Vang Vieng is a special place in Laos, known for its impressive landscape, including majestic karst mountains and the Nam Song River. The former backpacker mecca has changed in recent years and now offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Here you will find numerous activities such as tubing, kayaking and hiking, as well as the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area with its lagoons. At the same time, there are cosy cafés, charming restaurants and lush rice fields.
The China-Laos express train takes you from Vientiane to Vang Vieng in just 55 minutes – and at a very reasonable price of 170,000 kip. The journey is not only fast but also extremely comfortable and offers fantastic views of the beautiful Laotian countryside.
However, the security checks are quite thorough, similar to hand luggage checks at the airport. In addition, our tickets were checked three times during the entire journey. It is also advisable to ensure that luggage and personal belongings are stowed away correctly: everything should be securely fastened. It is particularly important to remove bottles from the rucksack compartment, as these are not permitted in the luggage area above the windows.
Vieng Tara Resort
- ca. 10 € per Person
- Great views & delicious food
- Reservations recommended
After a short walk through the narrow streets of Vang Vieng, you will reach the beautiful Vieng Tara Resort, which is known for its impressive panorama of rice fields and the rocks behind them. The view from here is truly something special. The resort itself has an atmospheric restaurant that not only serves delicious Laotian cuisine but also offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Even if you are not staying at the resort, it is highly recommended to eat here and enjoy the view. However, there is a minimum charge of around €10 per person, which we think is absolutely worth it for the delicious food and great view.
Sunset with mountain landscape
There are memories in life that stay with you forever – and the sunset in Vang Vieng is definitely one of them. From the balcony of our hotel, we witnessed a spectacular show that showcased the natural beauty of the region in all its facets.
As the sun slowly disappears over the horizon, bathing the sky in a warm play of colours ranging from orange to soft shades of violet, numerous hot-air balloons and motorised paragliders rise into the air. These colourful balloons and paragliders float leisurely over the breathtaking mountain landscape, lending the scene a very special atmosphere.
If you are not lucky enough to have a balcony with a view of the sunset, there are a few spots that have been recommended to us: the PullMind Cafe and the M&M Rooftop Bar. The view there is said to be particularly beautiful – however, you may be required to purchase something to eat or drink. Often, a drink is sufficient. Even though we haven't been there ourselves, it sounded like a worthwhile tip for a special sunset moment.
Buggy tour & lagoons
- 40 € per Buggy (6h)
- Booking via Whatsapp
- Admission: approx. 70 Cent per person
One of the most exciting highlights in Vang Vieng was definitely our buggy tour, which we booked with OK Tour. Full of anticipation, we climbed into the buggy and set off along dusty, bumpy roads towards Lagoons 2 and 3. It was a real off-road adventure that took us through the impressive mountain landscape, past grazing cows and buffaloes standing leisurely by the roadside.
After about a 30-minute drive, we reached our first stop: Lagoon 2. The crystal-clear water shimmered in the sunlight and immediately invited us to linger and relax.
After spending a relaxing time at Lagoon 2, we continued our tour and drove on to Lagoon 3. The journey took about 20 minutes and took us through the beautiful green countryside of Vang Vieng again. Once there, we spent the afternoon by the water, relaxing on the spacious lawn and enjoying a delicious lunch in one of the small restaurants right by the lagoon.
A day trip to the lagoons can be easily combined with a hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint, which is located on the way back from Lagoon 3 to Vang Vieng.
Nam Xay Viewpoint
- Admission approx. 80 Cent
- ca. 30 Min.
- Scenic view
The journey from Lagoon 3 to the Nam Xay Viewpoint takes just over half an hour by buggy. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the climb, and those who reach the top after about 30 minutes will be rewarded with a magnificent view. Rice fields, mountain panoramas and, as a special photo opportunity, an old motorbike with the Laotian flag.
If you are considering watching the sunset from here, please note the opening hours. The path is closed at around 6 p.m. Depending on the time of year, the return journey by buggy or scooter can also be quite adventurous, as most of the roads are not lit.
A.M.D. Restaurant
- Dishes from €1,20
- Fried Chicken + Cashew
- Reservations recommended
The A. M.D. Restaurant in Vang Vieng is a real hidden gem for anyone who wants to experience local cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, it attracts both travellers and locals with Laotian dishes and friendly service. Everything is kept very simple and therefore super authentic.
The menu offers a great selection of traditional dishes – from fresh papaya salads to juicy laap, the famous Laotian meat salad. The curries are particularly recommended, with their intense flavours and perfect blend of spices. If you don't like spicy food, you can easily have the dishes adjusted to suit your taste.
Kiwi Kitchen
- Dishes from €2.00
- Café-Garden
- Coconut Pineapple Smoothie
The Kiwi Kitchen in Vang Vieng is a real insider tip for anyone looking for good food and a relaxed atmosphere. This small café offers a mix of New Zealand, Western and Laotian cuisine and is known for its fresh, homemade dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a juicy burger, you'll find what you're looking for here. The smoothie bowls are particularly recommended, as they are not only delicious but also very photogenic.
With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly owners and cosy seating, Kiwi Kitchen is the perfect place to take a break, recharge your batteries and refuel for more adventures in Vang Vieng.
The best seats are in the café garden. Just walk through the restaurant and you'll find yourself sitting in a relaxed green setting, far away from the hustle and bustle.
While paying, the owner Neil told us about a special experience he had recently. "You take off gently, and suddenly you're floating above green rice fields, sparkling lagoons and these imposing limestone cliffs. It was completely silent up there, just the wind in your face and a feeling of pure freedom. My guide did all the flying, so I could concentrate fully on the view. It was like flying over a huge, living postcard – definitely an absolute highlight here!"
It didn't take long for him to convince us. We wanted to experience something like that too. No sooner said than done, we arranged another flight for the evening right from the café.
Paramotor Flight over Vang Vieng
- approx. € 80 per person
- Approximately 2 hours (including travel time)
- Pick-up by tuk-tuk
A paramotor flight over Vang Vieng is definitely an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush and wanting to discover Vang Vieng from a whole new perspective. With a motorised paraglider, you gently lift off the ground and float over the region's breathtaking landscape. Below you, green rice fields, sparkling lagoons and the characteristic limestone cliffs that are so typical of Vang Vieng stretch out below.
The flight offers breathtaking views that can only be experienced from the air. Best of all, you don't need to be an experienced pilot! You'll fly with an experienced guide who will navigate for you while you sit back and enjoy the scenery. The wind in your face, the feeling of freedom and the spectacular panoramas make this flight an absolute highlight that will remain in your memory for a long time to come.
The pick-up was super convenient. The driver arrived 15 minutes early and waited for us with his spacious tuk-tuk. After about a 15-minute drive, we arrived at the airfield. Then it was time to weigh in, receive safety instructions, put on our flight suits and climb into the aircraft. The flight lasted about 30 minutes and, as mentioned above, was an adventure in itself.
Tempel Wat That
- free of charge
- ca. 1 h
- Arrival by tuktuk or bicycle
Although Wat That is a lesser-known temple, this is precisely what gives it its unique charm. Here, you will hardly encounter any crowds, but can enjoy the atmosphere and spirituality of the place in peace and quiet. Those who find their way to this hidden treasure will be rewarded with an oasis of tranquillity and a dose of magical, colourful impressions.
What makes this temple so special are its bright colours and detailed design. The buildings are adorned with ornate decorations and Buddha statues that shine in vibrant shades of red, blue and gold. The murals inside the temple buildings also tell stories from Buddhist mythology and captivate visitors with their intensity.
Big Mama Sandwiches
- from € 1.30 per sandwich
- Street Food
- Recommendation: Sandwich No. 3
Big Mama Sandwiches is an absolute must for anyone looking for a quick but incredibly tasty snack. This small, charming stand has quickly made a name for itself, attracting both locals and travellers with its delicious sandwiches and wraps.
There is a wide selection: from classic baguettes with grilled meat and fresh vegetables to options topped with avocado or cheese. Every sandwich is freshly prepared and was truly delicious.
Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait a moment. In our case, there was a group of locals ahead of us, so we had to wait about 15 minutes. But the wait is definitely worth it – promise!
Weiterreise nach Luang Prabang
- ca. 6 €
- By train
- Booking via LCR App
After a few eventful days in Vang Vieng, our journey continued to Luang Prabang – and once again, we travelled in style by train! The new railway line between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang saved us the otherwise rather bumpy bus ride and offered us a fast and comfortable alternative instead.
The train took us through the breathtaking mountain landscape of northern Laos in just under an hour, past deep green valleys and majestic rock formations. We had bought our tickets in advance via LCR app. All you need is a Laotian mobile phone number and a credit card. Get in, sit back and enjoy the spectacular view – this is definitely the most pleasant way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.