Our most recommended things to do in Vientiane

Vang Vieng: Kayaking & Cave Tubing with Zip Line/Blue Lagoon

1. Vang Vieng: Kayaking & Cave Tubing with Zip Line/Blue Lagoon

Start your full-day adventure with pickup from your hotel in Vang Vieng and join a 6-mile ride north to Ban Vieng Samai, the kayak starting point. Your kayaking guide will provide you with paddling instructions before you set off downstream on Nam Song River. On the journey, glide over many small rapids and enjoy the scenery of the incredible mountain karts along both sides of the river. Then, take a break from your kayaking tour with a visit to Tham Nam Cave. Tube inside the marvelous, 1,640-foot-long cave, dragging yourself with the help of a fixed rope. Take some time to enjoy a picnic lunch and then hop back on your kayak, paddling until you reach the center of Vang Vieng. Afterwards, you will have the choice to either be transferred back to your hotel, or to participate in activities such as zip lining and swimming in the Blue Lagoon 1. Before the zip line experience, your guide will walk you through instructions and safety training. Fly 4,440 feet over the green forest and river. The journey consists of 7 lines, 12 platforms, and 2 bridges. The Blue Lagoon 1 is one of the most famous locations in the city. Sit back and relax or jump in the natural pool to cool down. After your fun day out, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Vang Vieng in the evening.

From Vang Vieng:Tham Nangfar & Tham Nam with Kayaking

2. From Vang Vieng:Tham Nangfar & Tham Nam with Kayaking

See the very best that Vang Vieng’s landscape has to offer while enjoying an action-packed day of adventure. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel then heads to Tham Xang, also known as Elephant Cave. The cave lies on the bank of the Nam Song River and is an important Buddhist temple with a remarkable limestone formation inside. Listen to your guide share fascinating insight into the history of this charming cave which dates back thousands of years. Next, pass through a small Lao farm village, bursting with luscious green rice fields. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear spring water that lies at the mouth of Tham Nam water cave, then go tubing up to 500 meters inside. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, fill up with a tasty BBQ lunch served on banana leaves. After lunch, it’s time to start making your way back to the city along the river, either by kayaking or tubing. For the kayaking option, your guide drives you to the starting point in Khmu Village, 10 km north of the city. From here, start the 3-hour kayaking journey down to the Vang Vieng, stopping at idyllic bars along the river for refreshments and a well-deserved rest. The journey follows a few twists and turns, and you’ll pass by local fishermen at work on this gentle journey. Arrive in the city just in time to view the beautiful sunset over the mountains. The tubing option starts at Ban Phou Din Daeng, which is 4 km north of Vang Vieng. Sit back and relax as your tube glides along the river, and soak up the surrounding scenic views from start to finish. Your guide explains how to control your tube on the water, and leads the group downstream in a kayak.

Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None

3. Half-Day Nam Song River Kayak Tour with Zipline or Tham None

Start your half-day trip with pickup from your accommodation in Vang Vieng city center and transfer to the kayak starting point. Before kayaking experience begins, your guide will give you the basic paddle instructions and some history about the mighty Nam Song river. Glide over many small rapids and enjoy the scenery of the incredible mountain peaks along both sides of the river. Apart from the kayaking experience, you can also choose to partake in either the zip-lining experience or Tham Nam None cave tubing. If you choose the zip line option, you’ll experience the green forest canopy that covers the mountains on the side of the river. Make your way along a stream down to the zip line at the Tham None river bank. Take a short trek up to the hut on Phar None (sleeping wall). This is a great location for taking pictures of the surrounding mountains, and has a beautiful view of the Nam Song river. Get strapped in and take an exciting zip line ride flying over the green forest and river below. There are 6 lines in total for you to enjoy. If you choose the Tham Nam None Cave option, you can explore the secluded cave that served as a place of refuge for people caught up in the chaos of the Indochina Wars. Making your way into the cave by an inflatable tube, pull on a rope to reach the walking point where you’ll see many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch

4. Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch

The adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Vang Vieng at 9am and heads off-road into the surrounding jungle landscapes. On a mountain bike, follow your experienced guide out of town, crossing over the Nam Song River bridge towards Phu Kham Cave. Climb to the top of the mountain to reach the cave and discover the religious statues hidden inside. Continue the ride along the Blue Lagoon Loop, soaking up the breathtaking countryside scenery that surrounds you. Arrive at Vang Vieng’s most popular attraction, Blue Lagoon One, and enjoy some time to cool off in the water and rest your legs. Hop back on your bike for the next part of the tour, which travels across rough dirt roads for about 30 km. There’s plenty of opportunities along the way for a well-deserved break as well as time to take photos of the view. Throughout the ride, pass by several small local villages to learn about the region’s culture and heritage. As the tour comes to an end, cycle your way back towards Vang Vieng and into the center of town. Once you reach the end of the Blue Lagoon Loop, enjoy drop-off to your hotel at around 4pm.

Vientiane: Private Full-day Must-See Sights & Sunset Tour

5. Vientiane: Private Full-day Must-See Sights & Sunset Tour

In the morning, get picked up by your guide and head to Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving Buddhist temple. The temple is famous for its cloister wall that houses more than 6,800 Buddha icons of all sizes. You may also be able to witness the many locals that come to pray in the morning, enlightening you to traditions of the area. Stop at Wat Prakeo, which once held the Emerald Buddha and now functions as a museum, and the Patuxay Monument, a symbol of the country's resilience and independence, to learn of Laos' complex history. Take time to lunch before walking through Vientiane's laid-back streets, enjoying the refreshingly easygoing atmosphere of the capital. Pass through a number of gorgeous temples before arriving at Talad Sao, Vientiane's central market. With two distinct areas, a modern shopping mall and the sprawling original market, Talad Sao offers an abundance of treasures for you to discover. Bring your day to a stunning conclusion by heading to the Mekong River, where the sun paints the water in brilliant orange hues as it sets below the horizon.

Vientiane: Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch

6. Vientiane: Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch

Following hotel pickup at 9am start your day by visiting the Buddha Park, which is located 25 km outside of Vientiane city. The park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including a giant reclining Buddha. Next, head back into the city and visit the COPE Visitor Centre, which is dedicated to educating visitors about the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Lao people's lives. The Patuxai Monument is a triumphal arch that was built in the 1960s and resembles Paris's Arc de Triomphe. You can climb to the top for great views of the city. Learn about Laos's history and culture at the Lao National Museum, which is located in a beautiful French colonial building. Have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Wat Sisaket, which is the oldest temple in Vientiane and is famous for its thousands of Buddha statues. Finally, end your day at That Luang, which is Laos's national symbol and the most important religious monument in the country. The golden stupa is stunning at sunset.

Laos: eSim Mobile Data Plan

7. Laos: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip to Laos hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in Laos and Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. Most devices released after 2019 are compatible with eSIM (e.g. iPhone XR, XS of models beyond, Google Pixel 4 and beyond). If you are unsure, please check the compatibility guideline photo to confirm eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. Carriers to use: Star Telecom

Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane

8. Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane

Pre-book a safe and reliable, private one-way airport transfer with a 24-hour service betweeWattay International Airport and your accommodation in Vientiane city center, with porter services included. Save yourself from having to carry heavy bags and navigating the public transportation system in a new city. Be greeted by your driver who will wait for you at the airport arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. With your driver tracking your flight and waiting for an extra 2 hours from your expected time of arrival, you don't have to stress about possible flight delays. For transfers from the city to the airport, get picked up right at your accommodation with a generous waiting time of up to 30 minutes. Take comfort in knowing that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high-quality standards. Avoid long taxi lines, busy public transport, and language barrier confusion – simply sit back and relax while your driver gets you to your destination on time.

Other Sightseeing Options in Vientiane

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What people are saying about Vientiane

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 15 reviews

Unforgettable day: the professional and nice guide, taking care of us throughout the day. the scenery of the kayak in the morning was a unique emotion and the small currents of the river made the adventure a real experience. the cave, its history and the short but incredible tubing. the zip line to take your breath away for fascinating landscapes and adrenaline. Safe activity and 100% reassuring guides. the blue lagoon crowded but still nice to relax. Generous and tasty lunch. I recommend all travelers to treat themselves to this day ~ it is worth it and you will be happy!

Great experience! Wonderful landscape. 9 km distance paddling is just perfect. Wonderful Tours are very professional and friendly. Truly recommend!

Brilliant day out. Loved the guides and had great fun kayaking with Pip! Thanks guys

Beautiful lake, and zip lining was fun and easy. Dee was an excellent guide!