7 Awesome Things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos

These 7 awesome things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos changed the sleepy town Vang Vieng once was.

It became famous when the first hippies arrived, spreading the word about the amazing views, and introducing the tubing. Today, a lot of activities have developed in the town.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Vang Vieng.

1. Hot Air Balloon ride

Being in a hot air balloon was always a childhood dream of mine. Arriving in Vang Vieng, I found out that here it will cost you only 50 USD, and I didn’t think twice. I booked that hot air balloon straight away. It must be the cheapest place in the world to go on a hot air balloon ride. It surely was a dream come true. Even though we crashed (softly) into a tree while landing, the whole ride was breathtaking, jaw-dropping, and amazingly fantastic. I am unable to describe it in words, that’s how good it was. The surreal mountains of Vang Vieng with the most beautiful sunsets are just unlike anywhere else, and it must be one of the most awesome things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos, if not the whole world!

2. ATV quad bike/buggy ride through the countryside

The definition of “high on life”, that’s what we called this trip. And it was one of the most awesome things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos. The buggies are quite expensive (about 150.000 Kip an hour), so we decided to take the ATV bikes, which are 70.000 Kip an hour. We drove around Vang Vieng for two hours, crossing through mud pools, passing villages where kids came running outside screaming “Sabaidee!!!” and families invited us in to drink some traditional Lao Lao whisky with them. The views of the mountains and rice fields are just breathtaking. Being all covered in mud (and some cow poop here and there) makes you feel badass when you return home.

3. Visit the Blue Lagoon and cave

Best visited in the dry season because in the rainy season it won’t be blue, but still very enjoyable. In the dry season, the blue water looks like a blue sky. Enjoy a cooling swim (very much needed in the heat of Laos), chill out in the swing that hangs in the water, and jump from the tree if you have the guts. They recently built a waterslide that you can enjoy unlimited for 10.000 Kip. Worthwhile is the climb up to the cave, which is enormous you might get lost in it, but you will always find your way back. You will come across a Buddhist altar which is nice. Torches are for rent at the entrance (and you’re gonna need one).

4. Tubing down the Nam Khong river

Even though it is not like it was in the old days, tubing is still an absolute must-do while staying in Vang Vieng. The bars are reduced to 7 (watch out, they will tell you in the first bar it’s only 4 bars, not true!) and the swinging ropes have been removed due to a lot of accidents. Now the tubing is relatively safe, a lot quieter, and still fantastic. Every bar still has some kind of party where you can enjoy a game of beer pong, or a cocktail, or retrieve your next beer while chilling in your tube floating down the Nam Khong, meandering through the mountains. Alas, no pictures of this adventure, taking a camera down the river is not that easy…

5. Drink Beer Lao and Enjoy the awesome views

Okay, I know this is what you practically do while tubing, but believe me, you will never get enough of these views. Pick one of the many riverside restaurants, preferably during sunset. They all have a balcony looking out over the river, sit yourself down on the comfy pillows and mattresses, grab a cold Beerlao and just enjoy and take it all in memory to never forget.

6. Mountain biking or hiking through Laos’ countryside

As said, Vang Vieng is one of the most beautiful places in Laos. There’s a reason why it became so popular, and a really good way of exploring it will be on a mountain bike or just going hiking. There are a couple of awesome viewpoints and enjoying the local life while cruising on your bicycle is very rewarding. It’s advisable to not do it on a city bike, I know they are cheaper to rent, but the roads are pretty horrible once you get out and you’ll be happy to be on a decent bike with good tires. If you rent a mountain bike you will receive a free map that will point you to either the Blue Lagoon, caves, or waterfalls. You can also buy a more detailed map at one of the mini markets for some DIY hiking: take your pick on which awesome things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos!

7. Zip-lining, Via Ferrata, and Abseiling

I haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying this myself, but I know Green Discovery just build up this whole parkour, and it should be one of the most awesome things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos. The zip-lines take you over the jungle in between the mountains and the abseiling goes through a waterfall. How much more exciting can it get?

7 Awesome Things to do in Vang Vieng, Laos