Vang Vieng Vegan Travel Guide - Where and What to Eat

Vang Vieng is a perfect destination for vegan travellers. We could not believe how many good vegan options are available in this beautiful part of Laos. Read our guide to learn about the best restaurants in the area.

This place was on our bucket list for a long time and did not disappoint. The natural beauty of Vang Vieng is just as breathtaking as it looks in the photos. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the whole area has such a welcoming vibe. We had an amazing time exploring it all. If you are visiting Laos, Vang Vieng is an absolute must-see!

WHERE TO STAY IN VANG VIENG

We stayed at the most perfect place, the Riverside Boutique Resort. We chose this hotel because of the stunning views advertised, and they were even more impressive in person. The rooms are spacious and clean. The highlight of this resort is its beautiful gardens and pool area. The resort is located next to the river and the famous Namsong Bridge.

The pool at Riverside Boutique Resort is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the breathtaking views after an adventurous day exploring Vang Vieng.

The hotel breakfast is also good, with a few vegan options available. You can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as vegan milk for cereal and coffee. Plus, the view from the breakfast restaurant is just as stunning as the rest of the resort.

This resort is often fully booked, so it is best to make a reservation early. ->Check availability here.

VEGAN FOOD IN VANG VIENG

Vang Vieng is more vegan-friendly than you might expect. Vegan restaurants are popular here, thanks to the many backpackers and travellers from around the world. We have put together a list of our favourite vegan dining spots in Vang Vieng.

KAPPHET VEGAN RESTAURANT

Kapphet is a vegan restaurant and guesthouse in Vang Vieng. We went there for dinner, and the owners were incredibly friendly. Both of us decided to try their noodle soup with coconut, and it was amazing.

You can also order sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes with rice or noodles. You must try their coconut smoothie, which is creamy and refreshing! Everything on the menu is fully vegan, so you do not have to worry about a thing.

VEGAN FOOD VANG VIENG

The second restaurant on our list is called Vegan Food. It is a small plant-based restaurant by the main road in Vang Vieng. You will have no problem finding it. Their menu has so many options that it was hard for us to choose what to eat. You can order vegan noodles, curries, soups, sandwiches, burgers, and so much more.

The prices are affordable and the food is very good. We tried their noodles and a sandwich. Both were simple but delicious.

HAPPY MANGO THAI RESTAURANT

It is a Thai restaurant in the lively centre of Vang Vieng. They offer all the famous dishes from Thailand. It is a very popular place so be prepared to wait a little for a table as it can get quite busy.

Their menu is very clear on which food can be made vegan with a vegan sticker next to the name of the dish. You just need to let staff know that you do not eat eggs and other animal products.
The best dishes for us were panang curry with tofu and vegetables and, of course, our all-time favourite, mango sticky rice.

VEGGIE’S VEGAN RESTAURANT

Veggie’s is a fully vegan restaurant in Vang Vieng. They serve a variety of dishes, including fried rice, curries, spring rolls, noodles, and soups. You can also order vegan sandwiches.

We were in a rush to catch the train, so we grabbed a sandwich to go. It was tasty and turned out to be the perfect snack for our train ride.

VEGAN STREET FOOD IN VANG VIENG

In Vang Vieng, you will find several street food vendors selling sandwiches. Many of them offer sandwiches with tofu, and you can simply ask them to leave out the egg and mayonnaise. The vendors are very friendly and happy to prepare your sandwich just the way you like it.

You can create your own vegan sandwich using vegetables, avocado, and tofu—simple yet delicious!

HOW TO GET TO VANG VIENG?

There are no direct flights or airports in the area The best way to reach Vang Vieng is by taking the Laos speed train. You can start your journey from either Vientiane or Luang Prabang, and the train ride takes about one hour from both cities. It’s a good idea to buy your train tickets in advance.

We researched before purchasing our tickets and chose an agency called Laos Train Tickets. They delivered our tickets on time, so we found them to be reliable. You can book your tickets here.

Alternatively, you can travel by minivan, but it takes much longer. Once you arrive in Vang Vieng, we recommend renting a motorbike to give yourself the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

WHAT TO DO IN VANG VIENG?

Vang Vieng is a top adventure destination in Laos, but don’t worry if adrenaline-packed activities are not your thing. You can still have an amazing time here.

Our two favourite activities during our stay were:

1. Hiking up the Nam Xay Viewpoint

It is a famous hill with a motorbike parked at the top. However, the hike can be challenging if you are not in good shape. Make sure to wear proper sneakers and you will also need to climb in some parts.

Bring plenty of water (but do not leave your empty bottle behind, as there’s already too much trash at the top). You will also get quite sweaty, so it is a good idea to carry a change of clothes.

2. Visiting Blue Lagoon 3

After the hike, we headed to Blue Lagoon 3 to cool off. The water is cold and refreshing, and you can dive in using the rope swing, which was so much fun! This is the best lagoon to visit in Vang Vieng. There is also a restaurant on-site, but we did not have the chance to check if there are any vegan options.

If you are looking for more adventurous activities, like paragliding, visiting caves, or zip lining, you have plenty of options. One of the most popular things to do is to go on a hot air balloon ride.

We only stayed in Vang Vieng for 2 nights, because we did not have more time. if you have the option, staying at least three nights is ideal to fully experience everything this area has to offer.