Vang Vieng Travel Guide

A few decades ago, only a handful of people knew about Vang Vieng and where it was located.

Even though it was only 160km north of Vientiane and 180km south of Luang Prabang; this little town was hardly heard of. During the Vietnam war, there was an American airfield runway parallel to Nam Song river to serve Air American in Laos. Besides this runway, there is nothing else available to show that this town has been prosperous in the past. Therefore, since the influx of the backpackers from 1980, the town started to change and grow rapidly.

Beautiful Scenery

Today this little town is full of backpackers. The main attractions that bring them here is the laid-back country life style, beautiful scenery, white fresh Nam Song river, limestone mountains and caves filled with rock formations.

At the main streets of the town you can find hotels and guest houses, bars, restaurants, tour agencies and internet cafes to serve the guests. Along the Nam Song river there are several places to stop for Beer Lao and stop to jump into the river from the bank or from the bridge.

This town has a wealth of options available for those people looking to get a little more out of it. You can organize your own river tubing but for some of the more adventurous activities you need specialised equipments and guides.

If you like outdoor activities then this place is sure to have something for you! From whitewater rafting and rock climbing to scenic kayaking and trekking tours, this town has a full range of activities to suit every one.

Crossing Wooden Bridge

Rafting

Night-life

Tourist Information

Here're some useful information to help you learn more about Vang Vieng.

Map

View Larger Map

Places for your information

• BKC Bookshop
  Open from 7am to 7pm; here you find new and second-hand books, guidebooks and travel maps.
  

• Post Office
  Located beside the old market
  Tel: 511009
  

• Phones and Internet
  Internet cafes have popped up in every corner of town, and many of the shops are offer international phones services.
  

• Provincial Hospital
  Tel: 511604
  Treat minor injuries like cuts, broken bones, malaria and now has x-ray facilities.
  

Money and Banks

The currency of Laos is "Kip". There are no coins in circulation. Notes of Kip are ranging from 50kip to 20,000kip.

Us dollars and Thai Bath are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. Major currencies and traveller's cheques in US dollars and pounds sterling can be exchanged at most leading banks.

Getting There And Away

Buses, minibus, pick-ups and Songtheo depart from and to vang Vieng bus station 2km north of town daily. So you can leave town whenever you like.

Vang Vieng - Vientiane

• Regulary Buses
  Deparure: 5.30am, 7.00am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm
  Fare: US$2.50
  Travel time: 3 to 4 hours (distance: 160km)
  

• Pick-Ups
  Leave about every 20 minutes from 5am to 4am
  Fare: US$2.50
  Travel time: also about 3 to 4 hours
  

• Minibus and Air-con buses
  Departure: 9am, 10am and 1pm
  Fare: from US$5.50 to US$7.00
  Travel time 3 hours
  

Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

• Buses
  Deparure: Between 11.00am, 8.00pm
  Fare: US$7.00
  Travel time: 7 to 11 hours (distance: 168km)
  

• Minibuses and Air-con buses
  Deparure: Between 9.00am, 10.00pm
  Fare: US$9.50
  Travel time: 6 to 8 hours (distance: 168km)
  All these services stop at Kasi and Phu Khoun for Phonsavan.
  

Vang Vieng - Phonsavan

There's one bus to Phonsavan
Deparure: Between 9.00am, 9.30am
Fare: US$7.50
Travel time: 6 to 7 hours (distance: 219km)

If you are planning to visit the town, to have fun and enjoy yourself, then it's a good idea to book hotels before you leave home or you can visit here by tour. Booking a hotel online is easy and convenient, saving you time and money. For full details about price comparisons just visit Vang Vieng hotels for more information.

Vang-Vieng News:

• Lao tourism in Vang-Vieng

Do You Have Interesting Vang Vieng Story And Photo To Share?

Do you have a great story, nice photo about Vang Vieng? Share it! We can't wait to read about your travel story, adventure or tip. Thank you in advance for sharing.