Lao
Great Videos and Photos of the Best Places and Things to see in Vang Vieng Lao. For the independent traveller who is interested in seeing places while planning their next trip. Or for anyone who likes to be close to nature and see the quieter parts of the country or city
Vang Vieng
Located along the bank of the Nam Song river amongst Limestone Karst Hills, Vang Vieng is an idyllic setting popular with visitors who like to relax and spend timing tubing and kayaking on the river and exploring some hidden caves.
Nam Song River
The Nam Song River flows through the Karst limestone countryside surrounding Vang Vieng. After passing through Vang Vieng the river continues south and is diverted into the Nam Ngum Reservoir
Morning mist over River
Nam Song River
The Nam Song River as it flows through Vang Vieng is back dropped by a Karst landscape. Early morning mist rising from the river gives the limestone hills an eerie feeling.
River Activity
Nam Song River
River activities such as tubing, kayaking and caving attract many visitors through the year. During the dry season the river is fairly tranquil, but as the rains fall in July and Autumn the river can be in spate making water activities problematic and dangerous.
Wooden Bridge
Nam Song River
Access to the west side of he river (and the caves and blue lagoon) is via a number of wooden bridges. The bridge to the south is strong enough to support cars and trucks. These bridges are often washed away during the high water season and rebuilt during the following dry season.
River Descent
Kayaking
While the river descent is not particularly challenging during the dry season it is a popular and fun activity attracting many tour groups.
River Bend
Kayaking
Travelling downstream at a leisurely pace is a great way to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Of course you can stop at one of the many bars along the river bank and buy some cool beers.
Northern Caves
The Karst Region near Vang Vieng is peppered with caves, some long discovered, some recently developed, some just opening in the cliffs and some waiting to be found.
Water Cave
Northern Caves
The Tham Nam or more commonly called the Water Cave is to the north, approx. 40 minutes by car from Vang Vieng followed by a short walk across paddy fields. The cave is popular and many tour operates include it as part of a kayaking or tubing trip.
Tham Hoi
Northern Caves
The Tham Hoi cave in a single standing monolith in the middle of a paddy field close to a village. The cave is now a shrine to Buddha.
Off Road Cycling
Looking for a less watery experience, then why not hire a bike and cycle through the dry paddy fields and explore some of the less visited caves.
Cycling
Off Road Cycling
Take a bike across the wooden bridge and head out to the countryside. In the dry season, the paddy fields are open and tracks ( bumpy ) wind their way between the limestone hills, lakes and farms.
Cycle in the countryside
Off Road Cycling
Follow some of the small lanes and soft tops roads west of the river and wander through the small villages.
Sunset over the Monoliths
Treking
As the sun sets behind the limestone hills and the evening mist rises, the landscape takes on an interesting hue.
Bamboo Bridge
Treking
About 10km upstream of Viang Vien there is a bamboo bridge which is a starting point for trekking through some farmland.
Open Country Trek
Treking
When trekking across open country make sure to bring water and some food supplies as there arent any shops away from the main road.
Caving
There are quite a few caves which can be visited. Some of the caves are no more than a crack in the cliff through which ou squeeze and then crawl into a larger chamber. Some have internal lakes or ponds. Most are pitch dark and are lit by head torches.
Blue Lagoon Cave
Caving
The Blue Lagoon Cave is one of the most popular on the tourist trek. The lagoon is a smallish lake outside the cave and used for swimming and tree jumping into the ponds.
Bor Savanah Water Cave
Caving
Bor Savanah Water Cave Pool is south of the main road which goes to the Blue Lagoon. It can be a bit difficult to find though there are some sign posts.
Phapet Cave System
Caving
In this cliff south of the main road to the Blue Lagoon, there are a number of caves some which are well hidden from the casual observer. The better known are signposted.