Dec
01
2011
Feb
28
2012
Dec
01
2012
Feb
28
2013
Dec
01
2013
Feb
28
2014
Dec
01
2014
Feb
28
2015
Hike the Karmic Karsts of Vang Vieng in Laos
Published by Jared Dellinger, Writer
Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 
The Experience
Vang Vieng is located in the Vientiane Province of Loas by the Nam Song River. The area was notably used as an American Army base for landing aircrafts during the Vietnam War, but has since developed into a well-catered backpacker district. Surrounded with a dramatic countryside of jagged limestone mountains, a cornucopia of caves and waterfalls, Vang Vieng was designed for hiking!
A good hike through Vang Vieng offers hikers an array of sights and activities including vibrant valleys, rugged waterfalls, caving, kayaking and the opportunity to finesse your way across bamboo and rope bridges. The beautiful views of will draw you in and make you want to stay just to see what the sunset will be like the following day.
The Vang Vieng hiking area is home to an abundance of local farmers who can be seen working throughout the day in their rice fields or tending livestock. My group followed the trails that wove among the partitioned sections and negotiated bamboo bridges suspended atop flowing rapids. At almost every turn we were given spectacular views of the canine like peaks as their blackness contrasted imposingly against the haze above.
While we sat around the fire and waited for lunch to cook above the glowing coals; white buffalo bathed in nearby streams, and local children playing beyond greeted us. The small plateau we had climbed to in the morning left us in a secluded spot where it seemed only few outsiders come to visit. Looking around and seeing only the members of our small group, and taking in the serenity of the valley, left one with a sense of complacency before moving further into the jungle to gaze upon Tiger Falls. A moderate hike to reach Tiger Falls was rewarded with an amazing site as we sat and admired the heavy flow of water over the glittering limestone behind it.
Rather than return crossing the peak as we had in the morning, we descended below the mountain through an enormous cavern that grew tighter the deeper we descended. The water reached waist high and light grew scarcer. While cautiously guarding the candles from dripping water, their orange light seemed to make the rocks glow sublimely. It was an amazingly-odd feeling to be walking through such a labyrinth of caves with a the weight of the above mountain imposing on you conscience. A welcomed kayak trip back down the river among small rapids and miniature islands lead us to town. As sunlight grew dim, the sun gave a brilliant closing performance over the Vang Vieng countryside, illuminating the black peaks and projecting brilliant silhouettes against the orange sunset beyond.
A good hike through Vang Vieng offers hikers an array of sights and activities including vibrant valleys, rugged waterfalls, caving, kayaking and the opportunity to finesse your way across bamboo and rope bridges. The beautiful views of will draw you in and make you want to stay just to see what the sunset will be like the following day.
The Vang Vieng hiking area is home to an abundance of local farmers who can be seen working throughout the day in their rice fields or tending livestock. My group followed the trails that wove among the partitioned sections and negotiated bamboo bridges suspended atop flowing rapids. At almost every turn we were given spectacular views of the canine like peaks as their blackness contrasted imposingly against the haze above.
While we sat around the fire and waited for lunch to cook above the glowing coals; white buffalo bathed in nearby streams, and local children playing beyond greeted us. The small plateau we had climbed to in the morning left us in a secluded spot where it seemed only few outsiders come to visit. Looking around and seeing only the members of our small group, and taking in the serenity of the valley, left one with a sense of complacency before moving further into the jungle to gaze upon Tiger Falls. A moderate hike to reach Tiger Falls was rewarded with an amazing site as we sat and admired the heavy flow of water over the glittering limestone behind it.
Rather than return crossing the peak as we had in the morning, we descended below the mountain through an enormous cavern that grew tighter the deeper we descended. The water reached waist high and light grew scarcer. While cautiously guarding the candles from dripping water, their orange light seemed to make the rocks glow sublimely. It was an amazingly-odd feeling to be walking through such a labyrinth of caves with a the weight of the above mountain imposing on you conscience. A welcomed kayak trip back down the river among small rapids and miniature islands lead us to town. As sunlight grew dim, the sun gave a brilliant closing performance over the Vang Vieng countryside, illuminating the black peaks and projecting brilliant silhouettes against the orange sunset beyond.
When to Go to Hike Vang Vieng
The best time to time to hike Vang Vieng is during the dry season December - January. Avoid the wet season in July and August when the river will likely flood due to the heavy rains. Climbing the limestone mountains is another popular activity. During the dry season a majority of the waterfalls will not be available for viewing due to the lack of water. The planting season is also a great time to explore the fields and get a real taste for what the daily life is like for locals.
Odds n' Ends
Long pants and insect repellent would be a nice addition to any hike in Vang Vieng due to the leeches along the paths. Plan on getting wet as the fields and paths are abundant with mud, and be sure to take plenty of water with you as there is no where to get more along the route. Most of the organized Vang Vieng hikes will supply you with your own water and the better agencies will supply you with lunch for the day. Flashlights are desired if you are planning any caving because the lack of sunlight makes it difficult to get through. Sturdy hiking shoes are also a must as a good portion of the trails are found on rocky terrain and swimsuits or fast drying material is recommended for any water related activities.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Elephant Crossing Hotel is your new boutique hotel in Vang Vieng. Situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, The Elephant Crossing Hotel ... 1 miles away
Thavonsouk Bungalows is located within the town limits.The Hotel is located away from downtown area in a quiet location but convenient to all facilties. In ... 1 miles away
+ 1 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- The Plain of Jars and the Secret War
- If you’re seeking a little Laos mystery and history, make the trek to the Soviet style town of Phonsaven where clusters of ancient stone jars are peacefully scattered across northern plateaus. A visit to UXO villages resulting from a less than peaceful past also awaits. There are three different sites that you can choose from to visit the Plain of Jars. With only a few tourist offices in Phonsaven, each one, including your hotel, will try to convince you to spend an entire day driving around to visit all three. However, although visiting the Plain of Jars is eerily spectacular, ...60 miles away.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Enquire now
Vang Vieng Hiking Adventure - Waterfall, Caving and Kayaking
Starting from $40.00 per person.
Starting from $40.00 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Lao 
,
Mandarin
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in Lao People's Democratic Republic. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "hike vang vieng":
