Rock climbing in Vang Vieng; Awesome Experience!

The rock climbing in Vang Vieng is by far the best thing to do. I had an epic 4 climbs, got to see some unbelievable views and met some cool people. I even got to practise my Spanish. By far one of the best and most adventurous things I have ever done. The rock climbing in Vang Vieng is the number one thing you must do on your visit to this quirky countryside town in Laos. It has you excited, nervous and in a complete adrenaline body shook state.

This one of the best things to do in Vang Vieng for backpackers (and tourists). If you like a fun challenge, then this is for you!

Pick up to start the Vang Vieng rock climbing 

The day begins with a 9am pickup after enjoying a tasty bowl of Muslie, fruit and yoghurt. Then, you drive to a rock climbing tour centre in the centre of Vang Vieng, this is where you get harness fitted, shoe fitted and then we headed off on the back of some classical rusty bikes.

The first climb on the Vang Vieng rock climbing day trip

After a 5 minute drive we reached the path to take us to the Vang Vieng mountain. The guide said this is where we will do the rock climbing for the day and you can also see amazing views of Vang Vieng. After walking for 47 seconds it was clear it was a terrible idea to wear trainers. The mud come up to my ankles in some areas. The guides just laughed and offered to share their flip-flops. After a 5 minute walk and questions about “why are we walking through a muddy field” we reached the bottom of the Vang Vieng mountain. Furthermore, we had to do a freestyle (no rope) rock climbing to get to the rock climbing start. “S**t the rocks are slippy from all this rain”.

“Jimmy (I call the guide), I’m trusting you with my life so this rope better be safe”. He smiles, but it doesn’t fill my with confidence.

Nevertheless, I scramble up the first WARM UP climb. This only take a few minutes to get up and it’s about 20ft high, however it’s a great start to the epic few hours of fun to follow.

This also allowed my to check out my guides safety skills and see if he could hold my weight if I slipped as I am 30 kilos heavier than the guide that I am trusting with my life. But he passed the test.

It always make me smile the health and safety in Southeast Asia compared to back home in England. Nevertheless, our guide knows what he is doing and He made our day a mega adventure.

Awesome rock climbing in Vang Vieng 

After the warm-up climb we then moved a few metres right to face a much higher and scarier part of the cliff, “s**t this is high”.

The next 3 climbs got more and more difficult, but they also got a lot more fun. Each one left you shaking, sweating and heart beating like a drum. You do get a little rest after each climb to give a turn to the other climbers and also give your muscles a rest from the rock scrambling. It’s crazy the difference from indoor rock climbing to being high up in a mountain rock climbing in Vang Vieng. Also, it was a heavy raining day but the rock climbing in Vang Vieng is in a brilliant position on he mountain that keeps a natural shelter. Therefore, you stay COMPLETELY DRY, apart from the sweating of course.

So what’s included in the half day rock climbing?

Lets have a look what’s included in the Vang Vieng climbing tour;

1. Belaying – I had learned belaying before but this is a VERY IMPORTANT role. The person at the bottom as you climb the mountain is the person that is belaying for you. Therefore, they’re there to catch you if you slip, the though of slipping is what gets your adrenaline pumping when you start to ascend up the tricky to climb rockery. But don’t worry your guide will take full control of the belaying, however you will get the opportunity to learn this skill.
2. How to rock climb by a skilled Vang Vieng guide – This is the obvious one that you will learn how to climb. Rock climbing is not just as simple as climbing up a small wall. There is a technique and a certain way to postiotion your body. But it’s all good with the cool guide, you get to learn all this. By the end of the day I felt like a Vang Vieng rock climbing expert.
3. Finding out about things to do in Vang Vieng – This is a great activity for meeting new people and this usually leads to finding out new things to do. For example, one of the guys recommended staying at the army barracks

Video of the best Laos rock climbing in Vang Vieng

Buying tickets for the Vang Vieng rock climbing

You will notice that every 3 to 4 shops is a Vang Vieng tour selling centre that usually has a happy smiling guy at the front enticing you to come in and part with your money. In exchange for a day trip in Vang Vieng. “So how do you pick where to buy tickets for the vang Vieng rock climbing?”. I questioned a few different day trips stands. They’re all more or less the same price, the cheapest differed from the most expensive by $1. However, Adam’s rock climbing as top rated company was double the price so I wouldn’t really book with these.

Don’t worry about trying to save money, the day trips are roughly the same price everywhere. Nevertheless, a dollar is a dollar so have a go at bartering to possibly save a little cash.

Photos of rock climbing in Vang Vieng

YOU MAY LIKE How to do the Kuang Si Falls

 

 

 

Another popular thing to do in Vang Vieng

The Vang Vieng tubing is a top thing to do when visiting Vang Vieng. However, due to the weather I did not have the chance to jump on the Vang Vieng tube booze cruise. I’m sure I will get the chance to come back one day and try it out. Nevertheless, I had an amazing time on the Vang Vieng rock climbing and I would definitely recommend this amazing experience as a best thing to do in Vang Vieng, I had the sweetest day.

YOU MAY LIKE The ultimate guide to Sapa

Where to stay in Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng Boutique Hotel  you will be helped with things such as booking tours or activities, recommending restaurants and more things to do in Vang Vieng.The hotel itself is located in the Main Street and you can choose a balcony room on the top floor which has a mega mountain view. The rooms and hotel very kept very clean despite Vang Vieng being a very dusty place and the breakfasts were a combination of something of your choice cooked i.e. pancakes, scrambled eggs etc plus toast, cereal, fruits etc.

Book Room: Vang Vieng Boutique Hotel

Expect an amazing stay at Amari Vang Vieng. There is superior river rooms and the rooms are undeniable mesmerizing. There is also a sweet swimming pool with a mega view. Amari Vang Vieng is perfectly located in the middle of Vang Vieng. If you are into partying in Vang Vieng, Sakura Bar is just a walk away from the hotel. There are plenty of places to eat nearby.

Book Room: Amari Vang Vieng