Things to Do in Vang Vieng – Top Caving, Kayaking and Hot Air Ballooning Adventures

Rendezvous with nature don’t get any more adventurous than the outdoor activities available for tourists in Vang Vieng. This relaxed, rural town in central Laos sits on the banks of the Nam Song River and is surrounded by lush jungles filled with natural limestone caves, cliffs and waterfalls. Rent a motorbike to explore the back roads on Vang Vieng Loop, or see the sunrise with a panoramic view of Vang Vieng from the basket of a hot-air balloon. Rock-climbing excursions, kayaking adventures and even swimming in Blue Lagoons await travelers to Vang Vieng. Discover more about this backpacker’s backyard playground and thrilling things to do in Vang Vieng.

Explore the Limestone Caves of Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng’s history runs as deep as its natural attractions – literally. Caving is one of Vang Vieng’s top things to do, and for good reason. The region is surrounded by some of the country’s largest and most explorable limestone caves. Visitors can venture to these popular tunnels on their own, hire local guides or book cave tours to get views of the entirety of these natural wonders in Vang Vieng.

• Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoons: hiking to this cave requires a steep climb, but the reward at the end is a dip in a refreshing pool of cool turquoise waters.
• Tham Jang (Tham Chang): just a short walk from town center, spelunkers can explore illuminated chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites and then enjoy panoramic views of surrounding landscapes from high points outside the cave.
• Tham Loup: part of a three-cave tour about 10 minutes outside Vang Vieng, the “Sleeping Cave” is famous for its stalactite formations that resemble a giant elephant.
• Tham Nam: sometimes called Water Cave, Tham Nam is a popular tubing destination for adventure seekers. Tourists see rural landscapes, stunning limestone karsts and rock formations while floating through the cave and along the Nam Song River.
• Tham Xang: not to be confused with Tham Chang, another “Elephant Cave,” Tham Xang features an elephant-shaped stalactite at the entrance. Visit this cave on the way to the Blue Lagoons.
• Tham Hoi: tourists can join a scenic river cruise to view this smaller cave that showcases impressive rock formations and the natural scenery of central Laos.
• Than None Cave: spelunkers looking for off-the-beaten-track and peaceful caving experiences will want to make the 20-minute trip out of Vang Vieng to explore this natural wonder’s unique rock formations and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can tube down the Nam Song River through parts of the cave.

Kayak Down Vang Vieng’s Rivers

Get your paddle satisfied while weaving through winding cave tunnels and down picturesque passageways on the Nam Song River while staying in Vang Vieng. Kayaking adventures are around every corner in this natural wonderland. Tours are available for all skill levels, and adventurists have plenty of options for kayak rentals with all the gear. Visitors ready to float past riverside villages and take in some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country will want to be sure and follow some safety rules before setting out on the Nam Song.

Gear up for Vang Vieng kayaking adventures

• Wear appropriate gear: wearing a life jacket while kayaking on the Nam Song River is crucial to safety. Make sure the jacket is fitted properly and that all the attachments clamp as they should.
• Understand the Nam Song River conditions: rainy season is no time to test the Nam Song River’s water flow. Check weather forecasts and ask local guides for water conditions before setting off.
• Pack basic safety equipment: taking a first aid kit, waterproof bag for valuables and even a whistle in case of an emergency is a good idea, especially for solo kayakers.
• Stay hydrated and protected from the sun: take plenty of water and be sure to drink it regularly. Wear sunscreen or a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and a hat to prevent sunburn and dehydration.

Staying mindful of wildlife is also important when exploring Vang Vieng’s rivers via kayak. Visitors can enjoy the surroundings but should not disturb natural settings, throw garbage in the river or litter the banks with trash.

Eco-Tourism in Vang Vieng

With lush rice fields flowing through the mountainsides, a rushing river and welcoming locals, Vang Vieng is a natural haven for eco-tourism. Visitors can hike through jungles, kayak down the river or spend lazy days hot air-ballooning over the countryside. Staying in eco-friendly accommodations, like Vang Vieng Eco Lodge, is a fantastic way to get in on all the nature escapes available in Vang Vieng. The 2-star hotel is located on the banks of the Nam Song River, and not only do guests enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, but they also are treated to eco-friendly activities, like peaceful tours of local villages and breakfasts crafted with locally grown ingredients. Book sustainable caving tours, hot air-balloon rides and kayaking adventures right at the front desk. Vang Vieng Eco Lodge is just one example of the responsible environmental tourism hosts in Vang Vieng. For more responsible travel accommodations, search “eco-friendly hotels in Vang Vieng” on Agoda.

Adventure Sports in Vang Vieng

From paragliding off of limestone karsts to ziplining over remote jungle villages, Vang Vieng adventure sports can hang with the best of any tourist destination. Check out TCK Zipline in town for all zip lining and kayaking adventures on the Nam Song River. They float to caves and zip over rice fields all day, every day, and their safety standards are on point, according to their stellar reviews. Families will want to head to Vangvieng Inter Park for swimming and running wild in the open outdoors and on adventure courses. Dust & Dirt Vang Vieng takes ATVers on high-impact adventures down off-road trails. They provide motorbike rentals and take guests to places that cannot be found on any map! For hot-air ballooning, go to Above Laos Ballooning. Choose a morning or evening ride for spectacular views of surrounding limestone cliffs at sunrise or sunset.

Leisure Activities on the Nam Song River

While Vang Vieng is best known for its outdoor adventure sports, the town has no shortage of leisure activities, especially when it comes to floating on the Nam Song River. Fishing, river tubing and cruises all are popular things to do in Vang Vieng. Guests can rely on relaxing getaways that include leisurely guided hikes through karst mountains, easy floats down the river and riverside dinners at sunset. No matter where guests stay in Vang Vieng, hotel staff members can recommend leisure tours and easy activities for relaxing getaways in Vang Vieng.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Viewpoints in Vang Vieng

There are too many trekking trails in Vang Vieng for hikers to cover in a short getaway. Nature lovers can count on having plenty of routes to tackle during a holiday. These hiking trails are some of the most popular and take trekkers to natural sites, like surrounding caves, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

• Pha Ngern View Point: take in views from this destination two miles outside of Vang Vieng every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free, and the climb is moderately steep and a little more than 2,000 feet.
• Pha Poak Mountain: this small limestone hill west of Vang Vieng offers views of town from one side and views of mountains from the other. Guests can walk from town center to summit this viewpoint.
• Nam Xay Viewpoint: just two miles outside of Vang Vieng, hikers can catch a stunning view from atop Nam Xay Viewpoint. Take photos from two different viewpoints, which are open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Accommodation in Vang Vieng – Top Hotels and Nature Retreats

Accommodations in Vang Vieng range from cheap backpacker hostels and eco-friendly lodging to comfortable boutique stays and resort-style guesthouses. These best hotels and accommodations in Vang Vieng offer riverfront views and proximity to top outdoor attractions.

• Riverside Boutique Resort: this luxury hotel offers 34 rooms and suites on the banks of the Nam Song River. Featuring French colonial architecture with a wrap-around balcony, the resort offers an on-site restaurant and rooms with garden, pool or river views. Amenities include an on-site swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and 24/7 staff service.
• ViengTara VangVieng Resort: a 3-star hotel that is just a two-minute walk from the Nam Song Riverfront, this resort offers rooms with views of surrounding karst mountains and rice paddy fields. Book a villa with free Wi-Fi and self-serve breakfast, as well as a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and air conditioning. Guests have options for airport shuttles, luggage storage and parking.
• Vieng Tara Villa Rice-Fields: wake up with a view of a rice field while staying in the middle of a rice field at this 3-star eco-friendly resort. Located in the center of the tourism district of Vang Vieng, the resort offers traditional villas, a restaurant, bar, free breakfast and air conditioning.