A small and beautiful town surrounded by mountains and rivers, Vangvieng is a place of delight and wonder for visitors from around the world.

The city is about 150 km north of Vientiane, situated between the capital city and the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. The main attractions are the clean and clear water of the Nam Xong river, karst outcroppings, caves and mountain scenery. The town has more than 30 natural caves, and most places of interest are accessible to visitors all year round.

Kayaking in Vangvieng, Laos

With direct flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, Van Cong Tu takes off for the Buddhist heart of neighboring Laos

Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a unique place in Laos, if not the world. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan River. Towering over the town is Mount Phousi which provides stunning views of the surrounding temples and landscape.

Luang Prabang is a city of complete calm and total beauty. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, there are strict guidelines on renovation and new construction which have helped preserve the city’s streets and structures while maintaining relatively little traffic on the road. Everywhere columns of monks stroll through this city of a thousand pagodas.

A lot of travelers come looking for the “real Laos”, but few know exactly what that is. For about 80% of the population the “real Laos” is village life, and the best way to really get a feel for how the Lao live is to spend a night or two in a home stay.

A home stay is, as the name suggests, staying with a family in their home, sleeping, eating and living Just as they do. So what can you expect? The details vary from place to place, depending on ethnicity, geography and wealth, but the usual experience is described here.

Life in Laos