One Day in Vang Vieng, Laos

This article provides information for one day in Vang Vieng: activities in Vang Vieng, hotels in Vang Vieng, and how to get to Vang Vieng by bus.

We had heard so much about Vang Vieng, or more specifically, tubing in Vang Vieng and how it was recently shut down. When we arrived in town, we were right on time to witness the vans departing with all the tubes and travelers with many bracelets (indicating “free drinks”) on – right next to a cocktail stand…so maaaaybe not completely shut down yet.

Though tubing on the Nam Song river seemed like a relaxing and enjoyable activity, bar hopping and drunk tubing with other travelers was not on our list of must-dos for Vang Vieng (continue reading for activities in Vang Vieng).

How To Get There – Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Bus

Vang Vieng is about 3-4hrs by bus from Vientiane. Expect to pay between 40,000-60,000 Kip (USD $5-7.50) depending on the type of bus. You should be able to purchase your ticket from any hostel/guesthouse and it should include transportation to the bus station.

Once in Vang Vieng, you should be dropped off right behind the main street or on main street (depending on the bus) so if you intend to stay in that area, you will not need a tuk tuk.

Not tubing

How To Get There – Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Bus

Vang Vieng is about 6-8hrs by bus from Luang Prabang and provides beautiful scenery along the day if you want to take the day bus. Expect to pay between 100,000-150,000 Kip (USD $12-18.50) depending on the type of bus and departure is from the Southern Bus Station. You should be able to purchase your ticket from any hostel/guesthouse and it should include transportation to the bus station.

Once in Vang Vieng, you should arrive at the Northern Vang Vieng Terminal, about 2km from town center – a tuk tuk should cost 10,000 Kip (<USD $1.50)– as a rule, always negotiate.

How to Get Around In – Local Transportation in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is so small that everything can be reached by foot but if you decide to venture a bit out of town, you can easily rent a bicycle (about 20,000 Kip per day – under USD $3) from your hostel or a nearby shop.

Tuk tuks are also always available, it should cost you no more than 10,000 Kip (<USD $1.50)for any distance within Vang Vieng.

Where to Stay : Vang Vieng Hotels

Sengkeo Guesthouse – For USD $7.50 you get a quiet double room with fan, private bathroom, free WiFi (works better outside), terrace view and outdoor furniture. 10mins walk to town center but close to the caves.

Molina Bungalows – For USD $10, you are right in the town center, with a private bungalow equipped with bathroom and fan, free WiFi, balcony Roosters and pigs may wake you up in the morning.

What to do : Sights and Activities in Vang Vieng

Tham Phu Kham Cave (The Golden Cave) and The Blue Lagoon – We went pretty early in the day, there weren’t a lot of people, got to sweat from climbing to the cave and cool off by jumping in the incredibly blue lagoon.

Entry Sign before getting to the Golden Cave

Inside the Cave

Hot Air Balloon over Vang Vieng – for about USD $80, you can ride the balloon and enjoy a beautiful sunrise/sunset.

Ride your bicycle around Vang Vieng and enjoy the green sceneries

Sleeping Buddha inside the Golden Cave

How To Get Away:  by Bus from Vang Vieng

From the Vang Vieng Bus Station, you can find a bus leading you to the most popular destinations of Luang Prabang or Vientiane and even to Thailand or Vietnam. Check out this article for the timetable and costs.

We really enjoyed a our day in Vang Vieng, drugs and alcohol free and being able to enjoy the laid-back and peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful small town.

What did you do in Vang Vieng? Did you go tubing in Vang Vieng recently ? Share your travel experience with us! We love to hear from you.

Happy Travels !!xx

View all stories, photos and videos from Laos. Read the story and view the photos from Vientiane, Laos or view photos from Luang Prabang: Kuang Si Falls and the Night Market. 

Check out the travel tips for Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Laos.

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