Top Three Must Do Activities in Vang Vieng

Posted on April 15, 2024 by littlelilly

Vang Vieng is a little laid-back town in Laos, situated north of Vientiane, along a beautiful bend on the Nam Song River. It offers beautiful terrain to explore with stunning karst limestone mountains, caverns, temples, waterfalls, and vibrant green paddy fields. It continues to attract a growing number of Asian and Western visitors seeking to experience living at a considerably slower pace while enjoying a diverse selection of outdoor activities such as trekking, zipline, rock climbing, cycling, buggy ride, kayaking, and many more.

We visited Vang Vieng in December 2023 and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there, the mix of adventure and tranquility this charming town has to offer. The panoramic views from Nam Xay and the remoteness of the caves – Loup and Hoi were indeed enchanting. But what made the journey even more memorable were the rides to the destinations.

Here are our top three most unforgettable experiences and, at the same time, our top three must-do activities in Vang Vieng:

1. Hiking Karsts

There are several mountain karsts to hike such as Nam Xay Viewpoint, Pha Ngern Viewpoint, Silver Cliff Viewpoint. Some are not well maintained, requiring fitness and physical strength.

We took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees. It was not an easy climb to the Nam Xay Viewpoint, but absolutely worth it!

We chose to hike Nam Xay Viewpoint, as it has a moderate technical difficulty, with an elevation gain of 433 ft and maximum elevation elevation of 1,398 ft. Nam Xay Viewpoint is the greatest place for one of Laos’ most significant panoramas.

We hadn’t reached the half-way point of the hike when I took this photo.

We climbed up to the viewpoint in the afternoon. It was a good combination of steep and rock climbing. The way up was quite difficult and not suitable for children and elderly, and on the way down there were slippery parts. We reached the summit after an hour of moderate level climbing. At the peak, we took a deep breath and found peace and quiet, as well as an incredible photo opportunity with a motorbike strangely left there by residents.

Many people want to go there around sunset, but I recommend to perhaps go there earlier to avoid the crowd. I can only imagine how cramped it would be and I’m sure many people would likely need to queue to take photos with the motorbike. At the summit, there was a shade (a smallish hut) which didn’t feel very safe. Overall, the climb to the Nam Xay Viewpoint was worthwhile!

2. Exploring the Caves

Vang Vieng has caves of all sorts and sizes. We enjoy exploring caves as it’s a new world within! So on the second day, we opted to travel about 15 kilometers north of Vang Vieng to explore a series of four caves: Water Cave, Hoi Cave, Loup Cave, and Elephant Cave. In total, we explored five caves during our stay.

Jang Cave (also known as Tham Chang Cave) is two kilometers south of Vang Vieng. We had to cross a bridge, and then we had to climb 150 concrete steps to reach the top, before entering the cave. Upon reaching the top, we were welcomed by the magnificent view of Vang Vieng and the river. Once inside, the cavern is two stories deep with well-lit passageways. We also saw numerous enormous stalactites, columns, and stalagmites.

The stairs up to the entrance of Jang Cave.

We were itching for more adventure, so we headed further on dusty, potholed routes the next day. Our first stop was the Water Cave (also called Tham Nam Cave), where you enter the cave by using a tube. We did not get to try this as we hadn’t brought our swimwear. The entrance fee includes a headlamp, a tube, and a locker for your valuables. Besides the water cave, it also offers other activities, such as ziplining. We had a decent lunch at the restaurant there before we explored the other 3 caves and lagoons.

Hoi Cave (Tham Hoi) and Luop Cave (Tham Loup) are secluded, raw, wild, undeveloped, very dark, slippery, and dangerous. We explored these caves without a guide, and we were the only people in the cave. Both caves were used as air raid shelters against bombing raids perpetrated by French and Americans air forces, in the 1940s and 1960s, respectively.

We walked 1 kilometer through the Hoi Cave. It got darker, narrower, with sharper edges, more humid, and more slippery as we got deeper into the cave. When we reached a watery area, there were three treacherous passages through uncertain paths. Then we decided to return and walk another 1 km, and exited on the same entry path.

Loup Cave (also called Deep Cave or Hole Cave) is 100 meters long under the ground. The entrance to the cave was quite unusual because we had to ascend a hill and then walk down a flight of metal steps and slippery rocks. When we reached the bottom of the steps, we saw a huge cavern with a bronze Buddha sitting before a cluster of magnificent cascading stalactites. We climbed over a rock hill to another chamber, then we decided to return because we were told by our tuktuk driver not to go beyond 20 meters; otherwise, we would have suffered from oxygen deprivation. We exited through the same path. It was the most dangerous and scariest cave that we’d been to because there were many big, deep holes on the cave floor, it was very dark inside, and it was very slippery.

We highly recommend getting information on the net before exploring these two caves (Hoi and Loup), or whether to explore them with a guide. There were no signs or instructions inside the cave, and the people issuing the tickets did not speak English.

The Elephant Cave looks like a small shrine. It is called Elephant Cave due to the rock formation that looks like a four-legged, majestic beast. Also, inside a small cave is a collection of Buddha statues, and we saw an “imprint of the Buddha’s footprint.” We stayed there for around 10 minutes.

3. Relaxing at Blue Lagoons

Vang Vieng has plenty of blue lagoons (around six blue lagoons in its vicinity, based on Google Maps). They’re incredibly attractive, with a chalky blue-green color!

Our favorite was Lagoon 4, located within the cluster of caves in the north of Vang Vieng. It was not crowded when we arrived there. So, we were able to rest and nap while enjoying the tranquility of the place and the breeze. There was no restaurant, but there was a small shop where you could buy drinks.

Our second favorite was Lagoon 3. It was quite crowded, but we enjoyed watching people swimming, diving, and having fun. We ordered food at the restaurant there. It was good, reasonably priced, and delicious. After we rested, we walked farther, and we were supposed to climb to a viewpoint, but we decided not to continue as our son got an allergic reaction due to a venomous plant. Luckily, it was not too poisonous, but the sting lasted for a few days. Absolutely, blue lagoons are the perfect place to chill in blue waters!

Exploring the town of Luang Prabang in Laos

Posted on February 11, 2024 by littlelilly

Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant province in the heart of mountainous northern Laos. It served as the ancient royal capital of Laos during the Lan Xang Kingdom’s rule from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries and remained as the religious center of Laos. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s where history, culture, and nature intersect, which will undoubtedly give each visitor a beautiful journey through time.

Here are 15 awesome things we did in December 2023 when we visited Luang Prabang:

1. Stroll leisurely at the Old Quarter while admiring the heritage architecture

We particularly enjoy taking quaint and leisurely strolls through the Old Quarter area, both during the day and at night, while soaking up its historic scenery, lush greenery, and laid-back vibe. There is an abundance of sights to behold, including stunning temples, antique cars, very old buildings, and a harmonious blend of French and Buddhist architecture. We did not see any skyscrapers, and even the newly built buildings are constructed in traditional styles, contributing to the town’s historic feel. We were taken back in time as we wandered through the old quarter, where charming little side alleys wound their way through and around elegant French colonial buildings; it was undoubtedly a walk through culture and history. The old quarter is lovely, which is a delight for anyone who enjoys an easy stroll, as you can wander around and around for hours, and it has many coffee shops and restaurants, which makes it a fantastic place to sit and watch the world go by.

2. Go temple hopping

The captivating city of Luang Prabang is home to more than 33 temples (also known as wat) that are dispersed throughout the area. You could not possibly miss them while out and about. Hence, one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang is to explore all of the temples. They are all exquisitely decorated, and as soon as you walk in, you get such an inspiring feeling of a zen vibe.

3. Gaze upon Wat Xiengthong’s glass mosaic

One of the most famous and ancient Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang is Wat Xiengthong, which was built in 1559–1560 by Lao King Setthathirath and served as the venue for the coronation of every king until 1975. One of the most striking features of this temple are the beautiful glass mosaics that adorn its exterior walls. The glass mosaics showcase elaborate scenes from everyday life, such as miniatures of people, palm trees, and animals, sparkle beautifully when the sun’s rays hit them.

4. Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, also called Haw Kaum, was built in 1904 in a blend of traditional Lao and French architectural styles. It served as the royal residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. The palace was abdicated in 1975 following the Lao Revolution and converted into a museum so that the public could view some artifacts from the monarchy era. During our visit, it was forbidden to take photos inside the palace or bring personal items like a handbag or a small backpack that contained valuables.

5. Hike up Mount Phousi for a view and sunset

Mount Phousi, which means “sacred hill” in Lao, is a Buddhist pilgrimage site that sits in the middle of Luang Prabang. It’s 100 meters high, and there are roughly 330 steep paved steps. There are two main routes to and from. We opted to climb via the entrance next to the Nam Khan River (which has more steps than the other side) and descend via the other way, which is located across from the Royal Palace Museum. Atop the hill, there is a Buddhist temple called Wat Chom Si, a small cave with a Buddha statue, a reclining Buddha, as well as a big standing Buddha statue. When we reached the summit of Mount Phousi, we were mesmerized by the incredible panoramic view of the city and the breathtaking sunset. We were also astounded by the sheer number of people who waited patiently for the magnificent sun to set on the horizon.

6. Relax at the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls

The Kuang Si waterfalls are located in the jungle about 29 km from Luang Prabang, but the journey is well worth it. The falls cascade beautifully 50 meters down into three limestone-sculpted rock pools. The captivating, exquisite mixture of azure and turquoise waters is a stunning work of nature that cascades in an incredibly lovely way. You get the impression that they are the sky in liquid form when they crash into the rocks. Once there, you can unwind and take in the sound of the falling water, swim, or have a picnic.

7. Go behind the scenes at Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center

Established in 2003, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center is a sanctuary run by Free the Bears, an Australian non-profit wildlife charity. Here, we saw endangered moon and sun bears being restored to safety and freed from bear bile farms and the illicit wildlife trade. The rescued bears need lifelong care at the sanctuary for up to 35 years because they are humanized and there is not enough protected forest for their release. Every moon bear and sun bear we saw at the sanctuary were healthy, happy, and content. We really appreciate the constant dedication of those who work hard behind the scenes at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center. You can book a special bear care tour at either site—the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center or Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, a multi-species sanctuary located about 45 minutes from the city. It was certainly a magical experience going behind the scenes and absolutely one of the highlights of our stay in Luang Prabang.

The moon bears at Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center

8. Get up close with elephants at the Manifa Elephant Camp

With just two elephants, two local elephant enthusiasts founded Manifa Elephant Camp in 2009. Situated in a natural landscape outside of Luang Prabang, it’s the perfect outing for anyone who enjoys nature, elephants, and Lao culture. Once there, we saw that the staff is dedicated to making sure that our visit doesn’t result in the suffering of the elephant and offers welfare-oriented, high-quality experiences that foster an interest in and love for elephants, as well as a fascinating glimpse of Lao culture in harmony with nature. At present, Manifa Elephant Camp is home to a herd of 17 elephants in over 100 hectares of stunningly lush forests. We had a great time with the elephants, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious buffet lunch with unlimited drinks served in the tranquil and picturesque setting by the river.

9. Visit Pak Ou Caves

We took a scenic boat cruise down the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to see Pak Ou Caves, which are renowned for being a significant historic religious site for the locals and are home to an abundance of so many beautiful Buddha statues. There are two caves. The smaller cave takes about 10 minutes to walk up the stone steps. It’s quite dark, so bring a torch to explore it. The bigger cave has incredible views of the river. Our visit to the Pak Ou Caves was a fascinating one.

10. Cruise up and down the rivers of Mekong and Nam Khan

Luang Prabang is nestled between two of the largest rivers in the region, the Mekong and Nam Khan. The Mekong River meanders along one side, with the smaller Nam Khan River on the other side, joining the Mekong at the tip of the peninsula. Taking a boat tour of the river is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the country and glimpse it from different perspectives. During our cruise, we noticed that the Mekong River in Laos is quite rocky compared to Cambodia due to its varying landscapes. The Mekong River is very vital to Lao people because it gives them food security, livelihood opportunities, and access to trade. In rural Laos, farming is the primary source of income. The main plains along the Mekong River are home to the majority of the country’s food production, accounting for about 70% of total food output due to fertile river banks, which are ideal for growing a wide variety of crops, including rice, sweet corn, potatoes, and so many more. It was incredible to see the Laotian way of life.

11. Watch sunset on the Mekong river

Sunsets over the Mekong River are incredibly breathtaking. While traveling in Laos, we always seek out the lesser-known local spots to take in the scenery and sunset. If you wander down to the riverside in Luang Prabang, there are picnic tables where you can rest and enjoy this spectacular sight without the crowds. My family and I adore watching sunsets! They convey the hope that joy can be found in every success and in the lessons we can take away from every setback. We love nature’s hues at their best, as well as how different vibrant colors blend to create a darkening sky.

12. Try traditional whisky and rice wine at the whisky village

Ban Xang Hai, also known as The Whisky Village, is a small village on the banks of the mighty Mekong River that has made a name for itself by producing and selling wine and whisky. It is one of the popular destinations, and it’s often a stop when visiting the Pak Ou Caves by boat. They used rice to make whiskey and wine and produced them using the traditional method. They also make whisky and mix it with some animals to use as a natural medicine. We sampled their products: whisky (pure, without animals in it), white wine, and red wine, and they’re good. My husband likes their pure whisky, while my son and I prefer red wine. We purchased a few bottles to take home because we like them as well as our way of supporting the locals.

13. Wander at the night market

Strolling the night market in Luang Prabag, which takes place on the main street adjacent to the Royal Palace, is amazing and a must-do. The vendors start rolling out their mats and tents at around 4.30 pm, and by 5 pm they are ready to start selling until 11 pm. The night market is a bustling hub of activity, filled with stalls selling handicrafts and food. It brings people from all walks of life together—interacts, converses, eats, and shops in one location.

14. Enjoy Lao cuisine and street food

Throughout our stay in Laos, we had great pleasure sampling Lao cuisine. The northern Laotian dishes surprised us; they’re particularly delicious. Every meal in Laos includes sticky rice, also called Khao Niao, which is served in quaint little single-serve woven baskets. Larb is a delectable dish to try. It is marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) combined with spices, chopped herbs, greens, and chili. Another must-try is Khao Soi, a delicious noodle soup dish made with pork and a fragrant broth. And their grilled fish is the best—it’s incredibly flavorful and juicy. We also relished their street food. It’s so cheap, yet so delicious and we enjoyed it a lot, and we did not get sick.

15. Get an authentic Laotian souvenir

Some of the traditional Lao handicrafts include vibrant woven textiles, fine silks, and extravagant silver jewelry, among others. Many of these arts and crafts are produced by ethnic minority groups in Laos, such as the Hmong, who are well-known for their exquisite batik and appliqué textiles.

The Megalithic Landscapes of the Plain of Jars in Laos

Posted on January 31, 2024 by littlelilly

The Plain of Jars is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos that is hard to get to but definitely well worth the effort. When I planned our twelve-day trip, I was more excited to see the Plain of Jars than almost anywhere else, because I think a trip to Laos would not be complete without visiting the megalithic landscapes of the thousands of Jars strewn throughout the province of Xieng Khuang’s plateau.

These mysterious jars date back to 500 BC. They remained secret to the world until their re-discovery in the 1930s, when Madelaine Colani, a French geologist and archaeologist, surveyed the area for the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, a French institute dedicated to the study of Asian civilizations. Based on excavated evidence, Colani believes that these ancient sites reveal the funerary practices of an extensive and powerful Iron Age culture. Furthermore, she believes that this site was on a trade route that went as far as northern India since there have been similar jars found in this area, and in the Pyu cities of Myanmar because stone urns have also been found there. Nevertheless, not much is known about the people who created them.

The megalithic landscapes of the Plain of Jars is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Plain of Jars has not yet gained worldwide fame due to its location and the vast number of unexploded mines and bombs that still litter the area. At present, there are 106 jar sites; however, only 11 sites are cleared of unexploded bombs and safe for tourists to visit. Because there are so many UXOs to clear, a significant portion of them will remain off-limits to the public for many years, leaving everyone hoping to glimpse a mystery world that is still tucked away in the hills, just as the jars themselves remain mysterious.

With my son at the Plain of Jars – Site 1

During this trip, we visited three jar sites: 1, 2, and 3, and they are quite different from each other.

Jar Site One: It is the biggest, most accessible, and most visited site. It has a visitor center and provides free shuttle service to the jars perched on a small hill. It was quite surreal to see the first jar sitting on a plain that had been there for about 2,000 years. While walking up and down the hill, we noticed that Jar Site 1 contains some intriguing features: the biggest jar (which is thought to weigh over 10 tons and is about three meters tall), jars with lids, jars with carvings, a large cave that is thought to be an ancient crematorium, some bomb craters, and some jars being damaged by the bombs.

Jar Site Two: In order to see more jars, we went to the woods. There was something different about these jars in the woods—they felt more dramatic, private, and secretive. We saw that the roots have caused damage to many of the jars, and some have completely split in two, indicating that nature and time have taken their toll on this place. From the woods, we climbed up the small hill on the other side to see some jars that overlooked breathtaking views of the plains below.

Jar Site Three: This site is quite different from sites 1 and 2, as we had to walk through Laotian rice fields and a bamboo bridge for approximately 10 minutes to get to the jars. The rice fields were barren since it wasn’t planting season when we visited in December last year. The jars are far from the roads and houses, so you get the impression that they are truly hidden away. Here, the jars are set in a small cluster of trees and vary in size, with some being significantly wider than others and some being taller still. As we roamed around, we saw the effects of the bombs, with several jars being broken and blown in half.

Crossing the wooden bridge to get to Jar Site 3

Walking through the Laotian rice fields in order to get Jar Site 3

It is rare, and it was great that we could touch and get close to the plain of jars, which is one of the most incredible historical landmarks in the world. In Jar Site 1, there were very few people when we went there, but in Sites 2 and 3, we had the place to ourselves — no other tourists, no locals, just us and the jars. Although it’s wonderful that people can view these amazing artifacts so freely, I think there is a need for some control to be implemented to preserve them in the future. As this place grows in popularity, more people will visit, and if they are not protected, they risk being lost to future generations. My husband used to tell stories about how he could touch and get close to the megalithic standing stones in Carnac, Bretagne, France. And when he took me there 10 years ago, we couldn’t even come close. Now, they are protected by fences.

While visiting the Plain of Jars, we saw numerous bomb craters from the American bombing campaign, which left Laos as the most heavily bombed country in world history. It’s an eye-opening experience to realize the full effects of war and how the hundreds of thousands of unexploded bombs continue to impact daily life in this underdeveloped nation. In addition, we also visited the Russian tank, Ban Napia-war spoon village, and the tourist information center.

We had an awesome and authentic experience when we explored the Plain of Jars. This is an absolutely remarkable testimony to the civilization that made and used jars in the Iron Age. The Plain of Jars is somewhat off the typical traveler’s route in Laos, so it was not easy to get there, and there were few transportation services available, which made our trip feel like a journey into unknown territory. In spite of the danger and awful bus ride, I think seeing the Plain of Jars was worth it! It’s amazing, especially if you love history!

Little Lilly Travel Tips:

1. The Mines Advisory Group has put little stone markers with the word “MAG” on them to show where it is safe to walk. Do not step outside of them, as you could be injured or killed by unexploded bombs and mines.

2. Where to stay – The best place to stay in Xieng Khuang is in Phonsovan district as it has many decent hotels and restaurants. It’s 1200 meters above sea level, so it’s very cold. We stayed at Sipanya Guesthouse, which is quiet, roomy, and furnished with nice, basic furnishings. The staff is also helpful and kind.

3. How to get there – We left Luang Prabang at 8.30am, and there was no train or plane available, so the only means of transportation to Phonsovan, Xieng Khuang, was by bus. Actually, it was more like a minivan ride with a lot of people inside. We traveled through extremely windy, bumpy, and dusty mountain roads for approximately ten hours (one way) with only one stop (lunch and bathroom break). Otherwise, there’s a flight available from Vientiane to Xieng Khuang.

Little Lilly Meets the World

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Category Archives: Laos

Top Three Must Do Activities in Vang Vieng

Exploring the town of Luang Prabang in Laos

The Megalithic Landscapes of the Plain of Jars in Laos

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