In addition to its vibrant riverside party scene, this small town north of Vientiane is strikingly beautiful. Limestone mountains reach skywards and lush vegetation hugs the Nam Song River and nearby lagoon.

Whether you visit to join other revellers at the handful of bars along the river and have fun on the water, or you’d prefer to explore the natural surroundings, the town is geared towards visitors. Over the past few years, authorities have cleaned up the town’s reputation as a wild party destination, and visitors and locals alike can once again appreciate some of the charm and customs of the region in peace.

Spend some time on the river, or go exploring. Vang Vieng is home to monasteries that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and the surrounding mountains boast a number of remarkable caves. Head west to Tham Poukham cave and its blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue, or travel north to the Tham Nam Cave which has a spring at its entrance. At another local cave, Tham Xang, you’ll spot a stalactite that looks like an elephant.

Accommodation in Vang Vieng

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Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline