Vang Vieng used to be known as Southeast Asia's wildest party town, but things changed in 2012 when the Laotian government stepped in after a series of safety incidents. These days, the town, set among dramatic karst mountains, has shifted its focus to eco-tourism. You’ll still see backpackers around, but most people come for the scenery—to explore caves, paddle quiet rivers, and spend time in the Laotian countryside. Here are the best things to do in Vang Vieng.
About 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) west of Vang Vieng, Tham Phu Kham is a large cave that feels both peaceful and a little surreal. Inside, there’s a reclining bronze Buddha lit naturally by sunlight coming through the ceiling.
The cave itself is full of dramatic rock formations, and it goes pretty far back if you want to explore. It’s also a place where Buddhist pilgrims come to reflect. This is one of the best things to do in Laos.
Tham Nam (Water Cave) is about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) north of town and makes for a fun half-day trip. Instead of walking, you float through the cave on an inner tube, pulling yourself along a rope that runs about 1,640 feet (500 meters) inside.
It’s quiet and dark—headlamps are provided—and the sound of dripping water echoes as you move through the tunnels. The cool water is a welcome break from the heat, and the whole experience feels adventurous without being too physically demanding.
Tham Pou kham Cave is a Buddhist sanctuary and temple in a natural cave next to the Blue Lagoon, Vang Vieng, Laos © Shutterstock
One of the best ways to take in the scenery around Vang Vieng is by kayaking down the Nam Song River. The route usually starts around 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) north of town near Ban Vieng Samai (Khmu Village), with a short intro from guides before heading out.
You’ll paddle past limestone cliffs and quiet riverbanks, with a few gentle rapids to keep it interesting. There are long stretches where the water slows down, giving you time to look around or watch local fishermen at work. Some tours also include short cave visits or stop for a picnic along the way.
The Vieng Tara rice fields are one of the most recognizable landscapes in Vang Vieng, where bright green paddies stretch toward limestone cliffs. Just a short walk from town across a wooden bridge, these are active fields that show a quieter side of rural life in Laos.
The light shifts throughout the day—mornings bring low mist and evenings soften everything in a warm glow. For a closer experience, you can stay in one of the bungalows on stilts built right among the paddies. See our guide to Laos accommodation.
Vang Vieng, Laos © Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Vang Veing is to explore Tham Loup (Deep Cave), a natural cave north of Vang Vieng, known for its depth and limestone formations.
Unlike caves that have been adapted for tourists, this one is mostly left as is—there’s little lighting or infrastructure, so you’ll need a flashlight and good shoes. See what to pack for your trip in our round-up of Laos travel tips.
The cave stretches about 1,640 feet (500 meters) into the mountain, with high ceilings and fine, crystalline details throughout. The further you go in, the more dramatic it becomes.
At the north end of town, Wat Si Vieng Song (also called Wat That) is an active temple where daily life continues at a calm, steady pace.
Rather than drawing attention with its size or decoration, the temple has a more grounded atmosphere. The grounds include a main hall with Buddha statues, monastery buildings where monks go about their routines, and a seated Buddha with a warm, subtle smile. It’s a quiet place to take a break and is see a different rhythm of life in Vang Vieng.
Just north of Vang Vieng, Ban Pha Tang is a riverside village with a dramatic limestone cliff as its backdrop. It’s easy to reach by car or motorbike and makes a nice break from the town’s busier scenes. The bridge here gives you a great view—dense forest, sharp rock formations, and quiet water all in one frame.
The village itself feels like a lived-in place, not something curated for tourists. You’ll likely see farming, fishing, and crafts being done as they always have been.
This is one memorable way to get around Laos! Zip-lining is by far one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng: it gets you high above the forest canopy with sweeping views of the surrounding karsts. The courses usually include several platforms and long lines—some stretching nearly 480 feet (147 meters)—so it’s more of a full experience than a one-off ride.
Everything starts with a short safety briefing and gear check. Once you're clipped in, you'll move from platform to platform, flying over treetops and through the jungle.
Most setups around town are well-run, and tours usually last two to three hours. Some operators combine this with kayaking or cave visits if you want to make a day of it. Wear sneakers or other closed-toe shoes, and pack light—just the essentials.
If you want to get off the main road, ATV and buggy rides take you into Vang Vieng’s surrounding countryside. The trails run through rice fields, over rocky paths, and into forested hills. You’ll drive through shallow streams and, depending on the season, plenty of mud.
Most tours run between one and four hours, with longer routes stopping at places like the Blue Lagoons or nearby caves. Guides ride ahead and keep things moving smoothly, but you’re still in control of the vehicle. The experience changes depending on weather—after rain, the trails get messier and more fun. Wear old clothes, bring sunglasses for dust, and don’t worry about getting dirty—it’s kind of the point.
West of Vang Vieng, Pha Ngeun (Silver Cliff) Viewpoint is one of the better hikes if you want a wide view of the landscape. The trail climbs about 1,475 feet (450 meters) and takes you through sections of jungle to two different viewpoints.
The first is already impressive, but the second gives you a more complete view across the valley, karst mountains, and rice fields. To get there, head about 2.5 miles (4 km) west of town, crossing the Nam Song River. The trail takes 30–60 minutes to reach the first viewpoint and another 30 or so to reach the top.
It’s steep in parts, but bamboo railings help with balance. There’s a small entrance fee (around 10,000 kip), and you can usually grab a drink at the lower viewpoint. Go early to avoid the heat, wear good shoes, bring water, and take your time at the top—it’s easily one of the best things to do in Vang Veing.
Around 5 PM each evening, this stretch of road in Vang Vieng turns into a compact night market. It’s easy to navigate and has a bit of everything—food stalls, local crafts, and the usual Beer Lao t-shirts. It’s not overwhelming like some city markets, so you can wander without much hassle.
Food is the main reason to go. There’s a mix of Laotian snacks—grilled meats (ping moo), sticky rice (khao niew), fresh crepes, and local-style baguette sandwiches (khao-ji). Prices are low, and it’s easy to try a few things as you walk.
If you're up for something different, paragliding and paramotoring are two ways to see Vang Vieng from above. Paragliding relies on wind and thermal currents—it’s quiet and feels a bit like floating. Paramotoring adds a small engine, so the pilot has more control and can stay up longer.
Both are tandem flights with trained instructors. You’ll get a safety briefing first, then get strapped in and take off from one of the nearby launch points.
Once in the air, it’s surprisingly calm, and the views are wide—karst peaks, the river winding through town, and farmland below. The timing depends on wind and weather, but morning and late afternoon flights are common. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of those things you’ll remember for a long time.
East of Vang Vieng, Nam Xay is a quick but steep climb that takes about 30 minutes, depending on your pace, and is one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng. The trail runs through dense greenery and gets rocky toward the top, so decent shoes help. At the summit, you’ll find wide views in every direction—limestone peaks, rice fields below, and the Nam Song River weaving through the valley. There's also an old motorbike balanced near the edge, which has turned into a bit of a landmark.
It’s one of the better short hikes around if you want those big landscape views without spending all day on the trail. Go early or late in the day if you want to avoid the midday heat.
Just north of Vang Vieng in Phoudindaeng village, Mr. T’s Organic Farm is a laid-back place to slow down a bit. Started by Thanongsi Sorangkoun—“Mr. T” to everyone—it’s both a working farm and a place where visitors can learn about traditional Laotian farming.
You can wander through gardens growing everything from mulberries to vegetables and herbs. There’s a silk production area, too, where you can watch weaving techniques that have been passed down through the generations.
The small restaurant here serves food made with ingredients grown just a few feet away, and you can also try house-made mulberry tea, wine, or even whiskey. It’s a nice change of pace if you’re looking for something more grounded and local.
The Blue Lagoons are scattered across the countryside, and each one has its own feel. What they have in common is bright, cool, spring-fed water that’s great for a swim when it’s hot out. The color really is striking—thanks to the limestone and minerals in the water—and they’re surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
Blue Lagoon 1 is close to town and has rope swings, ziplines, and a bit of a party vibe. Lagoon 3 is farther and usually more relaxed. Lagoons 2 and 5 are even quieter and feel more tucked away. A few of them are near caves too, so you can combine a swim with a short walk or scramble underground.
For more ideas for your trip to Laos, see our guides to the best things to do in Vientiane, and the best things to do in Luang Prabang.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 26.05.2025
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