After immersing yourself in all the things to do in Vientiane, from strolling along the Mekong Riverfront to admiring the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, the adventure doesn’t have to end within the city limits. Day trips from Vientiane present an opportunity to explore more of Laos’s rich culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, providing a seamless extension to your exploration of the capital.
Venturing out from Vientiane, you’ll discover a wider array of things to do in Laos, like exploring the serene beauty of Buddha Park, venturing into the mystical Pak Ou Caves, or taking in the natural splendor of the Kuang Si Falls. These excursions allow you to experience the diversity of the Laotian landscape and delve deeper into the country’s spiritual and natural heritage.
Choosing where to stay in Vientiane is crucial for travelers looking to balance their urban explorations with the tranquility of the Laotian countryside. The ideal location offers convenient access to Vientiane’s cultural landmarks and dining spots, while also serving as a perfect base for embarking on memorable day trips to the surrounding areas, ensuring a rich and varied experience of Laos.
Discover Best Day Trips from Vientiane, Laos
1. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), Laos
Buddha Park, located just outside Vientiane, is a sculpture park featuring over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The highlight is a giant reclining Buddha, and the park offers a whimsical and photogenic landscape.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About a 45-minute drive from Vientiane
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues, giant reclining Buddha, whimsical and photogenic landscape
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $1
Budget: Approximately $5-$15 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Giant Pumpkin Structure, Mekong River View
Travel Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen as the park has limited shade, and don’t miss entering the giant pumpkin structure for a unique view.
2. Nam Ngum Lake, Laos
Nam Ngum Lake, a large reservoir created by a dam on the Nam Ngum River, is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings. It’s ideal for boat trips, swimming, and enjoying fresh fish from the lake.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: The drive to Nam Ngum Lake from Vientiane takes about 1.5 hours
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Scenic beauty, tranquil surroundings, boat trips, swimming, fresh fish from the lake
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Tour: $10-$20
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Lake Islands, Surrounding Green Valley
Travel Tip: Consider a boat tour to explore the lake’s many islands and enjoy a relaxing day away from the city.
3. Phou Khao Khouay National Park, Laos
Phou Khao Khouay National Park, known for its biodiversity, offers lush forests, waterfalls, and a chance to see wildlife like elephants and various bird species. Trekking and overnight stays in eco-lodges are popular activities.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: Reaching the park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Vientiane
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Biodiversity, lush forests, waterfalls, wildlife including elephants and various bird species
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $1
- Guide Fee: $10
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tad Leuk Waterfall, Nam Ngum Reservoir
Travel Tip: Hire a local guide to enhance your trekking experience and help spot wildlife.
4. Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng, set amidst limestone karsts and rice fields, is famous for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities like kayaking, caving, and tubing on the Nam Song River. The Blue Lagoon and Tham Phu Kham Cave are must-visits.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: The journey to Vang Vieng from Vientiane is approximately 3 hours by bus or car
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Limestone karsts, rice fields, kayaking, caving, tubing on the Nam Song River, Blue Lagoon, Tham Phu Kham Cave
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Blue Lagoon: $1
- Tham Phu Kham Cave: $2
Budget: Approximately $30-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Nam Song River, Hot Air Balloon Ride Views
Travel Tip: Stay overnight if possible, as the area offers more activities and sights than can be comfortably covered in a single day.
5. Tha Ngon, Laos
Tha Ngon is known for its floating restaurants along the Nam Ngum River, offering a unique dining experience and delicious, freshly caught fish. The area is also great for a leisurely boat ride or simply relaxing by the water.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: Tha Ngon is about a 30-minute drive from Vientiane
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Floating restaurants along the Nam Ngum River, delicious freshly caught fish, leisurely boat rides
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Ride: $5
Budget: Approximately $15-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Sunset Views over the River
Travel Tip: Visit during late afternoon or early evening for a meal with a view of the sunset over the river.
6. Ban Houayxay, Laos
Ban Houayxay is a traditional Lao village known for its silk weaving and natural dyeing. Visitors can observe the silk-making process and purchase high-quality, handwoven textiles directly from the artisans.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: Located about 1 hour away from Vientiane by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Traditional Lao village known for silk weaving and natural dyeing, observe the silk-making process, purchase high-quality, handwoven textiles
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Workshop Fee: $3
Budget: Approximately $15-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Local Villages, Mekong River Views
Travel Tip: Plan your visit in the morning to see the weavers in action and to avoid the afternoon heat.
7. Pak Ou Caves, Laos
Pak Ou Caves, set at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, are famed for their collection of thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. The journey there offers a scenic boat ride along the Mekong River.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: The trip to Pak Ou Caves generally involves a 3-hour drive to Luang Prabang and then a boat trip up the Mekong River
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Thousands of Buddha statues, scenic boat ride along the Mekong River
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Cave Entrance: $2
- Boat Ride: $5
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Mekong River, Surrounding Caves
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a stop in Luang Prabang to make the most of your day trip, and bring a flashlight for exploring the caves.
8. COPE Visitor Centre, Laos
COPE Visitor Centre is dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the rehabilitation of UXO survivors. It’s a poignant and enlightening experience, highlighting an important aspect of Laos’ recent history.
Distance: Located in Vientiane itself
Travel Time: Short trip from anywhere in the city
Transportation: Local Transport
Main Attractions: Educating visitors about the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, rehabilitation of UXO survivors
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Entrance: Free (Donations welcome)
Budget: Approximately $5-$10 (including donations and local transport)
Scenic Spots: Informative Displays, Documentary Screenings
Travel Tip: Allocate time to watch the documentaries provided, offering deep insights into the challenges faced by UXO survivors.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Vientiane, Laos
What are some recommended day trips from Vientiane?
Recommended day trips from Vientiane include Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), the Nam Ngum Reservoir, the ancient city of Vang Vieng for outdoor adventures, and the Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area.
Is Buddha Park worth visiting?
Definitely! Buddha Park is a unique sculpture park located near Vientiane, featuring over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. It’s a fascinating site that offers insight into Laotian spiritual culture.
Can I visit the Nam Ngum Reservoir on a day trip?
Yes, the Nam Ngum Reservoir is an ideal day trip destination from Vientiane. It offers beautiful landscapes, boating, and fishing opportunities, and is a peaceful escape from the city.
What activities are available in Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng is known for its stunning karst landscapes, and activities include kayaking, caving, rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides. It’s also famous for its river tubing experience.
What wildlife can be seen in Phou Khao Khouay?
Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, deer, and various bird species. Guided tours offer the chance to explore its rich ecosystems.
Are there cultural tours available near Vientiane?
Yes, there are several cultural tours that explore traditional Laotian villages, the lifestyle of local communities, and handicraft making. These tours provide a deeper understanding of Laotian culture.
Can I explore ancient temples near Vientiane on a day trip?
Certainly! There are numerous ancient temples and archaeological sites near Vientiane, including Wat Phou, an 11th-century Khmer temple complex that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Is there a day trip to the Lao Pako Eco Resort?
Lao Pako Eco Resort is a popular day trip destination, located about an hour from Vientiane. It offers nature walks, traditional Lao handicraft workshops, and a serene environment for relaxation.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/vientiane-l399?activity_type=dayTrip
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