Vang Vieng Travel Tips

To have a better travel experience in Vang Vieng, there are some useful Vang Vieng travel tips which may be helpful for your Vang Vieng tour. When plan your trip to Vang Vieng, view our answers to questions about Vieng Vang travel to get better understanding of Vang Vieng.

Useful Numbers

Here are some useful numbers in Vang Vieng:

  • Police Emergency Number: 191
  • Ambulance and Rescue: 195
  • Fire Department: 190
  • Vang Vieng Hospital: +856 23 511 040
  • Tourist Police: +856 20 5577 9810
  • Taxi Service: +856 20 5567 8090
  • Vang Vieng Tourist Information Center: +856 23 511 040
  • ATM and Bank Hotline: +856 21 213 550
  • Lao National Tourism Administration: +856 21 212 251
  • Vang Vieng Municipality Office: +856 23 511 193

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Vang Vieng is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and caving. The peak tourist season is from December to February, so expect more crowds during this time. However, if you prefer a quieter and more affordable experience, consider visiting in November or March/April. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can be challenging for outdoor activities, as the weather can be unpredictable, and some roads and trails may be closed due to flooding.

What to Pack

  • Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: As mentioned earlier, Laos can get hot and humid, especially during the dry season. Pack clothing made from lightweight and breathable materials like cotton, linen, or rayon. You may also want to pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
  • Waterproof Gear: If you're visiting during the rainy season, make sure to pack waterproof gear like a rain jacket, waterproof shoes or boots, and an umbrella. Heavy rains and flash floods can occur in Laos, so it's important to stay dry and safe.
  • Sun Protection: The sun in Laos can be intense, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. Sunglasses are also essential to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight.
  • Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects are common in Laos, especially during the rainy season. Pack insect repellent with DEET to keep the bugs at bay.
  • Footwear: Vang Vieng is a great place for hiking and exploring, so make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Sandals or flip-flops are also great for wearing around town or at the natural swimming spots.
  • Swimwear: Laos has several natural swimming spots, including Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham Cave. Pack a swimsuit or swim trunks to enjoy these beautiful locations.
  • Electronics: Laos uses Type A, B, C, E, and F electrical outlets, so bring a universal adapter if your electronics have different plug types. Also, make sure to pack a power bank and charger for your phone or camera, as electricity outages can occur in rural areas.
  • Cash and Documents: While ATMs are available in Vang Vieng, it's always a good idea to bring some cash with you. Make sure to also bring your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents, and keep them in a safe and secure place.
  • First Aid Kit: Pack a small first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need.
  • Daypack: Bring a daypack or small backpack to carry your essentials during your daily adventures in Vang Vieng, such as water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen.

Currency

The official currency in Vang Vieng, as well as in the rest of Laos, is the Lao kip (LAK). However, many places in Vang Vieng also accept US dollars, and some larger businesses may even accept Thai baht or euros. It's a good idea to have a mix of Lao kip and US dollars on hand, as smaller shops and street vendors may only accept kip. ATMs are widely available in Vang Vieng, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case of power outages or other issues that may affect ATM access. Most major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in Vang Vieng, but it's always best to have cash as a backup.

Bank

BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao)

Location: Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Address: No. 69, Unit 2, Tham Luek Market, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Website: https://www.bcel.com.la/

BCEL is the largest bank in Laos and has multiple branches and ATMs throughout Vang Vieng. BCEL is a reliable option for exchanging currency and withdrawing cash, and their ATMs are easy to find in town. They also offer other services like money transfers and currency exchange.

Agricultural Promotion Bank

Location: Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Address: No. 209, Unit 10, Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Website: http://www.apblao.com/

The Agricultural Promotion Bank is a government-owned bank that primarily focuses on providing loans and financial services to farmers in Laos. However, they also have a branch in Vang Vieng and offer standard banking services like ATM access and currency exchange.

Lao Development Bank

Location: Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Address: No. 47, Unit 2, Tham Luek Market, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Website: https://www.ldblao.la/

The Lao Development Bank is another government-owned bank that has a branch in Vang Vieng. They offer a range of banking services, including loans, savings accounts, and foreign currency exchange.

Banque Franco-Lao

Location: Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Address: No. 170, Unit 6, Ban Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province

Website: http://www.bfl.la/

Banque Franco-Lao is a French-Laotian bank that has a branch in Vang Vieng. They offer standard banking services like currency exchange and ATM access, but they also specialize in providing loans and financial services to French companies operating in Laos.

Tips: All of these banks have ATMs that accept major credit and debit cards, and they generally have staff who speak some English. However, it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand, especially when visiting smaller shops and restaurants in Vang Vieng. Additionally, some banks may have limited hours or be closed on weekends and holidays, so it's always best to check ahead of time if you need to do any banking during your visit.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, and it's the most commonly spoken language in Vang Vieng. However, many people in Vang Vieng also speak some English, especially those who work in the tourism industry. Additionally, due to the town's popularity with international travelers, you may also hear other languages spoken, such as French, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. If you're traveling to Vang Vieng and don't speak Lao, it's a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Lao or bring a translation app to help with communication.

Post Office

Vang Vieng Post Office

Road 13, Ban Viengkeo Village,

Vang Vieng District,

Vientiane Province, Laos

This is the only official post office in Vang Vieng, and it provides standard postal services like sending and receiving mail and packages, purchasing postage stamps, and handling money transfers. It's open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, except on public holidays.

Etiquette and Taboos

  • Dress Appropriately: Laos is a conservative country, and it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites. Shorts, skirts, and dresses should cover the knees, and shirts should cover the shoulders.
  • Remove your Shoes: When entering temples or private homes, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering.
  • Show Respect for Buddha Images: Buddha images are considered sacred, and it's important to treat them with respect. Don't point your feet at them, and don't climb on or touch them.
  • Don't Touch People's Heads: In Laos, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and it's considered disrespectful to touch someone's head.
  • Don't Point With Your Feet: Pointing with your feet is considered impolite, so try to avoid doing so.
  • Be Polite and Respectful: Laotians value politeness and respect, so it's important to greet people with a smile and a nod, and to avoid raising your voice or showing anger.
  • Don't Litter: Littering is considered disrespectful and harmful to the environment. Make sure to dispose of your trash properly.

Government Institutions

District Administration Office

Address: Tha Heua Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos

This is the local government office responsible for overseeing the administration of the Vang Vieng district. It handles issues related to public services, economic development, and social welfare.

Police Station

Address: Kaysone Phomvihane Road, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Laos

The police station in Vang Vieng is responsible for maintaining law and order in the town. It handles issues related to crime, traffic violations, and other safety-related concerns.

Public Hospital

Address: 13 North Road, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos

The public hospital in Vang Vieng provides basic medical services to the local community. It has a limited number of doctors and medical staff, but it can handle common illnesses and injuries.

Immigration Office

Address: Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos

The immigration office in Vang Vieng is responsible for handling visa and immigration issues for foreigners living or traveling in the area.

Education Office

Address: Tha Heua Village, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos

The education office in Vang Vieng oversees the local school system and ensures that children in the area receive a basic education.

Hospitals

There is one public hospital in Vang Vieng, which is the main medical facility in the town. It provides basic medical services to the local community, including treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Here's the address and contact information for the hospital:

Vang Vieng District Hospital

Address: 13 North Road, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos Phone: +856 23 511 002

The Vang Vieng District Hospital is a small facility with basic medical services, including emergency care, outpatient clinics, and a small number of inpatient beds. The hospital is staffed by trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, but they may not speak English, so it's a good idea to have a translator or someone who can speak Lao with you. The hospital may not have the latest medical equipment or advanced treatment options, so serious or complex medical issues may require transfer to a larger hospital in Vientiane, the capital city. In addition to the public hospital, there are also several private clinics and pharmacies in Vang Vieng that offer medical services and supplies, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and basic first aid supplies. It's a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury during your trip to Vang Vieng.

Educational Institutions

Vang Vieng is a small town in Laos known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventure activities. While there are limited educational institutions in Vang Vieng, there are a few options for those interested in learning in this area.

  • Vang Vieng Public Library: The library offers a small collection of books and internet access for locals and tourists. It's a good place to work or study if you need a quiet space.
  • Vang Vieng Learning Center: This center provides English language classes for local children and adults. It also offers tutoring services for students who need additional support.
  • Vang Vieng Organic Farm: This farm offers workshops on sustainable farming practices, natural building techniques, and eco-tourism. It's a great place to learn about environmental conservation and organic farming.
  • Vang Vieng Adventure Academy: This academy provides courses on outdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and caving. The courses are designed for those who want to learn new skills or improve their existing ones.

Overall, while educational opportunities may be limited in Vang Vieng, there are still options available for those interested in learning and personal development.