Things to do in VANG VIENG
Below are all the places we visited while in Vang Vieng:
Nam Song River
Nam Song River is a small river that flows through Vang Vieng. It is infamous for its *tubing activity but nowadays the river is used for its true purpose; to show off the views of Laos.
One of the best ways to explore the river is by kayaking. This is safer but also allows you to cover a further distance.
*An inflatable rubber ring that floats you along the river that involves a whole lot of alcohol
Blue Lagoon 1, Naka
8am-6pm
10,000LAK per person
Blue Lagoon 1 is one of five lagoons in Vang Vieng. This one is the most popular due to its beautifully blue waterhole and social areas. Not only has it got a jumping platform and ropes to entertain swimmers, but it also has wooden huts to relax in and food options. Although the area is touristy, it does not ruin the experience and if you feel crowded you can always head to a close by cave named Phu Kham Cave.
Tham Nam Cave, Phoxay
8:30am-5pm
10,000LAK per person
Tham Nam Cave is a water cave which is entered through a small and controlled tubing experience. A helmet and a head torch are mandatory, and some level of arm strength is required to pull yourself along. Be aware that the route to the cave is very short and gets extremely crowded. To get into the cave, you will have to jump out of your tube, climb some stairs and navigate rocky surfacing. To be honest, in this case, the journey is better than the destination.
Tham Nangfa Cave, Phoxay
8:00am-6pm
10,000LAK per person
Tham Nangfa Cave, or Angel Cave, is a beautiful cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites - minerals deposited by dripping water forming ceiling type icicles and floor type cones. To enter and exit the cave you walk through high standing crevices that bring in the most fabulous lighting and can venture through without any problems as they have a flat path.
Hot Air Ballooning, Naka
Above Laos Ballooning Adventures
$130 per person for a sunrise flight
Above Laos Ballooning Adventures are a company which, would you believe, specialise in hot air ballooning. Offering both sunrise and sunset options, as well as medium and large balloons, this company will have your ideal experience covered. The area is a little outside of the town to allow for stunning countryside and gorgeous mountain views. After a perfect landing, breakfast, a glass of champagne and a souvenir certificate are provided to top off the incredible adventure.
SUGGESTIONS
With an extra day to spare it would have been nice to visit the following things:
Blue Lagoon 3, Ban Nampe
8am-6pm
10,000LAK per person
Blue Lagoon 3 is another lagoon included in the five which surround Vang Vieng. This lagoon is said to be very similar to Lagoon 1 however its apparently bigger and less touristy. So if you are looking for somewhere that is quiet and offers more space, why the hell not go?
Tham Chang Cave, Phone Ngeun
Monday-Friday 8am-11:00am & 1p-4pm
Saturdays-Sunday 8am-4
20,000LAK per person
Tham Chang Cave is another cave close to the centre of Vang Vieng. Having both an upper and lower area, it is suggested to climb the dreaded 200+ stairs to the upper section first. On entering, you will walk through a tunnel-like entrance to then look upon the stalagmites and stalactites covering the ceiling and floor. This cave holds significance to the town as it was used to provide shelter from Chinese invaders in the 19th century.
Stalactites and stalagmites of Tham Nangfa Cave
Happy Rosie at Tham Nangfa Cave
Nam Xay Viewpoint, Naka
5am-5pm
10,000LAK per person
Nam Xay Viewpoint is a picturesque location where you can see the whole of Vang Vieng. After a 20-30 minute climb to the top, which is somewhat difficult, you will find a singular motorbike and Laos flag to gain not only a beautiful view, but an incredible photo opportunity. Looking over the stunning countryside and valley, this is a cheap alternative to a hot air ballooning experience.
Accommodation in VANG VIENG
Below is the accommodation we stayed while in Vang Vieng:
Vang Vieng Freedom Star Hotel, Viengkeo - GOOD
Pros:
Cheap
Good facilities
Cons:
In need of renovations
Inconsistent service
= £13.34 per night
SUGGESTIONS
If the above accommodation doesn’t give you much hope, below are two other suggestions for you:
Vang Vieng Topview Hotel, Viengkeo
Pros:
Very clean
Helpful staff
Cons:
Slightly further away from the main centre
Slow draining shower
= £23.51 per night
Maylay Guesthouse, Viengkeo
Pros:
Good location
Spacious room
Cons:
Basic decor
Temperamental air con
= £13.78 per night
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