Vang Vieng is a small and idyllic town surrounded by karst hills, situated along the Nam Song river, making it one of the most picturesque towns in Laos. The best way to admire Vang Vieng’s landscape from above is hiking up one of the many hills (or you can take a hot air balloon to ascend effortlessly 800 m off the ground).
Nam Xay Viewpoint (say: numb psy) is probably the most famous viewpoint for its sunrise and sunset scene. In addition, some geniuses chained a motorbike on the top of the hill which made it the most instagrammable spot and we really thought the idea was beyond cool.
Overview
- How to get to Nam Xay Viewpoint?
- Entrance fees & opening hours
- Best time to go
- Hiking up the Nam Xay Viewpoint
- Don’t miss out the famous motorbike
- Take a nap on the hammock
- Alternative viewpoints in Vang Vieng
How to get to Nam Xay Viewpoint?
Tuk tuk
Personally, I would recommend this option for groups who wants to get to the viewpoint comfortably. We rented ours outside Vieng Tara resort at 120,000 kip, return journey, which means the driver will wait at the viewpoint to drive you back. A little pricey compared to renting other modes of transport but it includes a local driver and you will get past the muddy roads dry and clean.
Scooter
Just a 15 minutes ride away with a motorbike, it is the easiest option if you are experienced with riding one. It should cost about 50,000 – 70,000 kip to rent an automatic scooter for the entire day.
The roads to Nam Xay Viewpoint can be a little rough with muddy paths and frequent potholes – please be careful.
Buggy
It was recommended as part of the itinerary by a couple of Korean travel variety shows and it was portrayed so well in the shows that we considered this option seriously. Not until we see most of them returned to the city centre drenched in muddy water.
Not quite the first choice in our opinion unless you are visiting the blue lagoon where you can go for a quick dip immediately. Rental cost is on the high side at 100,000 kip per hour.
Bicycle
Requires a bit of stamina as a one-way journey will take about 30 – 40 minutes. Renting a good mountain bike can also be a little challenging in Vang Vieng so make sure you check and test it well. It should cost only 30,000 kip to rent a mountain bike for the entire day.
Entrance fees & opening hours
Everyone is required to pay the entrance fees of 10,000 kip. We were more than happy to pay the fees since it helps to maintain the facilities along the way up – there were bamboo stairs and handles that make it much easier for us to climb up, especially during the rainy season when the mud is loose.
The opening hours are from 6 am to 6 pm every day, all year round.
If you decided to go early in the morning, there might not be any staff to collect your entrance fees but you can go ahead by crossing the bamboo gates. However, please be reminded to pay the fees when you come back down.
Best time to go
We recommend catching the sunset at Nam Xay Viewpoint. You should start hiking up at 4 pm so you can slowly enjoy the beauty of golden hour and start going down right after the sunset so to ensure you don’t hike in the dark, which is dangerous since the path is steep and wet.
It is NOT RECOMMENDED to go when it rains for obvious reasons. Also, if you decided to catch the sunrise, be prepared to travel in the dark from the city centre to the foot of the viewpoint and of course hiking up with a torchlight.
Hiking up the Nam Xay Viewpoint
It is doable for anybody – even for those who don’t exercise regularly. With that said, do not underestimate the hike. It is an intensive 30 minutes of exercise. Please do not attempt the hike if you are not feeling well or with cardiovascular conditions.
The first few minutes had defined steps and were relatively smooth, after that we had to go across and climb up huge rocks which definitely stretched our hamstrings. This is also when the bamboo handles tied at the side of the path helped us so much. I honestly doubt we could make it to the top without it.
On a side note, there were a lot of mosquitoes along the way up. Remember to always bring your insect repellant with you!
Finally, a rest area is located 5 minutes away from the peak. That is to prepare you for the final and steepest lap but you will then be rewarded with the best scenery of Vang Vieng.
Don’t miss out the famous motorbike
Nam Xay Viewpoint would be just another viewpoint in Vang Vieng without this picture-worthy bike. The bike seated at the edge of the cliff is COMPLETELY out of place that you cannot overlook! Backdrop with the gentle sunset rays give off the soothing vibes that Vang Vieng is known for.
Take a nap on the hammock
I could spend hours at Nam Xay! It is not my favourite destination for no reason. If you choose to go up early, bring along a can of beer and some snacks with you. You can chill and take a nap on the hammock perfectly shaded under the hut. Always bring your rubbish down with you!
Alternative viewpoints in Vang Vieng
Pha Ngern View Point
A little closer from the city centre, Pha Ngern has three viewpoints along the trail about 30 minutes to reach the first viewpoint then 45 minutes to reach the next 2 viewpoints which are 5 minutes away from each other.
Pha Poak Viewpoint
For those who are looking for a more challenging hike as the incline of the hike is almost vertical. Usually combined with a visit to Lusi Cave.
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