Everything you Need to know about
Nathong Valley Vang Vieng
Everything you Need to know about Nathong Valley
Nathong Valley is located in the countryside of Vang Viieng directly west of the town. In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places and a must visit when in Laos.
As it is directly next to the town, accessibility is just a short ride out. What makes Nathong Valley so special is its unique blend of tall jagged limestone mountains, endless acres of rice fields and some of the most fun adventure activities you can do in the whole of Asia!.
In this post I’ll go into everything you need to know about Nathong Valley in Vane Vieng including the best things to do, how to get around and things you need to look out for!
How to Get Around
Firstly, I think it is important to address how to travel around Nathong Valley as in my opinion it really dictates the overall experience.
There are 3 main ways to get around:
- Tuk Tuk
- Scooter
- Buggy.
Tuk Tuk
Although travelling by tuk tuk or even hiring a private tuk tuk driver for the day may seem convenient, I would not recommend doing this.
In my opinion the lack of freedom and the lost sense of adventure really ruins the trip for me. I feel a big part of Nathong Valley is enjoying the journey of just roaming around as well as enjoying the destination. Being in a tuk tuk takes away from this feeling. Also did I mention it’s quite expensive especially if you’re travelling solo? Tuk Tuks may cost up to a few hundred Kip especially to the more popular destinations.
I’d only recommend travelling in a tuk tuk if:
- You want to stick together as a group
- Uncomfortable with riding a scooter or buggy
Scooters and Buggies
I’d recommend either hiring a scooter or buggy for the day. Both are great options and give the ultimate feeling of going on a big adventure where anything is possible and there’s no such thing as taking a wrong turn!
Having your own form of transport is definitely the way to go if you’re planning an adventure in Nathong Valley, Vang Vieng.
Scooter rental price
The daily fee for renting a scooter is about 180 000 Kip (≈ $8.30 USD).
Buggy Rental Price
Buggy rental prices vary depending on how many seats (2 or 4) and for how long.
In general they are about:
- ~ 600 000 Kip ≈ $28 USD for 2-3 hours
~ 1.4 – 1.6 000 000 ≈ $70 USD for 6 hours ish
Buggies are definitely more expensive but for what they are and how much fun it is to ride I think it’s definitely worth it. Once you get your mode of transport ready, you’re ready for your adventure!
Recommended Buggy and Scooter Rental services
There are many scooter and buggy rental services available in Vang Vieng. With so many options it can become overwhelming and a bit cumbersome deciding which place is reputable and which place is best.
The way I went about it was to simply rent it from my accommodation whether that was in a homestay or hostel. It’s quick, simple and very much reliable.
Best Things to do in Nathong Valley
Now that you’ve got your own personal scooter or buggy here are my recommended activities to do in Nathong Valley.
Best things to do in Nathong Valley:
- Nam Xay Viewpoint
- Blue Lagoons
- Just cruising around the Nathong Valley
- Hot Air Balloon
Nam Xay Viewpoint (Motorbike Viewpoint)
Nam Xay viewpoint offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Nathong Valley. This is also home to the famous “motorbike on top of the mountain”.
Note Nam Xay Viewpoint isn’t the only viewpoint with a motorbike. Due to its popularity nearly all the viewpoints in the area also have a bike! Nam Xay however might be the most panoramic of them all though.
The view from the top is absolutely stunning. Nam Xay Viewpoint is around 400m high and offers picturesque views of the rice fields and the enormous limestone cliffs. Depending on the person the hike itself may take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour. Although relatively short it is challenging at times.
Once at the top, spend some time taking in the view and if you look around you can get a glimpse of the stunning roads and scenery you’ll be riding through later in the day.
Note about the hike
Although the Nam Xay Viewpoint is only about 400 m high it is surprisingly challenging.
There is basically no man made trail up to the viewpoint so the trail up is just dirt and limestone tracks. At times, it does get fairly steep and quite hazardous.
BIG CAUTION
BIG CAUTION however, if the track is wet from rainfall, it is extremely slippery. There are limited railings so chances are if you slip you are gonna fall.
I did the hike after a night of downpour and let me tell you it was extremely slippery. I think nearly everyone slipped at least once including myself with some others having pretty nasty falls. Please consider this before attempting the hike.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee to Nam Xay viewpoint is quite cheap at just 20 000 kip (about $0.92 USD).
Blue Lagoons
Within Nathong Valley there are the Vang Vieng famous blue lagoons.
I recommend going out to blue lagoon 3 which is a bit over an hour from the city for a less busy but honestly better lagoon experience. You can spend a few hours here just chilling or relaxing by the lagoon. For a bit more adventurous, try out the big swing and zipline.
Next to the lagoon there is also a short track that leads you, if I remember correctly, into a series of caves and even to a viewpoint. I personally didn’t do this as I was just enjoying the lagoon.
There is also a restuarant situated right beside the lagoon where you can order traditional Laos cuisine, beverages including coffee and beer and a small assortment of snacks.
Entrance fee
Entrance fees to the various lagoons are between 10 – 30 000 Kip.
Just Cruising around the Nathong Valley
There’s a lot to do in Nathong Valley but for me, by far the best thing to do is just cruise through the country and take in the scenery. The nature here is just breathtaking and worth spending time exploring.
Whether you are on a scooter or a buggy, simply just cruising was one of my favourite activities I did. You can plan your itinerary to various places in Nathong Valley and in between you can slowly cruise to your next location. The scenery consists of a mix of lush rows of rice fields, tall jagged limestone cliffs and small authentic Laos villages.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
If you are wanting a unique experience whilst in Vang Vieng, I would definitely try out the hot air balloon. The hot air balloon by far gives the most unparalleled view of Nathong Valley and a view that’s otherwise impossible to see.
You do have to get up early though but the sunrise over Nathong Valley is definitely worth the early morning call.
Hot Air Balloon Price
Prices vary depending on the vendor but expect to pay around $100 USD.
Cautious Things to Look Out For
Road Condition
This is more a concern for scooter riders so if you are planning on riding a buggy no need to read this section. If you’re on a buggy, you guys can simply speed through the potholes and gravel. Now for people considering riding a scooter I would say that for the most part, the roads are well paved, wide and relatively easy to ride. However, there are sections within Nathong Valley that are made up of gravel and dirt roads. Just be mindful and drive slowly and you should be fine.
Although the paved road is relatively good, watch out for potholes. The paved roads in this area are not well maintained so be aware especially when turning corners or when the road visibility is not the greatest.
Just as a note, remember that motorbike accidents and road fatalities in South East Asia including Laos are amongst the highest in the world. Always drive with caution, double check your blind spots and wear a helmet.
They are usually just curious about foreigners and just want to say hi… and probably ask for something. I would just say hi and if I had any sweets share some and get back on the road. Don’t be afraid to say hi and interact with the locals but always act in a respectful manner in custom with the local culture.
Village kids
When passing through the various villages, it’s not uncommon for the village kids to stop you and ask you for something. When this happens, don’t be afraid as the kids are actually really friendly and all smiles.
Best Time to Go
Generally speaking the cooler months are usually better for travelling to Laos, the period being from about November to March. However during this time, the trees aren’t as lush and the season for the rice fields may be over.
I went in October where the weather was hot and sunny but with the occasional heavy downpour of rain. I will say the weather never got in the way of anything and the rains usually only lasted maybe up to an hour and half. The good thing about this type of climate is that the trees and rice fields are super lush and green. It was quite amazing the varying construct of colours of the rice fields with some being lush green and others nearing harvest being a wheaty brown.
Final Thoughts
Nathong Valley is definitely a must visit when visiting Vang Vieng. It offers some of the most surreal views and open ended adventures when in Laos. There are lots of do besides what I’ve mentioned here as well so my last say is.
What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!!!