Is Worth Visiting Vang Vieng: 8 Reasons why visitng Vang Vieng and have an unforgettable adventure

We have to be honest; Vang Vieng was just a short stay in Laos, on the crossroad between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. We never thought that it would become one of our favourite adventures in South East Asia. At this point, you might ask us, is Vang Vieng Worth visiting? Yes. The firm answer comes after a few considerations. It might not be anymore the party town that everyone knows.

Actually, nowadays, it looks more like a ghost town with a lively past. The city, in the middle of nowhere in the Laos countryside, seems to be in a transitional period, from a fantastic destination for youngsters to a dormitory filled with adventures.

To be honest, we didn’t mind it being quieter than expected. Actually, fewer crowds make Vang Vieng even more enjoyable for us as avid travellers. Tubing is not as trendy as it was before, and new activities (safer) take advantage of it. These are now the main reasons to go to Vang Vieng or at least be a stopover on your Laos trip.

Things to know before visiting Vang Vieng

Best time to visit Vang Vieng

To make the most of your trip, it’s important to consider the best time to visit Vang Vieng and, of course, Laos. Check our guide and decide when to go to Laos, as it is essential to understand the seasons and when it rains more. The ideal time to experience the region’s beauty and adventure is during the dry season.

The best time of the year spans from November to April. During the dry season, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities. Vang Vieng is not too touristy, so it doesn’t matter if it is the peak season.

Packing essentials for Vang Vieng

When packing for your visit to Vang Vieng, keep in mind the following essentials:

Lightweight Clothing | Pack breathable and comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. They will be covered in red/orange dust, and you must constantly wash them.

Sun Protection | In Vang Vieng, you will get no sea influence and no breeze. Remember sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense sun.

Insect Repellent | There is no 7/Eleven in Vang Vieng, so you need to get it from home or from Thailand. Get mosquitoes and other insect repellent, especially if you plan to explore the outdoors. Staying on the side of rivers and ponds attracts these insects more.

Sturdy Footwear | Opt for comfortable walking shoes or sandals to navigate Vang Vieng’s diverse terrain. Think about hiking shoes if you want to embrace some adventure.

Laos currency

The Lao kip (LAK) is the official currency of Laos and is widely used throughout the country. However, we had trouble exchanging Laotian currency after our trip. We carried the notes with us everywhere, and only when we were in Vietnam were we able to exchange them. The local currency has a low demand in the financial market. 

You can exchange money almost anywhere, but be wary of unofficial exchange bureaus, as they may give you counterfeit or expired notes. We always recommend carrying multiple cards (VISA and Mastercards) to withdraw cash from ATMs or pay contactless.

Laos Travel Insurance | Stay safe in Vang Vieng

Laos is a safe country to travel to; we had no problems during our month-long trip, including travelling on the Mekong River and dirt roads through the countryside on a motorbike.

As always, we suggest getting travel insurance and enjoying your trip thoroughly. It is critical to be covered in case of any unexpected events, or at the very least, to have the support of expert travel insurance. We always use HeyMondo and Safety Wings for every new adventure. Read our review of HeyMondo, and get their fantastic 5% discount by clicking here.

Budget to visit Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng was one of the cheapest places we visited in Asia and, for sure, one of the best budget-wise in our long journey through Laos. Laos is a budget-friendly destination for everyone, whether you are a backpacker on a tight budget travelling through Southeast Asia like us or a seasoned explorer looking for the next adventure.

Accommodation-wise, we were pleased to see the abundance of offers in Vang Vieng. However, many places were still closed after Covid or in refurbishment. Outside the centre, you will find fine resorts at very cheap prices. Guest Houses and hotels come to $12 US per day, while dorms in hostels are as little as $5 to $6 per night, allowing every kind of traveller to explore Vang Vieng. Food and daily necessities are also affordable, with meals as cheap as $1 to $3.

Stay connected while exploring Laos

We understand that arriving in a new country and searching for a connection is difficult, even letting someone know you are safe or getting directions to your accommodation. We checked our expenses spreadsheet and realised that having a SIM card in some situations, such as when arriving at the airport, saved us a lot of money by allowing us to order a taxi online instead of taking one from the arrivals terminal.

You should look into the best e-sim options to stay connected while travelling. It’s easy to use an e-sim, and you can activate it before your trip to ensure that you always have an internet connection. This option offers 3G and 4G, delivering a QR code to your email and activating it online without you having to pick up the card.

You can activate it online and stay connected for 5 to 8 days. It works perfectly in Laos, and the price starts from $9 per package.

Is Vang Vieng worth visiting? 8 reasons why you should visit Vang Vieng!

Embracing the Natural Beauty of Vang Vieng

One of the main attractions ever since of Vang Vieng is the natural beauty surrounding the city. It is pristine, and if you are brave enough to rent a scooter and get out of town, you will soon be rewarded with one of the best landscapes in South East Asia.

From unique hikes to the refreshing turquoise water of the lagoons, natural pools and remote villages, Vang Vieng knows how to surprise you. The natural beauty of this part of Laos is one of the major attractions, and we believe that Vang Vieng is worth visiting even just for that.

One of the best scenery in Asia

We travelled around Asia, from the lush greenery of Bali to the unique landscapes of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. However, some of the best memories of a day out exploring are from Laos, especially Vang Vieng.

Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a breathtaking vista, surrounded by towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, and crystal-clear rivers. Vang Vieng’s landscapes are a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s utopia. From the magnificent Tham Poukham Cave to the mesmerising Pha Ngern Viewpoint, the scenery here will leave you spellbound.

A playground for outdoor adventure seekers

For adrenaline junkies seeking a thrill, Vang Vieng offers an array of heart-pounding activities. Indulge in exhilarating experiences like rock climbing, zip-lining, and caving. Is it worth going to Vang Vieng for these adventure-packed endeavours? Absolutely!

We conquered our fears by climbing to the top of Pha Ngern’s viewpoint, just for the sake of seeing as far as possible, holding the Lao flag in one hand and a fantastic motorbike in the other. Yes, in Vang Vieng, you will surely try to conquer your fear. Scale limestone cliffs, zip through the treetops, and explore hidden caves. As you can see, Vang Vieng is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Check out this ZipLine adventure in Vang Vieng.

Lao’s unique culture is visible in Vang Vieng

Discovering local customs and traditions

We stayed longer in Vang Vieng, and it wasn’t only for the amount of adrenaline a few days gave us but also to discover more about the local culture and traditions. If you are anything like us, rent a bike and get out of the city. Within 20 minutes of riding, you will be in some of the most traditional villages, meeting locals and watching them on their usual day.

We love to discover the culture while seeking a few days out, and Vang Vieng is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Locals are extremely friendly. If you are lucky to be in Vang Vieng while celebrating the Vaci ceremony, you will discover local costumes that hardly anybody told you about before. If you are interested in a full experience in Laos, check out our 2 weeks travel guide.

Over partying, discovering the best landmarks of Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is not only about tubing, partying and drugs. Or I mean this is a remembrance of a past that doesn’t seem there anymore. Away from all of that, the city has an ancient past, with a few landmarks that not often visitors tend to include in their itinerary. As you visit the Wat Si Sou Mang temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious artefacts, take a step back in time. The historical sites in Vang Vieng provide a deeper understanding of the region’s past and its cultural evolution.

Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere

After a few days in Vang Vieng, we extended our stay. It wasn’t just because of the thrilling adventures, but mostly because it was quiet. If we say that to people that explored the Laotian party capital before Covid, they will say that we are crazy or liars.

Well, Vang Vieng is not anymore a party town; even though the main roads still have a few bars and offer a pleasant atmosphere, it is not buzzing anymore. We stayed longer because we could catch up with work, as the internet was fast. The slow pace and atmosphere made us recharge after a long trip on the Mekong River. We unwind in Vang Vieng, taking advantage of Lao Spa and an afternoon spent with a fresh drink and admiring the landscape.

Tubing and Other Adventures in Vang Vieng

Tubing Adventures: A Must-Try Experience

After a few tragic occasions, the tubing has reduced the trend in Vang Vieng. But what is Tubing? Well, before Covid, travellers were in Vang Vieng just for partying. So you will see people offering an inner tube, which was your floating thing to get down the rapids of the Nam Song River. The bars on the banks were offering drinks and drugs. After a few tourists died, the local authorities shouted down the activity, making it less frequent and profitable.

It is still a thing, but it is regulated and less dangerous. However, we heard stories of people stranded, as they take your passport when renting the inner tube and are supposed to give it back when returned in perfect status. It’s expected that sometimes, it gets punctured, and you are left with a hefty penalty to pay upon restitution of your passport.

We always suggest booking in advance through trusted companies like this one. Booking through Get Your Guide, you will be sure they have got insurance and a licence to carry the activity. CHECK AVAILABILITY.

Are you not interested in Tubing in Vang Vieng? Check out these incredible activities.

Kayaking in Vang Vieng

Most of the activities in Vang Vieng are about their water-loving souls. We can’t forget the sunset kayaking on the river. It is a fantastic activity, and you will see the surroundings from a different perspective. The river is not strong, so kayaking in Vang Vieng is ideal even if you are a first-timer. 

Paddleboarding is also a popular option if you seek to explore the waters at your own pace. The alternative to physical activity is to go on the river bank and ask a local guide for a boat tour. They are super friendly, and prices start from $20 per person. If you want a unique activity go on a kayak, and book here in advance your day out, which includes a bit of everything ZipLine, Kayak and Tubing.

Have fun at night in Vang Vieng

Even though Vang Vieng is no longer the party place it was before, hanging out around the bars is still fun. Many Karaoke places, pool tables and a lively atmosphere exist in some parts of the city centre.

We read somewhere before our arrival that every bar and restaurant on the central backpacker’s road shows episodes of Friends randomly and all day long. We love friends and spent our dinner watching the series before heading to the full moon for a drink or two with fellow travellers. Even though drugs are illegal in Laos, we have seen many kiosks selling freely, so be aware of that.

Hot air balloon in Vang Vieng

One of the activities that is increasing in popularity in Vang Vieng is hot air ballooning. Set aside from the town; you can embrace a journey into the sky at sunrise or sunset. It is a fantastic experience and a unique memory from your trip to Laos. Everywhere around the town, you will find agencies willing to sell packages. The price starts from $90 USD, and the flight takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours in the countryside.

Exploring beyond the beaten path

Going off the beaten path is our thing, and one of the main reasons we stayed longer than planned in Vang Vieng is mainly because of the natural beauty surrounding the city. While Vang Vieng attracted mainly youngsters in the past for the many activities, sometimes extreme, today, it is fantastic for outdoor enthusiasts.

The city seems to be trying to adapt to the new travel style, attracting a new range of customers. If you feel comfortable driving a bike on your own, check out Motorbike rental Phout, where we rented our scooter (4.7 Stars with 30 reviews on Google).

The price is steep; we were lucky to bargain $7 daily. Go off the path, and explore the countryside. We did our own hikes, waterfalls and lagoons. Stopped by some villages in the between and watched narrow streams passing by. Be aware that roads are uneven and dusty. Our clothes were utterly red after a day of exploring. Also, consider that sometimes you may pass on sketchy bridges, and there is no other way around.

Vang Vieng is a paradise for photographers

One of the main reasons that attracted us to Vang Vieng is, for sure, the incredible scenery. The freedom to get around in pristine landscapes made of limestone rocks in the middle of the orangey Laos countryside is a paradise for every avid traveller with a passion for photography.

As our journey turned to pass from Vang Vieng, we became one together with the landscape. The desolate land will soon be the fantastic playground to capture the moments with your camera and becomes an integral part of your experience.

Some of the best photos in Vang Vieng have as background the landscape. However, if you want to step up, consider seeing the region from above on a hot air balloon. Also, we used the one at our hostel because there are few rooftops. It was fantastic, as we had the mountains in the foreground, and as soon as the sunset, the lights and the sky changed.

Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you, and phones, too; you just need some creativity to go with the flow.

Where to stay in Vang Vieng?

Should I visit Vang Vieng? Our final considerations

Yes, we loved Vang Vieng. Definitely, we like this little town in the middle of nowhere more than Vientiane, the capital. Actually, you might be interested to read our point of view about Vientiane.

Even though Vang Vieng lost its charm to people looking for partying, it might be a new era made of slow travel and less impacting tourism. We hope this is the case, as it is filled with natural beauty that is perfect for every kind of traveller seeking adventure and authentic experiences rather than just backpacking overseas.

If you ask us for a few places to suggest while in this part of Indochina, Vang Vieng figures in the list of worthy places. Next time we might ask you if Vang Vieng is worth visiting. If you are still unsure whether to include this place or not, check out our inspiring Laos itinerary.

FAQ Is Vang Vieng worth visiting

How long should you spend in Vang Vieng?

3 Days. If you are en route to Laos but travelling by train, 3 days are enough to get into the wild spirit of Vang Vieng. The town has a lot to offer in terms of activities, and you will enjoy every single moment of it. If you are going slow, you can stay either one week and tour the countryside more, like we did.

Can you still tube in Vang Vieng?

Yes! Tubing is still a popular activity in Vang Vieng. Even though just a few shops offer this, as the activity is heavily regulated to avoid incidents, it is still fun or relaxing, depending on what you are looking for.

Grab an inner tube, float down the Nam Song River, and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Just remember to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines while tubing. If you are looking for alternative places, check out Pai, in Northern Thailand, offering tubing too.

Is Vang Vieng still a party town?

No! After Covid, the city became quiet, and even the popular tubing is almost over now. However, Vang Vieng today is an off the beaten path activity in Laos and a fantastic crossroad to other major cities in the country. Still worth visiting for a party, as in the evening you can hang out in the centre, but with a quieter atmosphere and not crazy like once.

What are the top attractions in Vang Vieng?

Discover the stunning natural landscapes, explore the Tham Phu Kham Cave, visit the Blue Lagoon, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nam Song River.

Is Vang Vieng suitable for adventure seekers?

Vang Vieng is perfect for adventure seekers with activities like tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, and exploring underground caves.

What is the best time of the year to visit Vang Vieng?

The best time to visit Vang Vieng is during the dry season from November to February, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

How many days should I spend in Vang Vieng?

We recommended spending at least 2-3 days in Vang Vieng to fully experience its attractions and adventure opportunities.

Are there any cultural festivals in Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng hosts cultural festivals like the Rocket Festival and the Boun Ok Phansa, providing a glimpse into the local traditions.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan food options in Vang Vieng?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in Vang Vieng, with several restaurants catering to dietary preferences.

How safe is Vang Vieng for solo travellers?

Vang Vieng is generally safe for solo travellers, but of course, it is always suggested to take necessary precautions and avoid stupid risks. Locals are friendly, and like-minded travellers will surround you.

What are some alternative activities to nightlife in Vang Vieng?

Nightlife is not a thing anymore in Vang Vieng, Laos, so it’s easy for travellers passing by to enjoy alternative activities. These include visiting temples, exploring caves, kayaking, biking or hiking, and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Are there any local markets for shopping in Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng has local markets like the Night Market in the centre and the Vang Vieng Walking street market. Also, consider that there are several small places that are usually ideal for daily shopping. Like everywhere in Asia, markets are on the streets at night with several food stalls and local products.