Vang Vieng Trekking and Cave Explorer

Vang Vieng Trekking
and Cave Explorer

The magical karst topography surrounding Vang Vieng is riddled with limestone caves.
Explore dark caverns, venture down eerie rock corridors, immerse yourself in
clear springs, and hear the stories and legends behind these ancient caves.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Inside Vang Vieng’s dramatic mountains lie otherworldly caves and mysterious caverns just waiting to be explored. Many contain strangely-shaped stalactites and stalagmites that resemble objects or animals. Tham Xang Cave means ‘elephant cave’ as it is named after a stalactite resembling a jumbo, while Tham Hai Cave is nicknamed ‘snail cave’ due to a snail-shaped stalactite.

Throughout history these caves have been used by the locals as hideouts from travelling marauders, and more recently as a refuge during the Laotian Civil War. They are full of fascinating stories and legends. Embark on a thrilling exploration through the eerie darkness of these natural, undeveloped caves. Pass by strange formations that glow in the torchlight and listen to the water dripping from the stalactites.

TRAIL ITINERARY

Vang Vieng Trekking and Cave Explorer

09:00 - 16:00

Travelling 14 km north of Vang Vieng, you will start your exploration at Tham Xang, the ‘elephant cave’. Situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, this highly revered cave is an important Buddhist temple containing a remarkable elephant formation and many Buddhist statues including a golden, reclining Buddha. Pilgrims often visit the cave to sprinkle water on the elephant’s head and pray for good health.

Continue to Tham Hoi Cave to see the snail-shaped formation. This cave winds its way deep into the mountain side and contains an underground lake. Enter into the dark cave passing a Buddha image and then venture down the numerous meandering corridors that contain wonderful limestone formations.

Back out in the daylight, you can cool off with a dip in a refreshing pool of spring water that lies at the mouth of Tham Nam Cave. After a picnic lunch, trek through lush green rice paddies and vegetable fields to the Hmong village of Phathao that lies at the foot of a mountain.

The return journey to Vang Vieng will vary according to the water level of the river. One option is by kayak, paddling along the tranquil waters passing by scenes of riverside life backed by the dramatic mountains.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide
  • Transportation by local transportation with professional driver.
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Snacks, drinks and /or refreshments during the tour
  • Lunch as indicated in the itinerary (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Lao visa fees upon arrival
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide.
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Vang Vieng. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Nam Ngum Lake, and Phonsavan are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • Customers are reminded to submit their passport number and expiration date with their reservation
  • These are essential requirements as outlined by local immigration regulations
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • This tour includes driving over uneven paths, surfaces and off-road bumpy roads, unsuitable for pregnant women, people with neck and back problems and those with limited mobility.
  • We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful.
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
  • It is recommended to bring a rain coat, good walking shoes, insect repellent and a water bottle with you.

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