I'm writing this blog post two months after my trip, and two things immediately come to mind when I think about this place. One: what an absolutely amazing destination. And two: pain in my lungs, because the air quality was already bad, and it wasn’t even burning season yet. That being said, it's still a location worth your visit.
How to get here?
We took the train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, and it was such an easy, fast, and reliable journey. Along the way, you’re treated to some breathtaking views. The train runs in both directions.
While there is an airport in Vientiane, keep in mind that the drive from there to Vang Vieng takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re flying in, plan for the extra travel time.
A little tip: make sure to book your train tickets in advance, and don’t bring liquids over 100 ml, as they’ll take it from you at security. If you get hungry, you can grab some noodles at the train station, and the train provides hot water so you can enjoy your meal while relaxing and taking in the ride.
Activities I loved doing:
Lagoon hopping in Vang Vieng is a must! This place is known for its stunning lagoons, and you can either book a tour with one of the many operators or just go for it yourself, rent a bike, scooter, or even a quad and hit the road.
Now, I’ll be honest with you, Lagoon 1? Not worth it. I’d skip that one without hesitation. It’s packed with tourists (mainly Chinese groups), which is cool, but the crowds and noise kind of take away the magic. Lagoon 2 is a step up, but Lagoon 3 and 4? That’s where the real magic happens. Lagoon 3 & 4, especially, were my favorites. But since lagoon 4 is further out, it’s way quieter, we arrived late and had the place almost to ourselves. The drive there? Absolutely stunning, with a proper outback vibe. If you're up for an adventure, definitely make the trip out to the further lagoons, you won’t regret it!
This is what we did: we rented bikes for a day to explore Lagoon 1, Lagoon 2, and hike the Nam Xay Top View (more on that later!). Our hotel arranged the bikes for us, which was super convenient since we were staying outside the city center. But if you're staying closer to town, you'll find plenty of rental shops, just take a stroll, compare your options, and don’t be afraid to negotiate a bit.On our second day, we rented a quad and set off for Lagoons 3 and 4, which are a bit further outside the city. We got ours from Motobikes & Buggy, conveniently located near our hotel. But honestly, there are plenty of rental shops in the area, just ask around, compare prices, and go with the one that feels right and safe.
Hiking to the Nam Xay Top View is a short but steep adventure, taking around 30–40 minutes to reach the top. We did it in November when the trail was dry, which made the climb a bit easier.
The viewpoint is famous for its motorbike perched on a rock, making it one of the most iconic photo spots in Vang Vieng. Entry costs just €1–2, and I’d definitely recommend avoiding the midday heat, early mornings or late afternoons are the way to go.
And the best part? When you make your way back down, there’s a small shop selling the most refreshing coconut smoothies, trust me, after a short but spicy hike, it’s the ultimate reward!
Tipsy Tubing, I mean, the name pretty much says it all, right? I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much from this activity, but wow, did we end up having a lot of fun!
You can book it easily once you’re in Vang Vieng, as plenty of places offer the experience. You’ll float down the river with three beer stops, where you can hang out as long as you like. They’ve got a DJ, great music, and of course, plenty of beer to keep the good vibes flowing. ;)
A hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng is an absolute must, especially with the region’s perfect climate for it. We booked with Above Laos about a month in advance, and I couldn’t recommend them enough, they’ve got great reviews and prioritize safety, which gave us peace of mind from the get-go. Our pilot was incredibly skilled, even managing to land the balloon back at our starting point, so you know you're in good hands!
We opted for the early morning flight at 6 AM, and it was totally worth it. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and after the breathtaking flight, you’re treated to bubbles, fresh fruit, and croissants. It was the perfect way to start the day and one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip!
Food I loved eating
Kiwi Kitchen: We ended up eating here a few times because it never disappointed. They offer great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but my absolute favorite was the roast served on weekends. I had the pork roast, and let me tell you, it was incredibly tasty! If you’re craving the roast, make sure to book in advance to guarantee you don’t miss out! ;)
Pizza Luka: We made two visits here and weren’t disappointed either time. The pizza is top-notch, and the owner is incredibly friendly, which makes the experience even better. They also serve delicious pasta, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
Happy Mango: Another spot we couldn’t resist returning to, twice, actually! The Massaman beef and duck roll were hands down our favorites. We also loved the pineapple rice and fried wontons, so much flavor in every bite! If you're looking for an amazing meal, this place is definitely worth a stop.
Unfortunately, the hotel we stayed at doesn’t quite deserve a mention, so I won’t waste your time with the details. But if you have any questions, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to help!
With love,
Mimi
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