Vang Vieng Blue Lagoons: The Unfiltered Guide for Parents Doing It Without a Tour

If you’ve made it to Laos with your kids and you’re eyeing the Vang Vieng blue lagoons, let me save you some serious time. They are just as beautiful as you’ve seen in photos—vibrant turquoise water backed by limestone cliffs, plenty of space to swim and play, and a laid-back vibe that feels like summer break no matter the season. But if you’re planning to do it without a tour, especially with young kids, you’ll want to go in prepared. Because while they look effortless on Instagram, getting to the lagoons and choosing the right one for your family takes a little bit of strategy.

We spent four weeks in Vang Vieng with our two kids and used that time to explore four different lagoons. We stayed near the start of the West Loop, which gave us direct access to Lagoons 1, 2, and 3. Lagoon 4 is farther north, so we made a separate day of that. There are technically six lagoons on the tourist map, but Lagoon 6 is permanently closed, and Lagoon 5 is barely maintained—so I wouldn’t bother unless you’re up for an off-road adventure with zero facilities and possibly no one else around.

This guide is everything I wish existed before we went. Real details from a real parent who figured it out without a tour, who understands what it means to juggle snacks, naps, safety, and toddler moods in a foreign country. I’ll walk you through how we got there, how to choose which lagoon to visit, what to bring, what to skip, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time without getting stuck or overpaying. You don’t need a tour to experience the magic of the Vang Vieng blue lagoons—but you do need a plan, especially if you’re doing it with little kids like we did.

What Are the Vang Vieng Blue Lagoons, Really?

If you’ve looked up things to do in Vang Vieng, you’ve definitely seen mentions of the blue lagoons. On paper, there are six of them. In reality, only four are worth your time if you’re visiting with kids.

Lagoon 6 is permanently closed and Lagoon 5 is so remote that it barely makes sense for most travelers, especially families. We read reviews about broken paths, no one staffing the entrance, and zero facilities. Honestly, that was an easy skip for us. We focused on Lagoons 1 through 4, which are the most visited and easiest to access, with varying levels of crowds, amenities, and things to do.

Each lagoon has something different going on. Some have slides or zip lines or platforms you can jump from. Some have rocks shallow enough for toddlers to stand on. Others are better for a peaceful float or watching locals fish. Some have shade and food stalls, others feel more like you’re out in the wild. That’s why it’s hard to group them together or say “go to any lagoon.” They’re not interchangeable. They each have their own vibe and setup, which is why we ended up visiting all four.

If you’re only in Vang Vieng for a couple of days, I’d suggest picking one or two based on your kids’ ages and what kind of experience you’re after. If you’ve got more time like we did, it’s totally worth spacing them out across your stay and doing a few lagoon days without cramming them all into one trip. You’ll enjoy them more, and so will your kids.

Getting There Without a Tour: What Actually Works for Families?

If you’re trying to visit the Vang Vieng blue lagoons without joining a tour group, just know that it’s totally doable—but only if you’ve thought through your transport ahead of time. This isn’t a quick walk down the street situation. The lagoons are spread out, the roads are rough in spots, and transport isn’t exactly child-friendly.

Tuk-tuks might sound like an easy solution until you find out how expensive they are for these kinds of trips. We were quoted prices that felt ridiculous for Laos, especially considering they usually just drop you off and leave. Once you’re out there, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to flag one down to get back into town. And while private drivers might sound more secure, they’re even more expensive and you’re often paying just for them to wait around while you swim.

Bicycles were not an option for us either. We thought about it briefly but quickly realized it would be unsafe with the kids. The West Loop—the road that takes you to Lagoons 1, 2, and 3—is used by big trucks and gets dusty and chaotic fast. The roads are bumpy, uneven, and not at all ideal for kids in a bike seat.

What ended up working best for us was renting motorbikes. Our vacation rental, book your accommodation here through Agoda, happened to be right near a rental spot, so it was super easy to pick them up in the morning. My husband and I each took one kid. We kept things super simple and just brought the essentials for the day. We didn’t ride every day either. Over our four-week stay, we only rented motorbikes four times, and that felt like the right amount. We’d go out, hit a couple of stops, then chill the next day.

The biggest benefit of the motorbike was flexibility. We could leave when we wanted, stop wherever we felt like, and take our time. That freedom is huge when you’re traveling with kids. No pressure to rush them through lunch or stick to someone else’s schedule. We could go early to beat the crowds or wait until the heat dipped in the afternoon.

If you’re comfortable on a motorbike and have experience riding with a kid on board, this is hands-down the best way to do it. Our rental place did have child sized helmets, but there is absolutely no car seats involved in any local transportation, so you need to be confident and realistic about your comfort level. If riding a motorbike with kids doesn’t feel safe for you, then your best bet may be to plan for a longer day and negotiate a round-trip tuk-tuk with a driver who will wait for you.

One last thing to note don’t expect to find rideshares in Vang Vieng. This is not like other parts of Southeast Asia where you can order a car from your phone in a few minutes. Everything here is local and cash-based, so make sure you carry enough kip for both transport and lagoon entry fees.

Which Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon Should You Choose with Kids?

We visited Lagoons 1 through 4 during our stay and each one had its own vibe. You really can’t just pick one at random and hope it’ll be great for kids—some are better set up for little ones, while others are either too crowded, too deep, or just kind of underwhelming if your goal is a low-stress family day.

Let’s start with our favorite: Lagoon 2. This was the last one we visited and, honestly, I wish we’d gone sooner. It was perfect with young kids. There’s a huge rock shelf right in the water where our three-year-old could stand and play comfortably without needing a life vest the whole time. She doesn’t love getting fully in the water or going under, so this setup made a huge difference for her.

There’s also a big jumping platform (which we used, not the kids), and a wobbly rope bridge stretched across the lagoon that our five-year-old couldn’t get enough of. She ended up joining a group of local boys running back and forth across it, and that right there was the kind of spontaneous, joy-filled moment we always hope for when we travel. There’s a swing off to the side too if your kids want a bit more action. It wasn’t overly crowded when we went, and the whole space felt super spread out and relaxed. I’d say this is the most toddler- and kid-friendly lagoon out of the four we visited.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the others:

Lagoon 1 is the most popular and definitely the most crowded. It’s the first stop on the West Loop and super easy to reach, which means all the tours come here. It does have a swing in the water and a platform to jump off, plus more food stalls than any of the others, but it feels very busy. If your kids do well with noise and action, they might love it. If not, it can get a bit chaotic.

Lagoon 3 is somewhere in the middle. It wasn’t overrun with tour groups, but there were still quite a few people when we arrived. There is a solid setup for swimming and relaxing, but nothing really stood out to the kids here. It felt like a good backup option if you’ve already done the others or just want something familiar and easy.

Lagoon 4 is farther north of town and takes longer to get to, but it’s also the quietest. The water is super clear and there’s a swing and a zip line over the lagoon. Our kids didn’t try the zip line, but it’s a fun option if you have older kids or teens. There were fish swimming around in the water, and the setting is gorgeous, really peaceful, surrounded by nature. It felt like the least developed of the four, but also the calmest.

Each lagoon has its quirks and little surprises, which is why I recommend not just picking one based on photos alone. Think about what kind of day you want, what your kids enjoy, and go from there. We planned each visit ahead of time by checking the map, figuring out the distances, and combining them with other stops nearby so we weren’t spending half the day just on a motorbike.

What to Expect on Arrival (That Nobody Warns You About)

First thing to know: bring cash. Kip only. No one is taking card payments at the lagoons and there are no ATMs nearby once you’re out of town. Each lagoon has a person at the entrance collecting fees. You’ll usually see a small table or booth and a hand-painted sign with the price.

Most of the lagoons charge 20,000 kip per adult. Lagoon 4 was 10,000 kip, likely because it’s farther out and gets fewer visitors. Kids are generally free, though we did run into one guy at Lagoon 2 who tried to charge us for our five-year-old. We pushed back, told him we hadn’t paid for her anywhere else, and he let it go. So just know it can be a little inconsistent, and having exact change makes it easier.

Entrances to all four lagoons we visited Lagoons 1, 2, 3, and 4 are all marked accurately on Google Maps (click for our Free Google Maps Pin Guide here). Use that to your advantage. You don’t need a guide or a tour to find them. That said, getting to some of them can feel a bit off-road. Lagoons 3 and 4 especially require navigating uneven dirt paths, and depending on the season, the roads can be muddy or full of potholes. If you’re on a motorbike like we were, just go slow and give yourself time. Don’t assume a “10-minute ride” will actually take 10 minutes.

Each lagoon had someone collecting the entrance fee when we arrived. There wasn’t any formal signage or big gates, but it was clear enough once you pulled up. No one was pushy or aggressive, it was all pretty relaxed. Once you’re in, you’ll usually see a few shaded sitting areas, a place to eat, and the lagoon itself just a short walk away.

There’s no parking fee, and if you arrive by motorbike, you can park right near the entrance. If you’re coming by tuk-tuk or with a driver, just make sure they either stay or you’ve arranged a time for pickup because there’s zero cell service at some of the lagoons and no guarantee of finding a ride back.

We didn’t run into long lines or ticket counters. Everything was local and informal. It’s definitely one of those “you just show up and pay someone at the gate” kinds of experiences, which is fine once you’re expecting that. But it’s not the kind of place where things are perfectly organized or where there’s someone available to answer questions.

One last thing, don’t expect Wi-Fi, credit card machines, lockers, or official bathrooms. Each lagoon had some kind of basic toilet setup and a small shack selling food or drinks, but that’s about it. This is Laos, and part of the charm is how rustic and chill it all is. Just don’t show up expecting a resort-style day out. Come for the water, the views, and the simplicity—and you’ll love it.

What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home)

Must-haves:

• Sunscreen (the sun on the motorbike is brutal)
• Snacks (we brought hard-boiled eggs and oranges)
• Water
• Goggles (if your kids like going underwater)
• Cash

Skip:

• Change of clothes (you’ll air-dry fast on a motorbike)
• A ton of gear (keep it simple—motorbikes have limited space)

We didn’t bother with nap time. Our three-year-old powered through because she was having fun, but if your kid really needs a nap, some lagoons have benches in the shade where they might crash.

The Food Situation: Should You Eat There or Bring Your Own?

You can absolutely eat at the lagoons, but it’s good to go in with the right expectations. Every lagoon we visited had at least one small food stall or shack nearby. The options were simple, mostly plates of fried rice, grilled meat, and maybe an omelet if you got lucky. Lagoon 1 had the most variety since it’s the busiest and sees the most tourists. Lagoon 4 had the least and felt a bit more like “we have food, but not much” territory.

We ate lunch at Lagoon 3 and it was fine. Nothing special, but it filled us up and didn’t upset anyone’s stomach. The prices were totally reasonable, about what you’d pay anywhere else in Laos for a basic local meal. You won’t find menus or price boards in most places, but when we asked, everything was clear and straightforward. No surprises. And nothing was spicy unless you specifically asked for chili.

For younger kids or picky eaters, the food is manageable if they like plain rice or chicken. But I wouldn’t count on there being fruit, snacks, or anything beyond a few meal options. That’s why we always brought backup. Our go-to snacks were hard-boiled eggs, and oranges. These were easy to pack on the motorbike and kept everyone from getting hangry in between swimming or waiting for food to be cooked.

There were cold drinks available at all the lagoons we visited. Most places had bottled water, soda and beer. No one sold coffee or anything fancy, just basic drinks to keep you hydrated. If your kids drink a lot during the day or if it’s really hot, definitely bring extra water.

One thing I’d recommend is to think about when you plan to eat. If your family is used to lunch at noon, don’t wait until one thirty to start figuring it out. These aren’t restaurants with quick service. Food is cooked fresh, which is great, but it takes time. If your kids are already melting down or starving, it’s going to feel like forever. We usually timed things so we had a snack right when we arrived, swam for a bit, and then ordered lunch. That helped avoid the mid-day crash.

Overall, yes, you can eat at the lagoons and not worry. But if your child only eats sliced cucumbers and toast cut into triangles, I’d bring your own stuff. If they’re more go-with-the-flow and happy with simple rice and grilled chicken, they’ll be just fine.

Safety First: What You Notice as a Parent

There were no currents, just still lagoon water. But don’t expect lifeguards or safety signage. You’ll occasionally see a sign like “5 meters deep” at a jumping platform, but that’s it.

Some lagoons had life jackets (Lagoon 1 made us pay; Lagoon 3 had them available for free). Just watch for slippery rocks especially at Lagoon 2, which had a large slick rock area.

Managing the Chaos: How to Keep the Day Enjoyable (Even If It’s Crowded)

Go early. Lagoon 1 especially fills up fast with tour buses. We usually started our lagoon days mid-morning and stayed until about 1 or 2 p.m., before it got too intense.

We didn’t find any long lines or overstimulation just a mix of backpackers and local families. Nature helped. The kids had plenty of space, and we switched off “watch duty” so one of us could sit and zone out while the other stayed near the splash zone.

Our Honest Review: Would We Go Again?

100% yes.

We’d go back to all four, each gave us something different. Lagoon 2 was perfect for little ones, whereas Lagoon 4 was peaceful and remote. Lagoon 1 had the best facilities, while Lagoon 3 felt like a happy medium.

It’s doable with toddlers. Ours were 3 and 5 years at the time, and they loved it even our non-water-obsessed child. If I had to recommend one for cautious parents? Lagoon 2.

Bonus Tips for Parents Doing It DIY-Style

• Have a game plan. Look at the map, choose the lagoon(s) you want to hit, and know your route. Don’t just wing it.
• Combine stops. We did 2–3 activities on each motorbike day and spaced them out over our stay.
• Bring cash + snacks.
• Don’t expect car seats. You’re either in the back of a tuk-tuk or on a bike.
• Set your expectations. This is Laos. Roads are rough, things are chill, and “perfect” is not the goal here. But wow, is it worth it.

If you’re still deciding whether to go, it’s a yes from us. Just don’t do it the tour bus way. You’ll miss the magic. And hey, if your kids end up muddy, hungry, and happy by the end of the day… that’s a travel win in my book.

More on the Blog:

We took a hot air balloon ride over beautiful Vang Vieng with kids.

Read about why we took a family gap year.

Flying tips with kids.