Karst peaks on the Nam Song river
Vang Vieng lies on the Nam Song river, framed by jagged limestone peaks that glow at sunset. Once known mainly for riverside parties, it has become an outdoor base. Visitors kayak or float down the river in tubes, explore caves such as Tham Chang, swim in the Blue Lagoons and climb to viewpoints like Pha Ngern. Hot-air balloon flights drift over the karsts at dawn. The fast train from Vientiane has made it an easy stop on the way to Luang Prabang.