Vang Vieng Itinerary: A 3-Day Travel Guide

Would you believe that you can experience riding a hot air balloon without breaking the bank? Here’s the catch: you can ride the hot air balloon with million-dollar views of stunning landscapes of nature in Vang Vieng, Laos, Southeast Asia! Definitely one of the cheapest tourist destinations to visit in Asia!

Vang Vieng is a small town between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Nestled along the Nam Song River, this small town is a hidden gem in Laos. Known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventure activities, Vang Vieng offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.

vang vieng laos itinerary for solo travelers

I explored Laos for 5 days and 4 nights and have spent most of my time in Vang Vieng! The main reason why I wanted to go to this small town so badly is that I have always wanted to hike its famous viewpoint called Namxay Viewpoint. Ever since I came across that place online, Laos has become one of my top lists! True to be told, I must say that visiting Vang Vieng is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

In this blog post, discover the top places to see and things to do in Vang Vieng for 3 days and 2 nights!

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

Vang Vieng can be hot and humid, so pack light, make sure to wear comfortable clothes as much as possible. Don’t forget to take your sunscreen with you.
There are ATMs in town, but it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in case of power outages. Laos Kip is the local currency, but USD and Thai Baht are widely accepted.
Renting a scooter or a bike is a convenient way to explore the town.
When renting a motorbike or bicycle, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and secure it before leaving it in the parking area, as there’s a risk of theft by others. (Yes, I have heard from a local that this does happen.) Take as many photos as you can.
Always respect the local culture and environment during your stay.

How to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?

By Minivan

Many travelers prefer taking a minivan, which is faster and more convenient. Minivans are more direct and usually have air conditioning. You can book them through travel agencies in Vientiane, or most accommodations can handle the arrangements for you. Minivans depart frequently throughout the day from various points in the city, including hotels and guesthouses. Travel time by minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes approximately two hours.

By High-Speed Train

A new high-speed train service from Vientiane to Vang Vieng has made the journey faster and more comfortable. The train departs from Vientiane Railway Station and takes about an hour to reach Vang Vieng Station. From the station, you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the town center, which is about 15 km away.

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

By Bus or Minivan

Taking the minivan is the most ideal transportation and the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Minivans are a common choice among travelers, offering a faster and more comfortable journey than public buses. You can book minivans through travel agencies, your hotel, or online. Travel time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.

By High-Speed Train

The newly constructed high-speed train connecting Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng offers the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between the two towns. The train departs from Luang Prabang Railway Station and arrives at Vang Vieng Railway Station, significantly cutting down travel time. Once you arrive at Vang Vieng Station, which is about 15 km from the town center, you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach your accommodation.

Domestic Bus Service in Laos

Please note that this domestic bus schedule may vary. This schedule is based on where I stayed at in Vang Vieng.

Destination	Transportation	Pick-up Time	Price
Vientiane – Vang Vieng	minivan	09:00, 12:00, 14:00	150,000 KIP
Vang Vieng – Vientiane	minivan	09:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00	150,000 KIP

Getting Around Vang Vieng, Laos

Getting around Vang Vieng, Laos, is relatively simple and convenient, with various transportation options available depending on your preference and budget. Here’s how you can get around Vang Vieng, Laos.

Walking

Vang Vieng is a small town, and many of the key attractions, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance. Walking allows you to take in the local atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

Bicycles

Renting a bicycle is a popular option for travelers who want to explore beyond the town center. Bicycles can be rented from many guesthouses, hotels, or rental shops around town. The flat terrain makes biking an enjoyable way to see the countryside.

Motorbikes and Scooters

Renting a motorbike or scooter gives you the freedom to explore Vang Vieng and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Be sure to have some experience riding and always wear a helmet. Roads can be rough and uneven, so ride with caution. Most rental places will require you to leave your passport as a deposit.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are a common mode of transport in Vang Vieng. They’re ideal for short trips around town or to nearby attractions. Make sure to agree on the fare with the driver before going anywhere.

Things to Do in Vang Vieng, Laos

If you’re visiting Vang Vieng, Laos, and also planning to stay for 3 days and 2 nights, here are some of the exciting things to do in town.

Hike to the Nam Xay Viewpoint.

Nam Xay Viewpoint boasts one of the most amazing landscapes in Laos, which makes it a popular hiking destination in Vang Vieng. Not to mention the fact that the trail difficulty is easy to intermediate depending on your fitness level. It only takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the viewpoint!

Based on my experience, it took me about an hour to reach the peak since it was raining the day before I went hiking. The pathway to the viewpoint was so slippery that it made it quite challenging for me to reach it in a shorter time. Nonetheless, it was all worth it! The view from the Nam Xay Viewpoint was totally rewarding! Damn, it completely left me speechless upon reaching the peak.

Please keep in mind that there is an entrance fee of 20,000 KIP if you plan to hike the viewpoint. Also, it opens from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM, daily.

Explore the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is just a few minutes away from the Nam Xay Viewpoint. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vang Vieng. If you’re traveling by motorcycle, it is very accessible from the Nam Xay Viewpoint. Just follow the Blue Lagoon through Google Maps.

Unfortunately, it was raining when I arrived at the spot, so the lagoon looked a bit muddy and murky. It wasn’t that blue at all. One more thing, if you’re up for some exotic food, you can have it right outside the resort of the blue lagoons. Some local vendors are selling some exotic food!

Eat at the Pull Mind Cafe

Pull Mind Cafe offers the stunning natural beauty of Vang Vieng. This is a cafe in Vang Vieng that shouldn’t miss out on because it is surrounded by mountains. This cafe serves as an excellent location for enjoying sunsets and observing hot air balloons from above.

I came here for a coffee with a new friend whom I just met at the Nam Xay Viewpoint. I personally enjoyed watching the sunset here, as well as the hot air balloons. It was such a wonderful experience indeed.

Chill at Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort

Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort is a luxury hotel in Vang Vieng that’s located in the middle of the ricefields. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort is definitely a must-visit destination in Vang Vieng. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you don’t need to book a room in their hotel because you can just chill and stay in their cafe for a few hours to witness the million-dollar views of the ricefields and landscapes. Just make sure to order some food and drinks at their cafe.

Visit the night market.

Visiting the night market can also be one of your options when in Vang Vieng. You can try some local street foods, buy some souvenirs, and just simply look around the area.

Explore the town.

To fully immerse yourself, you can explore the town on foot, by bicycle, or motorbike. You can visit some local stores and restaurants and engage with the locals around the area. It’s completely safe to walk around the town even at night.

Other things to do:

Ride the hot air balloon.
Go paragliding.
Go on ATV and buggy tours.

Vang Vieng Itinerary for 3D2N

If you’re planning to visit Vang Vieng, here’s a sample itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights.

Day 1

Travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (travel time is approximately 2 hours)
Check in at Vang Vieng Central Hotel (3 days and 2 nights)
Rent a motorbike, explore the city
Blue Lagoon
Pull Mind Cafe
Happy Mango Thai Restaurant
Sakura Bar
Night Market
Rest / Free time

Day 2

Hike at Namxay Viewpoint
Free time
Eat at a local restaurant

Day 3

Viengtara Vang Vieng Resort (visited a cafe for a million-dollar view)
Back to Vientiane
Dinner at Kualao Restaurant (a famous local restaurant in Vientiane)
Rest

Where to stay in Vang Vieng?

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Vang Vieng, there’s actually a lot of options to choose from different online booking platforms, such as Agoda or KLOOK. From budget-friendly to mid-range to luxury hotels, there’s a lot to choose from!

In my case, I stayed at the Vang Vieng Central Hotel for 3 days and 2 nights, which is located in town. The hotel is very near local markets, local stores, local restaurants, and even local bars, which are all within walking distance! The hotel is definitely highly recommended!

My thoughts on visiting Vang Vieng, Laos

Visiting Vang Vieng is truly one for the books. After visiting this small town, its beauty has truly surpassed my expectations. It feels like everywhere I go, there’s always beauty in it. The serene vibe that it offers and the beauty in its simplicity. There may have been a lot of things to improve on in this place; it may be less developed than other places I’ve visited, but Vang Vieng has completely captured my heart! I will surely come back here!