Vieng. There are no direct flights from Wattay Airport to Vang Vieng.

Laos - China Railway

Laos - China Railway operates a train from Vientiane station to Van Vieng station 5 times a day. Tickets cost $10–120 and the journey takes 52 min. Alternatively, Soutchai Travel operates a bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng Laos twice daily. Tickets cost $11 and the journey takes 1h 30m.

By Bus

Regular public buses run several times daily between Vientiane and Vang Vieng, taking around 4-5 hours. Buses depart from Vientiane's Northern Bus Station. Tickets cost around 120,000 LAK ($5 USD). Click this link.

By Minivan Minivans offer a faster way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, taking only 3-4 hours. They depart from central Vientiane. Prices are around 150,000 LAK ($6 USD). Click this link.

By Taxi

You can hire a taxi for the drive from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. This is the quickest option but also the most expensive, as it will cost around $100 USD one-way. The drive takes around 3 hours by taxi. Click this link.

By Private Car

Another option is hiring a private car and driver, which costs around $80-100 USD each way from Vientiane. Travel time is around 3 hours. This allows flexibility to stop along the way. Click this link.

Accommodation

Vang Vieng offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Click this link.

Luxury Hotels

For those seeking luxury, Vang Vieng has several high-end resorts located just outside the town center with amenities like spas, pools, and fine dining restaurants. Some top luxury picks are Phou Iu Resort, Elephant Crossing Hotel, and The Riverside Boutique Resort. These resorts feature private villas and bungalows with gorgeous river or mountain views. Expect to pay $100-300+ per night. Click this link.

Mid-Range Hotels

In the mid-range category, Vang Vieng has many comfortable 3-4 star hotels charging $50-100 per night. These hotels offer central locations, nice facilities like pools and gyms, and good service. Some recommended options are Vansana Hotel, Silver Naga Hotel, and Vang Vieng Garden Hotel. Click this link.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

For budget travelers and backpackers, there are many inexpensive guesthouses charging $10-30 per night. These offer simple, no-frills accommodation with shared bathrooms. Some popular picks are Vang Vieng Backpackers Hostel, Easy Go Hostel, and Central Backpackers Hostel. Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms are also available for a bit more. Click this link.

Alternative Accommodation

Those looking for alternative accommodation can consider homestays, which allow a local cultural experience. There are also many scenic farm stays in the countryside surrounding Vang Vieng. Camping is another option just outside town by the Nam Song River. Click this link.

So in summary, Vang Vieng has accommodation options to fit any style and budget. Advanced booking is recommended, especially during high season from November to March. Click this link.

Activities

Vang Vieng is an adventure lover's paradise with plenty of thrilling activities to enjoy. The most popular is tubing - floating down the Nam Song River on an inner tube, stopping at bars and rope swings along the way. Bring your own tube or rent one in town. Click this link.

Trekking is another fantastic way to experience Vang Vieng's breathtaking scenery. There are many trails to choose from, such as the 3-day trek from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Guides can arrange treks of various lengths and difficulties. Click this link.

For an underground adventure, visit one of Vang Vieng's extensive cave networks. The most famous is the Tham Chang Cave featuring towering stalagmites and stalactites. Tham None Cave is another interesting option with prehistoric carvings and artifacts inside. See more click this link.

Kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the Nam Song River and its limestone karst scenery. Rent a kayak and paddle downstream for a few hours, stopping at sandy banks and riverside villages along the way. With class II-III rapids, it provides just enough excitement. See more click this link.

Get your adrenaline pumping by ziplining over the jungle outside of Vang Vieng. Several zipline courses operate in the area, with lengths up to 600 meters long and 60 meters high. See more click this link.

Zipline tours typically include transportation, guides, and other adventures like trekking and cave exploring. See more click this link.

Attractions

Vang Vieng is home to some of Laos' most stunning natural sights and landmarks. The clear, turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon are a must-see, with cliff jumping and kayaking available. This limestone karst lake is simply breathtaking.

For adventurers, Tham Phu Kham Cave offers an exciting opportunity to explore a sacred cave filled with Buddha images and stalactites and stalagmites. Guides can take you through the dark passages with flashlights. Just be prepared for the climb back up.

Get a glimpse into rural life by visiting an Organic Mulberry Farm outside of town. Learn about silk production while wandering through mulberry fields and traditional wooden Laotian houses. It's a tranquil setting and interesting look at agriculture. Don't miss sampling some mulberry tea and snacks in the cafe. See more click this link.

Restaurants

Vang Vieng offers a wide variety of dining options to suit any taste or budget. From cheap local eateries to upscale western fare, you'll find many delicious choices in this small town.

For authentic Lao cuisine, head to one of the local restaurants along the main street. Menu items usually include classics like larb (spicy minced meat salad), papaya salad, sticky rice, grilled meats, and fresh river fish. The food is simple but packed with bright, bold flavors. Meal prices are very affordable, often less than $5 per dish.

Several restaurants in town cater to backpackers and serve a mix of Lao, Thai, and western food. Menu staples like pad thai, green curry, burgers, pasta, and pizza are filling and budget-friendly. Prices range from $3-8 per meal.

For a special night out, Vang Vieng has a handful of upscale restaurants with romantic river views. The international menus offer western fare like steaks, seafood, pastas, and gourmet pizzas. You'll also find some modern twists on Lao classics. Prices are higher but still very reasonable, around $10-20 per main course.

Cafés are plentiful in Vang Vieng, serving coffee, smoothies, juices, sandwiches, crepes, baked goods, and ice cream. It's easy to grab a light meal or snack for under $5. Night markets and food stalls along the river also offer cheap, delicious local eats after dark.

With its mix of local Lao eateries and tourist-friendly restaurants, Vang Vieng makes it easy to find tasty food for every appetite and budget. See more click this link.

Nightlife

Vang Vieng is known for its lively nightlife scene, especially among backpackers and tourists. The once quiet town has developed a reputation as a party destination in Laos. The main nightlife area is along the Nam Song river, where you'll find rows of bars with dance floors, cheap drinks and thumping music. See more click this link.

The most popular bars are Sakura, Kangaroo, Smile, and Gary's Irish Bar. These places get packed every night with travelers looking to party. The bars have dance floors and play EDM, hip hop, pop, and rock music at loud volumes. Bucket drinks containing alcohol, energy drinks, and juices are served in buckets with multiple straws made for sharing. See more click this link.

After midnight, the crowd migrates to nightclubs like Island Bar (one of the most famous in town), Viva, and Jaidee's. These clubs stay open until the early morning hours and host theme parties. Inside, you'll find dance floors, bars, neon lights, and music from DJs. See more click this link.

Keep in mind that Vang Vieng's nightlife scene has calmed down compared to its earlier days, when it was notoriously wild. While it remains a key attraction for backpackers, there are fewer drugs and risky behavior these days due to increased safety measures. Still, use common sense when partying and make sure to stay with friends. See more click this link.

Shopping

Vang Vieng is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and gifts during your visit. The town has a nice selection of local markets and shops selling handmade goods, textiles, and other items.

The Vang Vieng market is located in the center of town and is open daily. This is where locals shop and you can find fresh produce, snacks, household items and more. Upstairs at the market are stalls selling souvenirs like t-shirts, jewelry, bags and local textiles. Prices here are quite cheap and you can bargain. See more click this link.

Another good spot is the row of souvenir shops along the main road running parallel to the Nam Song River. These small shops sell a variety of handicrafts, textiles, clothing and knick-knacks. You'll find items like handwoven scarves, bags, bamboo bowls, Beer Lao t-shirts and more. Quality can vary between shops so take time to browse and compare. See more click this link.

For unique high-quality textiles, visit Mulberries along the main road. They work directly with weaving collectives and hill tribes to source beautiful silks, cottons and embroidery.

Oudomphone Souvenirs is one of the larger shops in town with an extensive collection of handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and textiles. They have good prices and profits help support an orphanage. See more click this link.

When shopping in Vang Vieng, don't be afraid to negotiate, especially if buying multiple items. Paying by cash and with local currency (Lao Kip) will get you the best deals. Shopping in Vang Vieng's markets and shops is a great way to bring home some unique Lao souvenirs and support local artisans. See more click this link.

Safety Tips

Vang Vieng has developed a reputation as a party destination, which comes with certain risks that travelers should be aware of. See more click this link.

The main safety concern is around tubing along the Nam Song River. Tubing down the river has become very popular, with bars and ropes set up along the way. However, many tubers overindulge in alcohol or drugs while floating down the river leading to injuries or drownings. It's important to wear a lifejacket, avoid overconsumption, and stay with your tubing group. There have been efforts in recent years to crack down on the most dangerous tubing bars. See more click this link.

Another major risk is recreational drug use, especially mushrooms, opium, and methamphetamines. These illegal substances are easily available in Vang Vieng, but come with serious dangers like addiction, psychosis, and contaminated ingredients. Just say no to offers of drugs during your visit. See more click this link.

General travel precautions apply as well in Vang Vieng. Keep valuables secured, watch your belongings, and avoid walking alone late at night. The roads can be hazardous, so take care when walking, biking or driving a motorbike. And as always, avoid confrontations and report any crimes to authorities right away. See more click this link.

While Vang Vieng has a laidback vibe, travelers should take responsibility for their own safety and make smart choices to ensure an incident-free visit. With some common sense precautions, you can fully enjoy this beautiful town in the heart of Laos. See more click this link.

When to Visit

Vang Vieng is a popular destination year-round, though the best time to visit depends on your interests and tolerance for crowds or weather extremes.

The cool dry season from November to February is peak season, when the weather is comfortable and skies are sunny. Expect crowds and higher prices for accommodation. The landscape is lush and green after the rainy season.

March to May sees temperatures rising heading towards the hot season. It's still dry with occasional rain showers. Fewer tourists visit, so prices are lower.

The hot season runs from June to August. Temperatures can reach 40C/104F. The landscape is parched and the river runs low. Only the most heat-tolerant travelers visit now.

September to October is rainy season. Expect high humidity, daily downpours, and potential flooding. The countryside turns vivid green and swollen rivers and waterfalls are impressive. Travel deals can be found, but some activities may be limited.

Any time is a good time to visit Vang Vieng if you plan accordingly. The best times are during the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November when the weather is moderate and crowds thinner. But the peak dry season offers ideal weather, while the wet season brings lush scenery. The hot months are only for the very heat-tolerant. See more click this link.