The Nam Xay Viewpoint is without a doubt one of the finest viewpoints in all of Vang Vieng. At the pinnacle, there are incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields, limestone cliffs, and the Nam Song River. Getting to the top is your reward, with classic motorcycles surrounded by stunning scenery. So let’s dive into everything you should know before you go to Vang Vieng’s Nam Xay viewpoint.
How long does it take to hike Nam Xay Viewpoint?
The hike to Nam Xay can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. The Nam Xay viewpoint took us about 30 minutes to reach the top. It is recommended for an intermediate level of fitness as the hike itself has a steep incline and is graded by Alltrails as a moderately challenging hike, although short in total distance (less than 1 km).
How much does it cost to go?
The cost of going to Nam Xay Viewpoint is little to nothing for Western tourists. Before you begin, just don’t forget to bring some cash on hand, as there is an entrance fee paid to the locals, costing 10,000 kip (less than $1 AUD) and running 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily.
As you walk up, you will need to navigate and scramble through slippery rock surfaces and dugout steps. On the hike up, there are winding tree branches that serve as railings. By the time we reached the top, we were both drenched in sweat but smiling ear to ear, as we couldn’t believe how spectacular the views are. So, in your packing list, make sure to bring a towel and a bottle of water, especially during the heat and humidity.
*Something to note is to never stray too far from the beaten path in Laos, due to there still being a tragic amount of land mines. So go with a guide or stay close to the beaten path.
Getting to Nam Xay Viewpoint
The simplest way to get to Nam Xay Viewpoint from Vang Vieng would be by motor scooter. You can also get there by tuk-tuk for about 20,000 KIP return, or through one of the tour experiences. The Nam Xay Viewpoint sits about 8 km from the city centre of Vang Vieng. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. If you’re driving yourself there, make sure to bring cash for the Namsong Bridge. It costs less than $1 AUD, as this is a locally maintained bridge, and there will be someone sitting there casually to collect payment.
We booked a multi-activity tour through our hotel, ‘Top View Hotel’. The tour we went on took us and several other tourists by tuk-tuk out to the bottom of the Nam Xay viewpoint early in the afternoon. They dropped us off to hike ourselves, returning later on at a requested time. This worked out great for us as we finished earlier than expected, and after a lot of photos had been taken, we scoured down the mountain and had the best coconut smoothies while waiting.
To learn more about what else we did in Vang Vieng, check out this article.
If you’ve never ridden in the back of a large tuk-tuk, make sure to hold on and brace yourself, as the ride can be a little bumpy. We found this to be a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers and share stories of being on the road. In fact, we are still mates with people from this tour now.
What’s the best time to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint?
The best time to visit Nam Xay Viewpoint would be outside the peak heat hours. This way, you will avoid the heat from the sun, and the hike to the top should be much more comfortable. The best times to go are during the golden hours, timing the walk early morning or later in the afternoon just in time for sunset.
The hike itself could be dangerous in the evenings or during the rainy season due to the slippery muddy surfaces, so we wouldn’t recommend it. In short, as long as you have proper shoes to grip, go during daylight hours and during good weather conditions, you will be fine. If you do choose to hike for sunset, you should bring a flashlight as it can be quite dark coming down the mountain. By the way, the locals monitor all tourists who climb up and will wait for you to descend if you’re the last one down.
Should I see the sunrise or sunset?
For the best experience at the Nam Xay viewpoint, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see the sun setting. Both options will help to beat the crowds and offer amazing views. Keep in mind that it can get crowded as the day progresses.
What to Expect at the Top
At the top, an incredible viewpoint awaits, overlooking the whole of Vang Vieng. You can see limestone mountains, rice fields, and the Nam Song River curving its way along the valley from a truly breathtaking vantage point. Around the top, there is a shelter with a few benches and a hammock to relax and enjoy the views.
Perhaps the most popular part of the hike is the two classic motorbikes with the Lao country flag sitting at the top. There are great photo opportunities with the cascading mountain views of Vang Vieng in the background. You can only imagine how the local Laotian people carried those motorbikes up to the top of Nam Xay’s viewpoint!
When you make it back down to the bottom, there is a food stall where you can order fresh coconuts and pineapple juice to quench your thirst.
Explore more information about things to do in Vang Vieng
What to bring for Nam Xay Viewpoint
-
- Wear comfortable, grippy shoes to walk
-
- Bring water and snacks
-
- A cooling towel or a towel
-
- A cheeky Beer Lao to celebrate at the top
-
- A torch or flashlight if going before sunset for the descent down
-
- Make sure to check the weather conditions the day before going
Overall, this hike is a unique experience and for us, it was a highlight during our time in Vang Vieng. If you’re looking for an affordable adventure with stunning views, then we would recommend Nam Xay Viewpoint as a must-do!
We hope this article has been useful and you are ready for your hike to Nam Xay viewpoint in Vang Vieng. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning beauty of this natural wonder.
Learn more about the best southeast asia travel tips before you go and if you’re new to our page, check out our blog.
