The Blue Lagoon swimming hole is one of the the most popular stops on Vang Vieng day tours, with life jacket rental, a water slide and rope swings. Visitors jump from low and high platforms on the tree that hangs over the lagoon. It gets crowded, so get there early. Zip lining and a Western-style Parisien Cafe round out this attraction.
Blue Lagoon 1 Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR
Blue Lagoon 1 | © Regina Beach/ Culture Trip
If you’re looking for equally stunning water with fewer tourists, opt for Blue Lagoon 2 (or 3 or 4, as Vang Vieng has no shortage of natural springs to swim in.) Lagoon 2 has several swimming areas, cabanas to eat or hang out in, platforms to jump from and a bridge suspended between two trees from which to take in the sights.
Tham Lom Cave is not for the faint of heart. First climb 25 minutes up steep ladders and over boulders to reach the mouth of the cave. Then, use your flashlight (included in the admission charge) to light your path down a ladder into the mouth of the pitch-black cave. Beautiful crystal formations can be seen on the cave walls and ceiling.
Lusi Cave is across the bamboo bridge. Follow the signs near Otherside Restaurant and cross the rice paddies. After about 30 minutes of walking you’ll reach Pha Poak, and after another 20 minutes you’ll reach the entrance to Lusi Cave. Check out the rock formations and swim in the pitch black pool inside the cave before heading back to town.
Lusi Cave Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR
Pha Poak is a limestone hill, distinguishable on the west bank of the Nam Song by the flag at the top. There is a small entrance fee payable to a man at the base who will lead you through a cave to the start of the trek. Steep ladders and ropes help hikers pull themselves up the rocks. The views at the top are absolutely worth the effort.
