Nam Song River
ນ້ຳຊ່ອງ
A river flowing through the small town of Vang Vieng, with karst peaks reflected on its surface. Tubing, kayaking, and longtail boat rides are Vang Vieng's signature experiences.
The Nam Song flows from north to south through Vang Vieng. On one bank are the town's streets and guesthouses. On the opposite bank lie rice paddies and steep karst peaks, which turn golden at sunset, making this one of the most classic views in Vang Vieng. There are three ways to enjoy the river. Tubing: Sign up in town and ride a vehicle to a starting point 3 to 4 km upstream. Sit in a large tire tube and float downstream, returning to town in about 2 to 3 hours. Riverside bars line the route. Kayaking: Most trips are half-day tours that include a visit to Tham Nam (a cave you enter by sitting in a tube and pulling yourself along a rope), followed by about 10 km of paddling on the river. Longtail boat: Best at sunset, lasting about 30 minutes to 1 hour. In 2012, the Lao government cracked down on the unregulated bars along the river, so tubing is now safer and calmer.
Tips: Always wear a life jacket, and do not go into the water after drinking alcohol. The current is strong during the rainy season, especially from July to September, and tubing is often suspended. Keep valuables in waterproof bags. You can watch the sunset from wooden riverside restaurants. At night, the town's night market offers grilled meat and baguette sandwiches.
Opening hours
Rafting and other activities approx. 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Vang Vieng Hot Air Balloon
- Vang Vieng Walking Street & Night Market
- Pha Poak
- Tham Chang Cave
- Pha Ngern Viewpoint (Silver Cliff)
- Blue Lagoon
- Nam Xay Viewpoint
- Kaeng Nyui Waterfall