Vang Vieng: Karst peaks, lagoons, and tubing

Vang Vieng sits in a valley of jagged limestone karsts on the Nam Song river, halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. It earned a reputation in the 2000s as a backpacker party town — that's been toned down considerably since 2012, but the scenery remains some of the most dramatic in Laos.

Getting There

• Train — the China-Laos Railway makes Vang Vieng a 1-hour ride from Vientiane and 1 hour from Luang Prabang; book via Baolao
• Minivan — 3–4 hours from Vientiane, often included in onward tickets to Luang Prabang

What to Do

• Tubing on the Nam Song — drift down the river with riverside bars; tamer than its 2011 self
• Blue Lagoons — Blue Lagoon 1 is the original (with cave); 3 is quieter and prettier
• Hot air balloon at sunrise — one of the cheapest places in the world to do it
• Hot air ballooning aside, paramotor and microlight flights are also offered
• Kayaking, ziplining, and rock climbing — all easily booked through any guesthouse
• Pha Ngern Viewpoint — steep climb but the best view over the karsts

Where to Stay

The town centre has the best access to bars and tour operators. Riverside guesthouses on the west bank trade convenience for a quieter setting and unbeatable karst views from the balcony.

Two nights is enough for most travellers — three if you want a balloon flight without rushing it.