Vang Vieng Tour

3–5 days is ideal to fully enjoy everything Vang Vieng has to offer without feeling rushed, and striking a nice balance between adventure and relaxation. Many excursions can be combined into mornings or afternoons, leaving you plenty of time to unwind with a beer in hand, either in a riverside hammock or poolside sun lounger.

Gone are the days when Vang Vieng was a hidden jungle stop, accessible only by a rickety minibus on dubious roads. A new highway and a train line now link the capital with Vang Vieng.

The train is the fastest option, with a journey time of under an hour. However, the Vientiane train station is conveniently (ahem) located 17 km outside the city centre. So, many still opt for the minibus or bus, which takes around 2 ½ hours.

Private cars are also an option, depending on your budget and travel style.

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The trip between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng is best done by the brand new high-speed train; this is the quickest and smoothest option at 1–2 hours. However, this will involve getting tuk-tuks or a taxi to the stations in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, both of which are out of town.

Minibus and private cars remain an option: but the road is long, mountainous and winding with travel times in excess of 6 hours.

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Yes, but it’s a different kind of party now! It’s much more mellow and wholesome – and while it’s still a fun town, the "Spring Break" anything-goes vibe has largely calmed down.

The authorities have successfully reoriented the town towards more family-friendly and adventurous activities. And although the drinks are still cheap, and you can still enjoy tubing, many of the riverside bars have closed. The “problem” rope swings have been permanently shut down, too.

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