Vang Vieng town itself isn’t particularly big. You can easily walk from the southern end of the main town to the north without exerting yourself too much. However, Vang Vieng is made up of a number of villages and spreads out, crossing almost invisible borders into the countryside.
Then there are the spots outside of Vang Vieng that require some form of transport to get there comfortably. Kasi, where Tao guesthouse attracts those wanting to get off the beaten path. And Ban Tha Heua on the Nam Ngum lake, the biggest body of water in Laos.
This brief guide has been put together to give you all the possible options for casually cruising around town, visiting all the lagoons, or just getting home late at night.
Renting scooters in Southeast Asia has been a rite of passage for many backpackers over the years. And it doesn’t always end well. Yet, if you have a little knowledge of riding a scooter, are sensible, and wear a helmet, then you are more than likely to be fine.
Semi automatic and automatic scooters are ideal for nipping about town and for getting to spots like Tham Jang, the Elephant Cave, Kaeng Nyui waterfall, and all the lagoons you’ve heard about.
For trips further afield then a manual motorbike may be more ideal. Long term motorbike rental is available in Vang Vieng from a few shops. Make sure the bike is well maintained and is in good condition before heading off.
In recent years, EV scooters have popped up in Vang Vieng. These come in a couple of forms, but are essentially the same. Eco friendly and quiet, these vehicles are popular with Lao youngsters and you will see boys and girls using them to get to and from school in the daytime.
Some shops around Vang Vieng also rent these vehicles out. While not practical for long journeys they do offer a step up from a bicycle for those not quite ready or comfortable to use a scooter.
For anyone who likes to leave the driving to someone else, a pillion tour might be an interesting option. These are starting to get popular in places such as Vietnam, and now they have arrived in Vang Vieng.
Enjoy a custom tour through parts of Vang Vieng on the back of a motorbike without any stress. You choose where you want to go, or ask the guides for assistance putting together an itinerary, and then enjoy watching the sites instead of the traffic.
As mentioned before, and again further below, Vang Vieng town is very walkable. The main market is about 1.6km out of town. Tham Jang Cave is about 1.7km from Nana Backpacker Hostel, or about a 24 minute walk according to Google Maps.
Therefore, a taxi might not seem necessary. However, after one too many, or in torrential rain, a taxi home can seem very comforting.
Vang Vieng now has a taxi company operating called Xanh SM. The service uses an app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Through this you can order a cab, and be picked up by an air conditioned EV taxi.
There is a good chance that you have come through Thailand to reach Laos. Thus, you have almost certainly seen tuk tuks driving around, and more than likely taken at least one.
Vang Vieng’s tuk tuks are more like Thailand’s Songthaew vehicles than tuk tuks. But, this makes them more ideal for taking groups to the lagoons. To get a tuk tuk in Vang Vieng, simply go anywhere that tourists are hanging out.
Good spots are outside any backpacker hostel such as Nana. There are usually tuk tuks around Amari, the hospital, and down the main street during the mornings. Always, fix the price before you get in a tuk tuk. Or, pre book a tuk tuk with us for a fixed rate.
It is worth noting that tuk tuks are less visible during the night. So, don’t expect to find one at 3am when you crawl out of Room 101.
If you want to enjoy the fresh air, avoid motorbikes, and still be able to get out of town, then renting a bicycle is ideal. Cheap, and easy to find.
The cheapest option, these basic bicycles will get you from A to B no problem. Want to cycle about town seeing what is around? This may be what you want.
However, if you plan on getting out to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, or to Tham Phoukam and blue lagoon 1, then you may prefer a mountain bike.
Readily available, and costing a little more than $2 a day, mountain bikes are spot on for getting into the countryside. Unlike a tuk tuk, you can stop anywhere you want for a break. Take a cold drink, and take in the surrounding countryside at the same time.
Great fun, or a noisy menace? Opinions vary, and are probably influenced by whether you live anywhere where buggy cars are commonly used. Yet, there is no denying their popularity since they arrived in town many years ago.
You can book a buggy car in town, but note that you are not allowed to drive them there. Buggy cars are strictly for use over the other side of the Nam Song river.
It is probably worth mentioning that if you travel by train, then you will need to find a way to get to the train station. Some tour agencies offer a shuttle service at an additional cost. If you require a moto taxi or car to the train station, Discover Vang Vieng can also help you. Just drop us a message.
If all you are doing is moving from your guesthouse to buy a roti, or chilling at Jaidee’s then you might find your own two legs are plenty. Even the waterfall and blue lagoon 1 are walkable if you are inclined.
In the daytime, transport of all manner is easily found. You can rent a bike for a couple of bucks, or get a modern taxi for a reasonable rate. But, be aware, at night, these options dry up.
Don’t expect tuk tuks to be lined up at closing time at Viva and 101. You got yourself there, you’ll have to get yourself home.
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