1. Pray and worship at Wat That

Known as the biggest temple in Viang Veng, Wat That is a remarkable place of worship for followers of Buddhism. It is managed by resident monks, and its space is well-maintained. There are several structures in Wat That. The main prayer hall is the biggest among the buildings on the temple grounds. It has a shrine with a number of Buddha sculptures. Each room has Buddha structures and gilded decors. Besides prayer halls, Wat That features Chedi towers, which are believed to be the oldest structures within the property. Tourists who plan to visit Wat That should be mindful of their attires. Shorts and skimpy skirts are frowned upon.

Wat That

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening hours: Daylight hours

2. Admire the countryside views from the top of Phapoak View Point

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Vang Vieng is home to many natural wonders, and one of them is Phapoak View Point. It is a scenic tree-covered mound in town that adventure-seekers, especially hikers, love to explore. It is found a short walk away from the town’s center. Phapoak ViewPoint is not as tall as the challenging mountains in Vang Vieng, which makes it accessible even for tourists without much hiking experience and skill. Once you’ve reached the top, your breath will be taken away by the countryside sceneries. Remember to gear up with hiking shoes and bring bottles of water if you plan to take the challenge of climbing Phapoak View Point.

Phapoak View Point

Address: Unnamed Road, Vang Vieng, Laos

3. Go on a food trip to Vang Vieng Night Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You haven’t indulged in the best Vang Vieng has to offer if you haven’t experienced the fun Vang Vieng Night Market has for its visitors. Asian countries are known for their vibrant and bustling night markets, and Vang Vieng is not short of that. Located in the city’s main street, this district comes alive at night with so many lights, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine fills the atmosphere in the area. There, you’ll find a multitude of food stalls with diverse flavorful offerings, as well as shops that sell artisan products and souvenirs. Ready your bargaining skills as vendors at Vang Vieng Night Market give good discounts to friendly tourists. Be sure to try the delicious bing moo and pair it with khao niew for a complete experience.

Vang Vieng Night Market

Address: Unnamed Road, Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening hours: 6pm - 10pm (daily)

4. Have a drink at Sakura Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you ready to party? This question might be asked when you visit the town for the first time. Don’t be thunderstruck by the lively nightlife and frenzied parties in the clubs and bars lining the street. To enjoy the full excitement with other party-goers, just drop by Sakura Bar. Free whiskey is available between 8 and 9 at night.

Sakura Bar

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening Hours: 2 pm to 12 am (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Facebook: Sakura Bar

5. Explore the water cave (Tham Nam)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The water cave (Tham Nam) should be your first trial when it comes to a nature discovery. You can do tubing, zip-lining, and caving here at Tham Nam. This interesting spot is actually a 50 meter (164 ft) long river inside a cave tunnel flowing out to the side of a mountain. Getting inside is quite tough, especially during rainy season, yet it’s super fun. But do be sure to consider your safety. To rent a tube and torch, you need to pay 10,000 LAK (1.25 USD).

Tham Nam

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Duration: 2 hours

6. Go tubing in Nam Song River

There is nothing more awesome other than tubing down the river in Vang Vieng. The exotic Nam Song River is where you can spend most of your floating time. How can you do it? Just rent a rubber tube, available at the town center (you will be charged about 55,000 LAK / 6.8 USD), head to the starting point, and jump into the river with the tube. Don’t miss stopping at the bar to sip some refreshing Beerlao while tubing.

Nam Song River

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Price for Tube Rental: 55,000 LAK / 6.80 USD, 60,000 LAK / 7.50 USD (Deposit)

Note: Be sure to return the tube by 6 pm or you will be fined!

7. Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride and overlook the Laotian views

Planning to enjoy a thrilling moment? Don’t miss out on a chance to fly above this charming town in a world-class hot air balloon. There is nothing to be worried about since you will be guided by a professional pilot. Riding in the huge balloon might be unfriendly for budget travelers, yet it’s so worthwhile as you can marvel at the green Laotian landscape from the height of 900 m (2,953 feet).

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Price: 90 USD

Schedule: 6am and 5pm

Website: Wonderful Tours

8. Cool off at the Blue Lagoon

Avoid the crowds and cool off at the Blue Lagoon, which is situated around 7 km (4.3 mi) from the city center. The Blue Lagoon is filled with plenty of colorful fishes and offers refreshing turquoise water, ideal for leisure activities. Try the swing and jump into the lagoon from the top of a big tree. If you can’t swim, just rent a life jacket or tube from one of the on-site vendors. To reach this site, going by bicycle or motorbike is fun thing to do.

The Blue Lagoon

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee: 10,000 LAK (1.25 USD)

9. See the reclining Buddha at Phu Kham Cave

Just a few minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, a reclining Buddha sits in a beautiful cave inside the cliff called Phu Kham. You need to climb up the steep, 200 meter (656 ft) trail, follow the unclear path, then pass some chambers to see the large reclining Buddha, which is made of bronze. Don’t forget to bring your torch as the first chamber is totally in darkness. Also, be cautious of the slippery rocks.

Phu Kham Cave

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm

Admission Fee: 10,000 LAK (1.25 USD)

10. Take a rock climbing class at Adam's Climbing School

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Exploring the challenging cliff faces in Vang Vieng is a must. Willing to boost your adrenaline by rock climbing but have limited experience? Stop worrying it as you can join a course with a qualified instructor. The cost depends on the length of the course. The activity is usually held in the north of the town. Book in advance for your convenience.

Adam's Climbing School

Price: From 100 USD to 225 USD

Contact Number: (020) 5656 4499, (020) 5501 0832

11. Try the local food at Viman Vang Vieng

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hunting for the best meal in Vang Vieng is absolutely fun. Get your culinary adventure by dropping into some local restaurants that serve authentic Lao food. The evening barbecue joints at the north end of the town are where you can taste the tastiest grilled duck, pork, and chicken. Besides, try the baguette sandwich and banana pancake at the street food stands.

Viman Vang Vieng

Address: Vang Vieng Laos

Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm

12. Attend a jungle party

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Forget about having a night out at the town’s bars and go to a wild jungle party. These are some of the biggest events in Vang Vieng, so you shouldn’t miss it. Immerse yourself deep into the excitement of partying in the jungle while listening the latest EDM music in someone’s backyard. To reach the party, take a free tuk-tuk from Sakura Bar. Get drunk and dance until morning.

Jungle Party

Address: Vang Vieng, Laos

Opening Hours: 8 pm to 2 am

13. Retreat to a peaceful village

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want to find peacefulness and serenity, you can stroll down to the streets in the nearby village. Sharing laughter with the local kids, meeting a herd of wild cows walking across a road, and greeting the people are things you can do while discovering the village. These activities allow you to feel the authentic life of Laos.

Nearby Village in Vang Vieng

Address: Huay Ye Village, Laos

Vang Vieng is awaiting to be discovered

This charming gem truly captivates people not only for nature exploration and its thriving nightlife scene, but also the due to its local people. The Blue Lagoon, Phu Kham Cave, and the vibrant nightlife are perfect for a vacation. There is still more to do and visitors can expect something surprising from Vang Vieng.