Vang Vieng, Laos has a bad-boy reputation as being a drug-fuelled party destination, riddled by accidental river/tubing deaths. Drugs are still readily available around town, however, if you are like me and came for the adventures, not the ‘trips’ then you will spend most of your time across the river. The Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng is one of the most popular attractions in town. However, there are actually multiple lagoons and I ventured across the river by moped and explored two of the best.
THE BLUE LAGOON IN VANG VIENG
This is an adventure for those who want to get some jumps, rope swings, and zip-lines done on the cheap. I’m talking $1 cheap. However, the lagoons are a great spot to chill in tubes, have a beer and enjoy the sun.
HOW TO GET TO THE BLUE LAGOON
The first thing to know is that crossing the river out of town will cost you a toll of 4000-8000 kip. However, I tested a different route that is very easy and skips the toll. Simply cross the small wooden bridge on your moped and then once on the cliff-side of the river drive towards the toll bridge along the bank. After a few hundred meters you can join the correct road. I will illustrate it on a map to make it foolproof not that any of you reading are fools.
FROM VANG VIENG TO THE BLUE LAGOON
Once you are on the right road, you will have a tough time getting lost. Multiple signs and other buses full of tourists will lead the way. The entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon is 15,000 Kip ($2) with your moped or 10,000 Kip if you walk in. It is possible to walk to the Blue Lagoon but I wouldn’t advise it unless you fancy a two-hour walk. The bicycle would be okay.
If you would like to book a (cheap) private tuk-tuk for the day to transport you to and from the different Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng you can do it online the day before with this tour operator.
Book your tour: Private Transfer to Blue Lagoons
GUIDED TOUR OF THE BLUE LAGOON
There is an option of this guided tour that is actually super value because it includes the Blue Lagoon but also a caving experience and a kayaking trip for a very cheap price (just $25).
Book your tour: Kayaking & Cave Tubing with Zip Line/Blue Lagoon
THE BLUE LAGOON VANG VIENG
Far from a secluded pool, the lagoon is usually full of action and tourists. As well as the lagoon there is a cave to explore and a series of zip-lines. I didn’t spend time at either, opting instead to hang out at the lagoon, basking for hours in the sun and practicing backflips.
A giant tree, which has remarkably grown at a 45-degree angle is fitted out with stairs. From the lower branch, you can enjoy a 2-meter jump or from the top branch a 5-meter jump. Despite being very narrow, the lagoon is very deep. Not once all day did I scrape or touch the bottom.
Once you are ready to move on it is time to retrace your steps a little before taking a slightly different turn and making a journey on a bumpy, rocky road towards Blue Lagoon 3 also known as the Nature Park Patong Cave & Bubbling Springs.
Many people with more money to splash than myself opted to hire dune buggies, which actually looked super fun. They were tearing around on the dirt roads. The drive throughout the entire day is incredibly scenic. Rice field-laden landscapes are complemented by dramatic limestone cliffs.
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BLUE LAGOON THREE IN VANG VIENG
Sometimes a location makes you want to throw down your bag and explore every facet, every corner, every jump, every watering hole. Blue Lagoon 3 is one hundred percent that place. Before I could take off my moped helmet I was already planning what feature of the lagoon to tackle first.
A zip-line crosses the lagoon, requiring you to drop off in the middle of the lagoon. The other installation and my personal favorite was a high-tech rope swing that flew you out across the lagoon before looping you up allowing you to flip into the deep water.
A wall of green trees and plants created a jungle backdrop to the idyllic lagoon. Chill-out huts, a bar and restaurant were down the far end of the lagoon but I never made it past the rope swings. A group of Koreans tried to copy my flips off the rope swing, which ended in a number of red backs and a whole lot of laughs.
What are my favorite pieces of travel gear?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my travel essentials.
- Packing Cube Set: Once you cube you’ll never go back. Organize your clothes within your luggage with these smart mesh containers. It will revolutionize your packing.
- Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
- Travel Wallet: Keep your passport, wallet, and vaccine card safe as well as any forms and important documents you need to store.
- Grayl GeoPress Water Filter Bottle: I’ve used this for three years. It filters your water with one press and you can drink directly from it. Never buy a plastic water bottle again!
YOU DOWN FOR SUNSET SOCCER?
If you are a football/soccer lover like myself, as you drive home keep an eye out on the right-hand side of the road for a full-size soccer field. I drove by at 4:30 and noticed a few guys kitting up in soccer boots and jerseys so I asked to join. As always they were more than happy to have a guy double the size of everyone play.
We played through sunset for more than a couple of hours, which meant I had to drive back in the dark trying not to hit any potholes or big rocks. If you aren’t confident on a bike, definitely head back before it gets dark.
MORE LAOS TRAVEL BLOGS
LUANG PRABANG GUIDE: 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG
HIKING IN VANG VIENG: HIKING TO BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINT IN VANG VIENG
KUANG SI FALLS: KUANG SI WATERFALL
THE WHISKY VILLAGE: THE WHISKY VILLAGE – LUANG PRABANG
Vincent
Sunday 30th of June 2019
Hey Jackson,
Thanks for your tips! I'm travelling with my 4 year old son and wife. We rented a motorbike next to Pan's Place. Yesterday we went to Blue Lagoon 4, which was nice to go to. Today we took off to Blue Lagoon 3. Getting there was easy as it didn't rain that much, but when we were just getting back towards Blue Lagoon 2 it really poured down a lot and the road got slippery enough making it quite an adventure getting back with my kid in the front and my wife at the back. Anyways we skipped the toll bridge just as you said and it was good funn too! Thanks for pointing it out so clearly. Just to let you and other travellers know the trick still works :-).
Travel safe and with lots of fun!
gr. Vincent
Viman Vang Vieng
Thursday 6th of June 2019
Viman Vang Vieng is moved now to the TEMPLE WAT KANG STREET, Morning Market, next to Il Tavolo. On the Google Map and Tripadvisor you can see the new location.
Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon Complete Guide 2019
Monday 4th of February 2019
[…] A beautiful but disgustingly overcrowded waterhole equipped with ziplines, slides and food and beverage. This place is not for you if you’re after a quiet, relaxing time on the water. However, there certainly is a lot happening there as it is the main spot that tourists head to for a swim. Entry is 10,000 kip. For a detailed guide to this spot, check out HERE. […]
Kaz von Freiburg
Wednesday 12th of September 2018
Now Vang Vieng changes a lot. Beside the most popular Viman Vang Vieng Restaurant in town ( at the walking street ) we now have the one more good thai restaurant, VANGVIENG THAI at the Wat Kang Temple street.
Vang Vieng - 3 Orte, die man gesehen haben muss
Sunday 24th of June 2018
[…] bekannteste Hotspot in Vang Vieng ist die Blaue Lagune. Ein Badeort, der für sein glasklares Wasser berühmt ist. Naja, nicht immer. In der Regenzeit ist […]