Things to Do in Vang Vieng for Families: The Ultimate Parent’s Travel Guide

When we started planning our family trip through Laos, Vang Vieng wasn’t even on our list. We were slow traveling, doing everything on a budget, and honestly, Luang Prabang felt like the obvious next stop. It’s beautiful, it’s cultural, and it shows up on every Laos itinerary. But when I looked into staying there for a month, every place I found was over two thousand dollars on Airbnb.

That’s when I stumbled across Vang Vieng. I’d heard mixed things as it had this old reputation as a backpacker party town, but after watching a few YouTube videos and looking into it more, I realized how much nature there was to explore. Mountains, lagoons, caves, viewpoints. It looked wild and peaceful at the same time, which is exactly the kind of vibe we love. I found a monthly rental for under a thousand dollars (click here to book where we stayed). It was simple, fully furnished, and had everything we needed. Nothing fancy, but totally comfortable.

So we booked it. Just like that, Vang Vieng became a stop on our family adventure. We ended up spending four weeks there with our two kids, who were three and five at the time. Our daughter even had her birthday while we were there, which made it extra memorable. And yes, despite what people might assume, Vang Vieng is absolutely doable with toddlers and preschoolers. You don’t need to be hiking every day or hopping between rivers with a beer in your hand to enjoy it.

What we found was a laid-back town with quiet corners, kind locals, and plenty of space for kids to run around. You can rent a motorbike and chase mountain views in the morning, cool off in a lagoon by lunchtime, and still be home for naps or quiet play by the afternoon.

So here’s what we did. All the hikes, caves, lagoons, and even a hot air balloon ride we actually did as a family. Everything you need to know if you’re wondering whether Vang Vieng is worth it with young kids or how to plan it in a way that feels fun instead of exhausting. Click here to get our free Google Maps Pins Guide with all the locations mentioned below. Let’s get into it.

Viewpoints and Hikes We Actually Did With Kids

Nam Xay Viewpoint

If you’ve seen that iconic Vang Vieng photo with the motorcycle on top of a mountain—this is the place. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and go whoa, even after sweating your way to the top.

We tackled Nam Xay during the rainy season, which made the trail extra muddy and slick. Our 5-year-old started out strong, but pretty quickly got frustrated slipping around in the red clay. Honestly, I don’t blame her. It’s not a long hike distance-wise, but it’s steep from the get-go. You’re climbing almost the whole time. If I could do it again, I’d aim for early morning or late afternoon, midday heat and humidity made it feel way harder than it needed to be.

We had our 3-year-old in the backpack carrier for the climb and let her down at the top to walk around. There are a few sections with wooden ladders and some rocky scrambling toward the end, but nothing too technical if you’re used to hiking with kids.

The top is unreal. You get this full panoramic view of the valley, with rice fields below and those dramatic limestone cliffs all around. There are actually two motorcycles up there, one facing each direction for the classic photo op. It sounds cheesy, but it’s fun. 

Entry fee was 20,000 kip per adult. No one asked for payment for the kids. There’s a small parking area at the trailhead where we left our motorbikes. No guide needed just follow the trail up and be prepared to get a little dirty, especially in the rainy season.

Phapoungkham Cave & Viewpoints

This one ended up being a surprise favorite especially for our 5-year-old, who was absolutely determined to see both viewpoints. This hike has a lot going on, and it’s the perfect combo of adventure and quirky surprises.

One side of the trail takes you to a hilltop airplane yes, a real airplane perched up there where you can sit inside and snap photos. It’s random but awesome. There’s also a wide view across the valley, similar to Nam Xay but way less crowded.

After that, you come down about halfway and there’s another trail that splits off and takes you up to the flying horse statue (technically a Pegasus). This viewpoint is on the opposite ridge, and hardly anyone was there when we went. It’s just as scenic, and honestly, a more peaceful. The trail to the horse was covered in dry leaves that made it a bit slippery, but it wasn’t any steeper or harder than the airplane side.

On your way up or down, you’ll pass two small caves. One is short and open where you walk through a tiny tunnel with three stone Buddha statues tucked inside a great quiet moment spot. People often leave small offerings like money. The other cave is opposite the Buddha one. It’s unlit and not deep, but you’ll definitely want your phone flashlight to walk through. It opens up again on the other side, and our kids thought it was the coolest little mini-adventure.

We spent over two hours here doing everything, and the kids held up really well. This site cost 20,000 kip per adult, and again, our kids entered for free. No extra fee for parking, and we parked our motorbikes right at the base of the trail. No need for a guide it’s all self-led, and clearly marked.

Tham Chang Cave & Viewpoint

If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward cave, Tham Chang is the one. It’s close to town, easy to reach, and the entire area feels more developed and accessible, which is exactly what we needed after the steeper climbs.

You get to the cave by walking across what was previously a bright orange footbridge and is now a bamboo walking bridge over the river, then up a long but manageable stone staircase. Our 5-year-old walked the whole thing herself, and we carried our 3-year-old in the backpack. If you go early in the day, you’ll likely have the cave to yourself for a bit, which made it feel peaceful.

Inside, the cave is fully lit, no headlamps needed. There are colored lights that give it a bit of a dramatic flair, and sturdy platforms with railings to help you explore different areas. You can walk in multiple directions. One path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the river and surrounding town, and another winds deeper into the cave until you hit a natural stopping point.

The cave itself was cool and refreshing, a nice break from the heat. Outside, there are benches where we sat and had a snack.

There’s a small fee to enter the property 20,000 kip per adult. Parking was free, and again, our kids entered without any charge. There are bathrooms and snack stalls near the lagoon and stairs to the cave and the entire property felt clean and well-kept.

These three spots gave us plenty of adventure and variety without being overwhelming. Each one offered something different, big views, creative surprises, peaceful caves and they were all doable with young kids, even in the rainy season. If you’re picking just one, I’d go for Phapoungkham. But if you have the time and energy, do them all. Just pack lots of water, wear shoes with good grip, and don’t forget snacks. Always snacks.

The Family-Friendly Lagoons (And Which Ones Were Worth It)

There are six lagoons in and around Vang Vieng, but we ended up visiting Lagoons 1 through 4. Lagoon 6 is permanently closed and Lagoon 5 seemed too far out and honestly a little sketchy based on recent reviews. People mentioned there wasn’t really anyone managing it, and that alone made me uncomfortable, especially with two young kids. So we stuck to the four we felt good about and those gave us more than enough options for swimming, relaxing, and letting the kids play. Read more about the lagoons with our blog post here.

Blue Lagoon 1

This one is the most well-known, and you can definitely feel it the second you pull up. It’s busy. Like, really busy. There are big tour groups, backpackers, and lots of energy. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe with little ones, you may want to come early in the day before the crowds roll in.

That said, it’s still worth seeing. The lagoon itself is large with a huge tree that has both a rope swing and a jump platform. The water is cool and super clear, with fish swimming around near the edge. There’s also a cave here with the famous reclining Buddha inside, but it requires a separate fee and your own headlamp. We skipped it this time around since we didn’t want to pay extra or wrangle the kids through a dark cave after swimming.

Entry cost 20,000 kip per adult to the lagoon. Kids weren’t charged. There are bathrooms off to the side with a walking path leading to them, and there’s plenty of shaded seating around the edge of the water. You’ll also find food stalls and small snack shops, which is helpful if you didn’t bring lunch. We got there on our motorbikes, but you could likely get a tuk-tuk to take you and wait or call one for pickup if you’re not comfortable riding yourself.

Blue Lagoon 2 (Our Favorite One)

This one checked all the boxes for us. It was fun, active, a little quirky, and most importantly less crowded than Lagoon 1. When we arrived, a staff member tried to charge us for our five-year-old, but we pushed back since no other lagoons had done that. He didn’t argue and quickly dropped it, so just be aware they may try that with younger kids.

Once you’re in, there’s a lot to do. There’s a zipline that lands in the water, a fun but wobbly rope bridge to walk across, and a very tall jump platform for the brave ones. Our favorite part might have been the big rock ledge that juts out into the lagoon. It’s great for kids who want to feel like they’re “in” the water without actually swimming. It’s a little slippery, so we stayed close, but it made our 3 year old daughter feel like she was part of the action.

Bathrooms are available near the motorbike parking area, and there’s food if you want to order lunch and hang out for a while. Lifejackets and inner tubes weren’t included you had to pay for them separately at a stand near the parking lot. It wasn’t expensive, but something to note if your kids aren’t confident swimmers. We ended up spending half the day here and could have stayed longer. There was enough going on to keep everyone entertained and the vibe was relaxed without being chaotic.

Blue Lagoon 3

This one is a bit more of a drive, so you’ll want to make sure you have time and your kids are in a good mood. When we got there, we were surprised by how many people were already there. Not in a bad way, it still felt mellow, but it was definitely not a hidden gem.

The lagoon is open and sunny, so it warms up nicely, and there are zip lines and a swing to jump into the water. Lifejackets and inner tubes were free here, though the jackets were a little beat up. It seemed like people just grabbed whatever they could find, used it, and tossed it back into a pile. So they were fine, but not great.

Bathrooms were clean and easy to access, and the food stall had basic meals like fried rice and grilled meat, which was exactly what we needed. We didn’t go in the cave here. It’s marked with a sign and starts with a short walk uphill, but once we saw that it required a headlamp and had ladders inside, we decided to skip it. It just didn’t feel smart to take the kids in without enough light or an extra adult around. We walked up to the entrance though, and the breeze coming out of it was really refreshing.

Blue Lagoon 4

This one was the quietest and the most peaceful by far. It’s farther out from the main town and not part of the popular West Loop route, which might explain why there were barely any other people there when we went. Entry was just 10,000 kip per adult, and there was no fee for parking.

The lagoon is smaller than the others, but it’s really beautiful. The water was calm, and there were a few inner tubes floating around for free use. We didn’t see any lifejackets, and since our youngest didn’t have one, we stayed close and mostly let her splash on the steps leading into the water. There’s also a small jumping platform here, around three or four meters high, but we didn’t use it.

There are basic bathrooms and a few shaded areas with bamboo seats to sit and eat. They did have a small food stand, but we didn’t eat here so I can’t speak to the options. What I loved about this lagoon was how quiet it felt. It’s not the spot for zip lines or wild jumps it’s the kind of place you come to relax and let the kids have some low-key water time without being overstimulated.

If you’re heading north of town, I’d definitely recommend combining this lagoon with a visit to the Water Cave (see below), since they’re close by. We did both in one trip and it made for a fun, full day without feeling rushed.

We rode our motorbikes to each of these lagoons, which gave us the flexibility to come and go on our own schedule. If you’re not comfortable riding, you could arrange a driver for the day, but just make sure they’re willing to wait while you explore, or agree on pickup times ahead of time.

Each lagoon had its own vibe, and honestly, they were all worth visiting in their own way. For high energy and people-watching, Lagoon 1. Choose Lagoon 2 for family-friendly fun and a good mix of activities. For a slightly more adventurous feel, Lagoon 3. And for peace and quiet, Lagoon 4. If you’re short on time, I’d go straight to Lagoon 2. But if you have a few days, try them all and see which one your kids fall in love with.

Caves We Explored (And Ones We Skipped)

We didn’t go into every cave in Vang Vieng. A lot of them don’t have any lighting inside, and if you don’t bring your own headlamp, it can feel a bit sketchy especially with kids. But the caves we did explore were honestly some of the most unique parts of our stay. They gave us a good mix of excitement and calm, and were all doable with little kids as long as we planned ahead.

Water Cave (Tham Nam)

This one was a total standout. It’s not something we’d ever done before and it ended up being one of the most memorable things we did in Laos. The setup is simple. You pay at the entrance 40,000 kip per adult and they give you a headlamp, lifejacket, inner tube, and access to a locker. From there, you walk a short path to the cave entrance and get in the water.

You sit in the tube and use a rope to pull yourself through the cave. It’s dark. Like completely dark. The only light comes from the headlamps strapped to your head, and all you can hear is the trickling water echoing through the space. It was calm though, not creepy. Just really still and peaceful.

We started with our 5-year-old trying to sit in her own tube, but it didn’t work out. The tubes were too big for her, and she didn’t feel steady. So we ended up having both kids sit on our laps and pulled ourselves along that way. Our 3-year-old actually fell asleep during the ride. I think the cool air, darkness, and soft water sounds lulled her right out. It was like baby white noise, cave edition.

The route follows the rope deep into the cave about 300 meters. At one point, the water got too shallow to float, so we hopped out and walked through a short stretch before getting back in. The rope picks up again, and you follow it until you reach the end. There are no signs or guides. You’re really just on your own in there, which was fine, but I definitely wouldn’t have done it without the headlamps they provided.

We didn’t bring a phone or camera inside since we were holding both kids and didn’t have waterproof gear, but I don’t regret that. It made the whole experience more focused and less about getting the perfect photo. The ground was soft enough that we didn’t even need shoes. Just watch your step and take your time. It’s quiet, it’s different, and it’s definitely worth doing if you want something unique with older toddlers or preschoolers who aren’t afraid of the dark.

Tham Chang Cave

I already talked about this cave in the hike section, but it’s worth repeating here because it’s one of the easiest and most kid-friendly caves around. You don’t need any gear, no headlamps, no guides. You just climb the stairs up from the river and walk right in. The cave is lit with colored lights, and there are platforms and railings inside. You can wander in either direction and just explore at your own pace. Our kids loved being able to see everything and walk freely without having to be carried or guided the whole time.

There’s also a viewpoint just outside the cave where we sat for a while and had a snack. You can see across the town and the river from up there. If you’re looking for a cave experience that feels safe and accessible with minimal prep, this is the one I’d recommend first.

Phapoungkham Walk-Through Cave

This one’s more of a hidden gem. It’s not a deep cave, more like a short tunnel that cuts through the base of the hill. You walk through it as part of the hike to the airplane and flying horse viewpoints. It was a quiet and peaceful moment during our day, and our kids were intrigued by the statues and the idea of walking through a “secret tunnel.”

There’s no artificial light inside, so we used our phone flashlight just to see where we were stepping. You don’t need any gear for this one, and it only takes a few minutes to walk through. It’s a great spot to slow down and take a breather before climbing up to the viewpoints.

We skipped a few caves that required more serious gear or guidance. Some had ladders and steep drops inside, and since most don’t have lights, it just didn’t feel like the right move with small kids. But the ones we did see were a great introduction to Vang Vieng’s cave scene. If your kids are a little older or more adventurous, you could probably do even more. Just make sure you’ve got working headlamps and closed-toe shoes, and always ask locals if the cave is open and safe before heading in.

For us, three caves was just right. Enough to feel like we experienced something new and different without overdoing it or stressing the kids out.

Hot Air Balloon Ride With Young Kids

Yes, you can absolutely take your kids on a hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng and honestly, it was one of the most surreal and peaceful things we did during our whole month in Laos.

We didn’t plan it far in advance. There are third-party stands all over town advertising balloon rides, and most of them work with the same small set of companies. We just walked up to one near where we were staying, asked a few questions, and booked it for the next available clear morning. The total for all four of us came to about 5 million kip, which included pickup and drop-off.

There was no minimum age restriction, at least with the company we used. No one even asked about the kids’ ages. Our five-year-old stood on her own and could peek over the basket. She was tall enough to see everything and was thrilled the whole time. For our three-year-old, we brought our backpack carrier. My husband wore her strapped in securely, and the pilot was totally fine with that setup. He gave it a quick look and nodded ok before take off. Everyone was calm and relaxed. There was no big rush or pressure. Just a small group of us 7 in total including the pilot, quietly climbing into the sky.

The takeoff was smoother than I expected. You barely feel the lift at all. One minute you’re on the ground, and the next you’re floating. There’s no loud engine, just the occasional sound of the burner firing. We went just after sunrise, which I would highly recommend. The light was golden and soft, and the view of the mist rolling off the mountains was something I’ll never forget.

We floated for about 30 minutes, which felt like just the right amount of time for the kids. Any longer and they might have started to get wiggly or tired. As it was, they were both completely mesmerized our youngest even sat quietly the entire time, which almost never happens.

We landed in a large lot and were driven back to town by the same team. They were friendly and professional, and it all felt very well organized even though it wasn’t a flashy setup.

If you’re thinking about doing it, I’d suggest booking it as early in your trip as possible. Weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season, and they do cancel for wind or storms. You don’t want to wait until the last day and miss your chance. We saw a few people get turned away when the weather changed suddenly, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get a refund if you’re booking through a local stand, so make sure to ask how their policy works before you pay.

I know balloon rides can seem like a “maybe someday” experience, but if you’re in Vang Vieng with kids and you’ve got the budget, I’d say go for it. It was magical, calm, and surprisingly kid-friendly. Not something we’ll forget anytime soon.

Getting Around Vang Vieng With Kids

We stayed near the start of the West Loop, which turned out to be a really convenient spot for getting around. From there, we could easily walk into the main part of town or hop on a motorbike to get just about anywhere. That said, Vang Vieng is not stroller-friendly in my honest opinion. I saw one tourist trying to push a stroller down the street in town and honestly, it looked like the stroller had been through battle. Unless you have some heavy-duty off-road model, it’s not worth the hassle. We relied on our carrier every single day.

Motorbikes were our main mode of transportation outside of town. We rented two of them for 130,000 kip per day each and ended up renting them4 times in total over a month and negotiated the price to 130,000 from 150,0000. We added about 50,000 kip worth of gas per bike, and that was more than enough for each day of exploring. There was no requirement to return them with a full tank, which made things easier.

Our three-year-old rode in a backpack carrier strapped to my husband, and she loved it. It gave her a great view and made things feel more secure for all of us, especially when she fell asleep in it. Our five-year-old sat behind me and held on, which she was fully capable of doing and honestly enjoyed. We always went slow, and traffic in town is generally relaxed. Drivers are used to scooters weaving through and tend to give you space. Just watch for the big trucks near the construction zones on the West Loop those areas were bumpy, and the road was in rough shape with potholes and mud, especially during rainy season.

If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, tuk-tuks are available, but they felt overpriced to us. We only used them for trips to and from the train station. From the train station to town, we were charged 150,000 kip. On the way back, we got it for 100,000 kip, but that was arranged through our guesthouse, so it was cheaper. I noticed that being on the other side of the river added to what drivers wanted to charge, even though the distance wasn’t that much farther. So keep that in mind when you’re negotiating fares.

You could technically walk most places in town, especially if you’re staying close to the center. We were about 10 minutes from the bamboo walking bridge and didn’t mind doing that part on foot. But for visiting lagoons, viewpoints, or caves, you really need your own wheels or at least a driver who will wait for you at each spot, which isn’t always easy to find unless you book a private tour.

Renting the motorbikes gave us freedom. We could leave early, stop when we needed to, and adjust plans if the kids got tired. We always carried water, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and snacks in a small daypack, and we wore our carriers pretty much everywhere we went.

If you’re planning to stay more than a few days, I’d highly recommend going the motorbike route, even with kids. Just go slow, wear good shoes, and avoid trying to ride out during peak rainstorms. Vang Vieng isn’t huge, but having your own transport makes a big difference especially when you’re balancing naps, snacks, and spontaneous toddler meltdowns.

Is Vang Vieng Safe for Families?

Honestly, we felt very safe the entire time. The biggest risks were potholes on the West Loop and mosquitoes once rainy season started (especially around dusk and dawn). Bring spray.

We didn’t need any medical attention, but there is one small hospital in town. Pharmacies are easy to find for basic supplies. Nap time was built into our daily rhythm, and our guesthouse had AC and quiet spaces, so it worked well for us.

Water was always bottled, don’t drink from the tap. As for crowd control, there wasn’t any. It never felt overwhelming or chaotic.

What to Pack and What We Used

Our must-haves:

• Keen sandals for hiking and caves
• Swimsuits and backup clothes, you have to be dressed to be on the motorbikes
• Carrier for our toddler
• Mosquito spray
• Snacks (hard-boiled eggs were our go-to)

At most lagoons and caves, lifejackets and headlamps were available, though quality varied. Lagoon 3’s lifejackets were free but pretty beat up. Most places that charged had better gear.

Final Thoughts: Should Families Visit Vang Vieng?

Yes, if you love nature, want your kids to try new things, and don’t mind a little dirt. We stayed for a month, which might be long for some families, but even 7–10 days would give you time to explore without rushing. Just be sure to add a buffer day or two to avoid burnout.

Our kids still talk about Vang Vieng. The scenery, the motorbikes, the hot air balloon ride it was one of their favorite stops.

If you’re on the fence, I’d say go. Just pace yourself, keep it flexible, and skip the tourist checklists. You’re not just ticking off attractions you’re raising little explorers.

More on the Blog:

Read more about Vang Vieng’s Blue Lagoons here.

Yes, we took a hot air ballon ride with our 3 year old and 5 year old.