If you are looking for the perfect place to cool off you need to visit Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng. Come find out all you need to know such best ways to get here, what there is to do, entry fees, where to stay in Vang Vieng, and more!
For the perfect day at a refreshing oasis Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng is your best option. They provide the ideal place to hide from the hot sun and to have a refreshing swim.
I have been lucky enough to explore a decent amount of the Vang Vieng Blue Lagoons and my favorite of course is Blue Lagoon 3.
There are actually 5 different lagoons dotted around the countryside which you can explore during your visit. Each one has its own unique factors which draw in numerous tourists each day.
I came across Blue Lagoon 3 by chance just researching online. With photos showcasing bright blue water under the shadow of a huge limestone mountain I knew I had to visit.
In this guide about Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng, I will let you know the highlights of each lagoon, why you should visit, entry fees, opening hours, how to get there, what to expect, and more.
Blue Lagoon 3: What You Need To Know About The Best Blue Lagoon In Vang Vieng
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What Makes The Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon 3 So Great?
Visiting Blue Lagoon One is no doubt equally as popular as tubing when in Vang Vieng. You will constantly be hounded by tuk-tuk drivers asking if you want to visit, as well as the constant advertisements spread throughout the town.
It is a well-known destination and fairly easy to get to, even by bicycle. Though, once you arrive you will be greeted by a small lagoon covered with tour groups, hungover backpackers, and local kids.
It is nowhere close to the tranquil setting a lot of people imagine.
In contrast, the lesser-known, though slowly growing in popularity, Blue Lagoon Three is an excellent option.
The magical blue waters are fed from an underground spring below. Set on one of the many limestone karsts which cover the landscape it is like being transported to an oasis. The complete opposite of the dry countryside just outside the entrance.
If you read a lot of posts online about Blue Lagoon 3 people will talk about how quiet it is and how you will be the only one there and that is what makes it special. This may have been the case ten years ago, but it’s certainly not like that anymore.
Nevertheless, this place isn’t super packed, just don’t expect to have it to yourself. While I was visiting there may have been 15 to 20 other people there. Though it is pretty huge so there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy.
Blue Lagoon 3 Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Blue Lagoon 3 is 20,000 KIP / $1.00.
On top of the entry fee, you will also pass a toll bridge over the Nam Song River which costs another 20,000 KIP / $1.00.
Blue Lagoon 3 Opening Hours
Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
However, be aware that in the afternoon it is under a shadow from the nearby limestone cliffs so can get a bit chilly.
Map Of Blue Lagoon 3 In Vang Vieng
Here is a map containing Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng Laos.
I have also listed all the other Blue Lagoons in the area that you may be interested in visiting:
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Laos: 12Go Asia
Getting To Blue Lagoon Three
You will need some sort of transport to get you from the city center in Vang Vieng to Blue Lagoon Three. It is further away than Blue Lagoon 1 and 2, located about 20 kilometers out into the countryside, and takes around an hour to get to depending on road conditions.
Either way, if you decide to travel here it will be no easy feat. The road is bumpy so you will constantly be thrown around and the sun can be intense. Bring heaps of water and sunblock.
It is also twice the distance of the popular Blue Lagoon One so I recommend not trying to ride a bicycle there. Though we saw many people struggling.
The journey to Blue Lagoon Three is the perfect opportunity to get out of the touristy city center and into the Laos country lifestyle. To experience a world where time moves slower and the local children run out and wave as you drive past, its quite sweet.
Tuk-Tuk
Taking a tuk-tuk is certainly the easiest way to travel to Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng.
This was the method I used for my visit and after negotiating a price with the driver we agreed on $14.40 for the return trip and a couple of hours there to explore.
This was for the entire tuk-tuk so if you were traveling with a large group you could split that and it would work out quite cheap! Though, being only two of us we decided to splurge and spend the extra $7.20 each.
The drive there is equally as magical as the Blue Lagoon itself. With a flat dry landscape as far as the eye can see and amazing lime karsts rising out of the ground. Even though it does take some time to get there you’ll have the excitement of watching the village life.
Be aware there is a toll bridge that you will need to pay for on behalf of the driver. It is located just as you are exiting out of the main part of Vang Vieng and costs 20,000 KIP / $1.00.
Bicycle
The second option you have for getting to Blue Lagoon 3 is by cycling there on a bike. We saw a surprising amount of people attempting this during our journey.
Let me just say these people looked absolutely exhausted. It’s one thing biking 20 kilometers, but doing it on dirt roads covered in potholes is a whole other thing.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend cycling. It may be a lot cheaper as it only costs a couple of dollars to hire a bike, but you will be left exhausted and likely sunburned from the harsh countryside sun.
Scooter
Alternatively, you can hire a motorbike and drive yourself to Blue Lagoon 3. Basically, follow the signs as much as you can. Otherwise, follow the general direction of traffic.
If there are also tourists heading that way you will likely all end up in the same place. Be aware that the paved road ends very quickly into the journey.
After it finishes you will be driving on dirt roads and rocky paths. I would only recommend driving there if you are confident and have driven in similar conditions before.
There is a common motorbike scam in Laos so be aware of that if you decide to hire one as well.
When To Visit Blue Lagoon Three
Honestly, the time of year and time of day you visit Blue Lagoon 3 can really make or break your visit.
You may find the tranquil blue waters have turned an interesting shade of brown and look quite muddy.
Seasons
The most important thing to figure out is whether it will be worth visiting Blue Lagoon 3.
Depending on the season you visit will result in how not only this Lagoon but many around Vang Vieng will look.
December to May: December to May is the best time of year to visit. This is considered the dry season. Though unlike the name suggests you won’t find the pools have completely dried out.
Instead, they will be the perfect milky blue shade. This is exactly when all those incredible photos have been taken. However, the one downside is that this is the peak season for travelers, both local and domestic.
June to October: Also known as the wet/monsson season in Laos it is going to be pretty damp. The crazy monsoon rains are normal and cause havoc all over the region. Roads are typically closed due to unsafe conditions and towns can quickly become flooded.
During this time you can expect the waters in the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng to have turned brown. The one upside is that there won’t be many travelers around and you can enjoy them to yourself.
Time Of Day
As with the majority of tourist hot spots, you’ll want to visit Blue Lagoon Three either early or late in the day.
This will allow you to beat the crowds. The majority of travelers seem to hang around from about midday until 3 pm.
Early in the morning, it seems people are still resting from their hangover so the lagoon is relatively quiet. In the late afternoon the mountain it is located in front of casts a large shadow dropping the temperatures.
I would recommend visiting in the morning to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the peacefulness. This will also allow you to get those awesome photos without anybody ruining your shot. If you visit during the weekday rather than on a weekend you will also find it a little quieter.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Laos: 12Go Asia
What To Do At Blue Lagoon 3
There is actually quite a lot to do here at Blue Lagoon 3. This is the perfect place to spend a day.
Whether that is swimming in the turquoise waters, dining at the onsite restaurant, jumping off the dive platforms, or simply relaxing in the sunshine.
Swim
You can’t come all the way to Blue Lagoon Three without going for a swim. Even if you weren’t planning to, after spending an hour traveling through the dusty countryside there will be nothing you want more!
On arrival, you will be greeted by a beautiful large swimming area.
Having driven all this way through dry landscapes with the cracked ground and dying plants I honestly was not expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found.
The area stretches the size of multiple swimming pools all with the most beautiful water, comparable with Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang. Small fish are noticeable on the surface, though quickly disappear in the vast waters.
Dine
Whether you’ve worked out an appetite swimming or simply just craving a little something to settle your stomach after a bumpy journey, there is an onsite restaurant at Blue Lagoon 3. Creatively enough it is called BL3.
Now you won’t find too much information about it online. Though they do show up on Google with a couple of reviews.
You pay up at the counter and then the team will bring the food directly to you. In terms of food, they offer a small range of dishes such as larp and chicken kebabs.
Of course, they also sell Beer Laos as well!
There are plenty of shacks and tables you can eat your meal at so no need to worry about where you will sit.
Play
One of the big appeals of Blue Lagoon Three is the vast array of activities on offer there. It could honestly keep you entertained for hours!
Laze around on one of the many tractor tubes which are piled high around the pool. Try out your balancing abilities by attempting to stand up on one of three bamboo rafts floating around. Give the flying fox a go and splash into the water.
Or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, jump off the Tarzan swing high above the water. I certainly was not brave enough for that. Though plenty of others were and it looked like they had a great time.
Relax
If you want to chill out and have a beer this is the perfect place to do it! There is no need to leave straight away after you’ve had a swim in the beautiful blue waters.
Instead, bask under the warm Laos sunshine with a cold drink and enjoy the moment.
There is plenty of seating, picnic tables, and huts dotted around the outside of the Blue Lagoon. Sit on the water’s edge and dangle your feet into the chilly water.
When I visited there was even a fire lit with seats around the outside to keep you warm after a swim.
Cave
Other than just swimming at Blue Lagoon 3 there is also a cave to explore. I did not do this though as by the time we got out of the pool the sun was starting to set. Just follow the pathways around to the left of the building.
It is all marked very well and provides some excellent photo opportunities in the Laos jungle.
What To Pack For Blue Lagoon 3
For sure, you will want to make sure you pack appropriately to make the most out of your time at Blue Lagoon 3.
Camera: Of course, you can’t forget the camera! Capture those memories of a fun day out.
Go Pro: You can’t forget your Go Pro. To be honest you can’t see much under the water. However, you will have so many opportunities to get some epic photos jumping off the rope swing!
Swimmers: You will definitely want to bring along your swimmers so you can cool off and take a dip.
Towel: Bring along your towel to dry off after you have had a refreshing swim.
Sunblock: Don’t make the same mistake as me and make sure to pack sunblock!
Others To Visit: Alternative Blue Lagoons In Vang Vieng
There are actually six different blue lagoons in Vang Vieng. Travelers usually visit at least one of them while they are in the city.
They provide the perfect way to cool off and relax away from the dusty city center. Though each one is quite different, so let’s do a round-up:
Blue Lagoon 1
Blue Lagoon 1 is no doubt the most popular lagoon here. Here you will find both travelers and locals hanging out and cooling off from the hot Laos temperatures. It is located 10 kilometers out of the center of Vang Vieng.
As well as just the lagoon there is also a cave you can explore and a zip line course. You can either jump from either a 2-meter or 5-meter branch into the blue waters. The entry fee is 20,000 KIP / $1.00.
Blue Lagoon 2 In Vang Vieng
Blue Lagoon 2 is a lot quieter than the other blue lagoons in Vang Vieng. Though this is simply because the majority of visitors here are to visit Tham Chang Cave, myself included.
I am not so sure if it’s as relaxing swimming about while hundreds of tourists walk by checking out the cave.
Nevertheless, the water here is incredible making it a top choice for instgrammable places in Vang Vieng, The entry fee is 20,000 KIP / $1.00 which includes entry to the cave which has a fantastic view over the city.
Blue Lagoon 4
It is pretty hard to find information online about Blue Lagoon 4. It does come up on Google Maps with a few highly-scored reviews. I imagine this would be one of the quieter lagoons so if you want a relaxing one this may be the best choice.
Discover Laos offers a tour there and caving so if you are super desperate to find out what/where is exactly Blue Lagoon 4 definitely check them out.
Blue Lagoon 5
Located quite a distance out of the city center is Blue Lagoon 5. This makes for the perfect tropical spot away from the dusty streets. They also have bungalows there so you can stay the night and enjoy it longer.
Come here for a quiet time and away from all the crowds.
Blue Lagoon 6
Blue Lagoon 6 is a serene and secluded spot located in Long Kuang village, approximately 15 kilometers from the center of Vang Vieng.
The lagoon is well-maintained and has very few tourists, which adds to its charm. Visitors can lounge, swim, and dive in the lagoon, and there is also a fun zipline to jump from.
Where To Stay In Vang Vieng?
As Vang Vieng is such a popular tourist town, especially for backpackers in Laos you will be spoilt in terms of accommodation available.
During my first visit to Vang Vieng, I stayed at Vang Vieng Backpackers Hostel. It has an awesome location making it super easy to explore the town and the delicious restaurants around. The highlight is no doubt the refreshing pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring, and the happy hour at the bar which makes it easy to meet other travelers.
On my more recent trip, my partner and I decided to splash out and stay at the Amari Vang Vieng Hotel. It’s certainly more on the pricey side, however after a dusty day in the countryside, it was perfect being able to come back to a big comfortable bed and a hot shower.
Though, not going to lie we loved the novelty as it was the first bamboo bungalow we had stayed in so far in Southeast Asia! Plus, the place was clean, had a super helpful reception, and no bugs which is always a bonus.
A fun and social hostel in an excellent location. From $7.00 per night for a dorm. BOOK NOW |
A social and party hard hostel on the main road of the town. From $4.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
A lovely resort with a pool to relax in. Prices start from $22.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
A taste of luxe with amazing views. Prices start from $100.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Other Things To Do In Vang Vieng
Of course, you can also find also many other things to do here in Vang Vieng, it’s not just lagoons!
However, to get the most out of your experience I recommend hiring either a bicycle or motorbike to get around and explore further afield.
Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon: This is a popular tourist spot that features a beautiful cave and a stunning lagoon. The cave is located on a hill and requires a short hike to reach.
Nam Xay Viewpoint: This viewpoint is located outside of Vang Vieng and offers incredible views over the town. It’s a moderate hike that takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Tubing: Tubing is a popular activity in Vang Vieng. Here you can rent a tube and float down the Nam Song River while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are also several bars along the river where you can stop and enjoy a drink or a snack.
Rock Climbing: Vang Vieng is known for its limestone cliffs, which makes it a great destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. Several companies offer rock climbing tours and lessons.
Tham Chang Cave: Tham Chang Cave is a popular spot worth visiting in Vang Vieng. The cave was used to provide shelter from the Chinese invaders in the 19th century. It is also home to a secret Blue Lagoon 2, which is a great place to cool off after the hike.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: If you are ready to splurge you can take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Cycling: Last but not least cycling is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside around Vang Vieng. You can rent a bike and explore the town and the surrounding areas at your own pace.
FAQs About The Best Blue Lagoons In Vang Vieng
How many blue lagoons are there in Vang Vieng?
There are 6 different blue lagoons in Vang Vieng providing travelers with plenty of places to explore. No doubt the most popular is Blue Lagoon 1, however, it can get quite crowded. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience I recommend Blue Lagoon 3.
How long do you need in Vang Vieng?
I recommend spending a minimum of 2 days in Vang Vieng. You will want enough time to go tubing, experience some of the nature, and just relax. Honestly, if you have some extra time in your Laos itinerary 3 or 4 days would be best.
Wrap Up: Visiting Blue Lagoon 3 In Vang Vieng Laos
Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng is an absolute must-visit attraction if you are looking for the ultimate place to cool off and spend a few hours hanging out.
With its stunning turquoise waters, incredible limestone formations, and thrilling activities, this gem is the perfect place to escape the craziness of the township and just relax.
Make sure you add it to your Vang Vieng itinerary!
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
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- VISITING PAK OU CAVES: IS IT WORTH IT
- TRAVEL LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG
- BEST HOSTELS IN VANG VIENG
- THAM CHANG CAVE & BLUE LAGOON TWO IN VANG VIENG
- BLUE LAGOON THREE IN VANG VIENG
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17 Comments
Great tips! I’m planning my trip to Vang Vieng next year, and the advice on timing my visit to avoid crowds is super helpful. Can’t wait to experience the Blue Lagoon!
I never realized there was more than one Blue Lagoon! Blue Lagoon 3 definitely sounds like the ticket. Amazing how affordable it is to stay there. Gorgeous pics. Thanks for the post.
I think you definitely made the right choice by choosing Three over One. This spot looks so gorgeous and peaceful! 30 people is way better than hundreds. ;)
P.S. Loving your entire series on Laos! Vietnam is usually where I head bc its my fav, but you’re totally making me want to see Laos now!
I visited Laos way back in 2006 and I don’t remember hearing anything about this place, maybe it was relatively undiscovered back then! You have some beautiful photos here, and I think it’s good that you’ve given your honest opinion about what others can expect :-)
This place looks incredible! I’ll be adding it to my list of places to visit when I go to Laos!