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When I first set foot in Laos, I didn’t know what to expect. Vang Vieng vs. Luang Prabang: the best of Laos was something I had to decide for myself. Friends had told me about its stunning landscapes, its rich cultural history, and of course, Vang Vieng’s party past. But as I wandered through the charming streets of Luang Prabang and ventured into the surprisingly tranquil beauty of Vang Vieng, I quickly discovered that these destinations were so much more than their reputations. From scootering to unwinding in quiet cafes, I felt completely immersed in how peaceful life can be here.
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, cultural experiences, or simply a place to relax, Laos will provide! Keep reading for the guides to experiencing Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
Vang Vieng vs. Luang Prabang: The Best Of Laos Table Of Contents
Book Your Trip To Laos
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Trip.com | Agoda | Klook | Rentalcars.com |
Essentials For Planning Your Laos Journey
Before you embark on your Vang Vieng vs. Luang Prabang: The Best Of Laos adventure, make sure you’re prepared. Here are some essential tips for booking your trip:
| Apply For Your Visa In Advance | Save time by applying for your Laos visa before arrival to avoid paperwork and long lines. Apply for your Laos e-VISA |
| Get A Local SIM Card At The Airport | eSIMs are unreliable in Laos so grab a local SIM at the airport for seamless connectivity and set-up. |
| Buy Train Tickets 3 Days In Advance | Train tickets sell out quickly, so buy them three days in advance. Use the LCR Ticket App iPhone & Android , but note it requires a phone number from Thailand, Laos, or China. Avoid third-party sites, as they may not guarantee availability. Plan B – Hop on a shared shuttle. |
| Walk Around | The main town is walkable, making it easy to explore. |
| Scooter Rentals | This is a popular way to visit the lagoons and caves but be cautious—the roads aren’t in great condition. Drive with extra caution to ensure a safe and accident free ride. |
| Bars | Bars close at midnight, with just one club open late (but don’t expect much). |
Luang Prabang: A Cultural & Holiday Worthy Pick
Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural heart, this UNESCO-listed city is where French colonial architecture meets traditional Buddhist temples. During my time there, I was lucky enough to experience this city’s Alms Giving Ceremony at sunrise, where local monks silently collect offerings from the townspeople to helping locals practice their English at Big Brother Mouse.
More of my Luang Prabang highlights that I’d love you to experience too include:
- Kuang Si Waterfalls – A stunning multi-tiered cascade with pools perfect for swimming. Pro tip: The best way to truly enjoy the falls is by arriving early to beat the crowds—trust me, the cool waters are worth it!
- Night Market – Shop for handmade crafts and try authentic Lao street food. One of my favorite experiences was sharing a meal in the night market with a local chica. We laughed over language barriers and discovered how much we had in common—food truly connects us all.
- The Grand Luang Prabang – A riverside retreat with colonial charm. I stayed here during Christmas, and the celebrations were unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The warm hospitality of the staff made me feel at home, and the festive decorations lit up the riverside like something out of a dream.
Vang Vang: Adventure Beyond The Party Scene
While many tourists may worry due to its wild party scene reputation, I decided to take the chance. From my travels I know that even the “party destinations” have some beauty worth seeing. Vang Vieng helped further prove my point. With breathtaking mountains, caves, and lagoons, this destination is ideal even for travelers who prefer exploration over nightlife. I’ll admit, my journey to Blue Lagoon 3 was one of my favorite moments—after a long scooter ride passing through small villages that reminded me of my trip to Madagascar, the tranquility of the lagoon made every bump and cow traffic jam worth it. It’s far more peaceful than the popular Blue Lagoon 1, and I’m so glad we made the extra effort to get there!
Other Top Reasons To Visit Vang Vieng
- Hot Air Balloon Ride – Vang Vieng is one of the cheapest places to experience a sunrise or sunset balloon flight so why not take advantage of this.
- Tipsy Tubing – It was a mix of floating and bar hopping, though definitely tamer than before I heard. My sandals were lost along the way, but remembering the fun memories I made while drying off by the fireplace made it all worth it.
- Beats & Bites –I found myself craving a glass of wine at this point in the trip. This French-owned wine bar with selections from France, Italy, and Spain hit the spot. The great tunes added to the experience that even in this corner of the world, I could find a good red.
Should You Visit Luang Prabang And Vang Vieng?
Absolutely! I can assure you that Luang Prabang‘s rich cultural heritage or Vang Vieng’s stunning landscapes are perfect for all types of travelers. Think quiet temples to scenic lagoons and caves. This is a country you shouldn’t skip out on when visiting Southeast Asia.
Book Your Trip to Laos
Flights – Compare flight deals to Laos on Trip.com
Accommodation – Find top-rated stays on Agoda
Activities – Reserve tours on Klook
Transport – Rent a scooter or car with Rentalcars.com
Save This Japan Google Map For Tourists
For additional travel tips and maps to make your journey smoother, check out the Laos Girl Takes Mundo Google Map for all the top attractions and recommendations from my trip!
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