Vang Vieng
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At a glance
- Country
- Laos
- Region
- Vientiane Province
- Population
- 25,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Vientiane Wattay International (VTE)
- Coordinates
- 18.92°N, 102.45°E
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Overview
Vang Vieng is a small riverside town surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, rice fields and caves. Once notorious for its party scene, it has calmed down and reinvented itself as an outdoor adventure base.
The town itself is functional rather than pretty. The point is the landscape: kayak or tube down the Nam Song, climb to viewpoints, swim in blue lagoons and watch hot-air balloons drift over the karsts at dawn.
Things to see
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Photo: Tango7174, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tham Chang Cave
A large cave above the river, once used as a hiding place, with a view over the town from its mouth.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Gonzo Gooner, CC BY 3.0 Blue Lagoon
A clear turquoise swimming hole at the foot of a cliff, with a cave to explore above it.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nam Song river
The river runs right past town, with the karsts reflected in its water at sunset.
Things to do
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Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kayaking and tubing
Paddle or float gently downriver through the scenery, stopping at caves on the way.
Find tours -
Photo: Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0 Hot-air balloon flight
Balloons lift off at sunrise and sunset for views across the peaks and paddy fields.
Find tours -
Climb a viewpoint
Steep trails lead to lookouts such as Pha Ngeun, with sweeping views over the valley.
Find tours
Where to stay
Town centre
Guesthouses, cafés and tour agencies close together, convenient but busier.
Hotels in Town centreAcross the river
Bungalows and small resorts facing the karsts, quieter and more scenic.
Hotels in Across the river
Getting around
Rent a bicycle or scooter for the lagoons and caves, or hire a tuk-tuk. Take care on the rough roads and with river safety.
Trains on the Laos–China Railway reach Vang Vieng in about an hour from Vientiane and from Luang Prabang.
When to go
November to February is dry, sunny and comfortable. March and April are hot and often hazy, and the rainy season from May to October makes the river faster and the landscape very green.
Plan your trip to Vang Vieng
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.