No trip to Vang Vieng would be complete without hiking to Nam Xay Viewpoint. From the top, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of karst mountains and rice fields.
But that’s not all as you’ll also find not one but two motorbikes perched on top where you can take some epic photos!
Although short (about 30 minutes), the hike does require a moderate level of fitness as the path is steep, and at times, you’ll need to scramble over rocks.
It’s absolutely worth it though as it boasts the best panoramic view in Vang Vieng.
To help you prepare for the hike, I’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know about Nam Xay Viewpoint, including how to get there, what to expect during the hike, the best time to visit, entrance fees, and opening hours.
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How to get to Nam Xay Viewpoint?
Nam Xay Viewpoint is situated in Vang Vieng in Northern Laos, about a 20-minute drive from the town center. You can find the exact location here.
The best and cheapest way to get to Nam Xay from Vang Vieng is by motorbike, which costs around 150k Kip per day. Just be careful while driving there as there are a few potholes on the road.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can rent a bicycle for around 50k Kip per day.
Tip: I recommend renting your motorbike or bicycle from this shop as they accept cash deposits and you don’t need to leave your passport with them.
Alternatively, you can rent a buggy, which is better suited for navigating the gravel roads around Vang Vieng. It costs around 500k Kip for a 2-seater or 600k Kip for a 4-seater for a 2-hour rental.
Other options include electric cars and scooters which cost around 1.1m Kip and 250k Kip respectively.
In my case, I hired a tuk tuk to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint and some nearby attractions and paid 600k Kip for the whole day.
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee to Nam Xay Viewpoint is 20k Kip. However, when I visited in February 2024, there was no one collecting the fee, so I got in for free!
It might have been my lucky day as recent Google reviews still mention having to pay the entrance fee.
The viewpoint is open daily from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
The Hike to Nam Xay Viewpoint
The trailhead is located near the main road where you’ll be greeted with a sign saying “Welcome to Nam Xay Viewpoint” and an old bicycle.
Across the road is a parking lot road where you can park your motorbike or buggy.
The hike starts with a steep ascent along concrete steps covered in dirt. Luckily the path is covered by tall trees and there are handrails along the sides.
Don’t worry about getting lost as there’s basically one path leading to the top.
After a while, the terrain becomes more uneven and steep with huge boulders and tree roots sticking out of the ground.
About halfway through the hike, you’ll reach the steepest section where you’ll have to scramble over rocks.
This section can be especially challenging if it has been raining recently. However, you can hold on to the ropes and trees to avoid slipping.
The final section is slightly more challenging as you’ll have to climb over a steep rock cliff.
Make sure to hold on to the trees and watch out for the loose rocks. There are handrails here as well but I didn’t rely much on them as they were a bit wobbly.
The path is quite narrow, and if there are lots of people, you might have to wait your turn to get through.
It took me about 25 minutes to get to the top but the hike can take anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes depending on your fitness level.
At the top is a covered viewing platform with benches where you can rest and enjoy the view.
You’ll also find two motorbikes here – one to your left (east side) and another to your right (west side), just below the covered platform.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the morning, you’ll get better photos on the west side as you won’t be shooting directly against the sun, which can make photos appear washed out.
To get down, just follow the same route you took to go up.
If you’re feeling hungry after the hike, there’s a small shop near the entrance selling snacks and drinks. You can also use the toilet here for free.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to hike up to Nam Xay Viewpoint is in the morning, between 6 a.m and 10 a.m when there are fewer people and it’s not too hot.
Sunset is also a great time to visit but there will be far more people at the top and you might need to wait in line to take photos on the motorbike.
Just make sure to come down before it gets dark as the hike could potentially be dangerous. To be on the safe side, I recommend bringing a flashlight if you’re visiting in the evening.
Another thing to consider is the burning season which happens in March and April, although it can sometimes start in mid-February and end by mid-May.
It’s not advisable to hike during these months as the air quality is usually poor and the visibility will be limited due to the smoke. You can use this website to check the current air quality in Vang Vieng.
Furthermore, avoid hiking on a rainy day as the trail will be extremely muddy and slippery.
In case you’re visiting during the rainy season (June to October), be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack good hiking shoes and rain gear in case you get caught in the rain.
Where to Stay in Vang Vieng?
I stayed at Domon Riverside Hotel, which is situated in the middle of town, about a 20-minute drive from Nam Xay. The location is convenient as there are several restaurants and street food stalls around the hotel. Additionally, the hotel has a nice view of the river and mountains.
Other places to stay on a budget include Lily Backpacker Hostel, Sokxay Guesthouse, and Bountang Mountain View Riverside Hotel.
For mid-range to luxury hotels, you can opt for ViengTara Resort, Amari Resort, or Riverside Boutique Resort.
FIND MORE HOTELS IN VANG VIENG HERE
I hope you found this guide to Nam Xay Viewpoint helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, just comment below.