Vang Vieng features a blend of Lao, Thai, and Western cuisine, reflecting its diverse visitor base. Local dishes often include sticky rice, laap (a meat salad), and tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad). Street food is abundant, with options like grilled meats and noodle soups. There are also many cafes and restaurants catering to Western tastes, offering pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches.
Dining options vary from local eateries to more upscale restaurants, with meals typically costing between 30,000 to 100,000 LAK ($2 to $6). For those seeking a unique experience, riverside dining spots provide meals with a view of the Nam Song River.
Vegetarians can find options, though it is advisable to confirm ingredients due to the common use of fish sauce. Vang Vieng's food scene is casual and laid-back, perfectly suited for its backpacker-friendly atmosphere.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Vang Vieng. This popular attraction features a natural swimming area with clear waters and a surrounding park ideal for relaxation. Visitors often enjoy activities such as swimming, zip-lining, and exploring nearby caves like the Tham Phu Kham Cave. Entrance fees are typically around 10,000 LAK ($0.50). The area can be quite busy during peak times, so visiting earlier in the day is recommended for a quieter experience.
| Cheapest Transport | $8 |
| Fastest Transport | 52m |
| Earliest Departure | 6:00 AM |
| Latest Departure | 6:30 PM |
| Departures per day | 72 |
| Distance | 44 kilometers |
| Transport Companies | Buasai Travel, Chanthachone Transportation, Family Service, Glassflower, Laos Group Tour, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Soutchai Travel |
When you want to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:
If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Train. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Train ticket.
The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 188.63. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 7.14.
If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Your trip will be a total of 28 miles (44 km). The flying distance is 28 miles (44 km).
The travel time from Vientiane to Vang Vieng can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 5 hours.
The cost of the trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Soutchai Travel: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 7.14 for your ticket.
However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 188.63.
Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Vientiane to Vang Vieng:
You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 89.99 to USD 188.63.
Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.
Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:
Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 89.99.
Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.
If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.
Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng.
Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..
How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll: