Top 5 Places to Eat in Vang Vieng

Written by Lorraine Aust, Thongchai Phommachanh
13/08/2025
Discover the breathtaking aerial view of Vang Vieng, Laos, with a hot air balloon soaring above the town.
Pauline Tan, Pexels

Vang Vieng offers a culinary landscape focused on accessible and hearty meals, blending local Lao flavors with popular international dishes, catering to both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more relaxed dining experience.

1. Happy Mango Thai Restaurant

Cuisine: Thai

Stepping into Happy Mango, one often finds it bustling, a testament to its popularity for delicious and affordable Thai cuisine. It is a go-to for classics like Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, and the delightful Mango Sticky Rice. Expect a lively, energetic atmosphere rather than a quiet meal, but the food is consistently flavorful and worth any wait.

Price: 30,000 - 60,000 LAK (approx. $1.50 - $3 USD) per dish

Getting There: Centrally located, easily walkable from most accommodations in the main town area.

2. Luang Prabang Bakery

Cuisine: Bakery, Cafe, Western & Asian

Despite its name, this bakery is a Vang Vieng staple, perfect for starting the day or a quick afternoon treat. I have enjoyed their excellent coffees and a wide selection of freshly baked goods, including croissants, cheesecakes, and pastries. They also offer a menu of affordable Western and Asian favorites like sandwiches. The comfortable setting makes it ideal for a relaxed breakfast or coffee break.

Price: Coffee from 38,000 LAK (approx. $1.75 USD), pastries and meals vary (affordable)

Getting There: Conveniently situated in the Vang Vieng city center, easily accessible on foot.

3. Gary's Irish Bar

Cuisine: Irish Pub Fare, Western Comfort Food

For a taste of home and a lively social scene, Gary's Irish Bar is a popular choice among Western travelers. The atmosphere transitions from a relaxed daytime eatery to a full-on bar in the evenings, complete with good music and free pool tables. I have savored their hearty comfort foods like burgers, fish & chips, and traditional Irish stew, which are perfect after a day of adventure. It's a welcoming spot to meet other travelers.

Price: 25,000 - 40,000 LAK (approx. $1.15 - $1.85 USD) per main dish

Getting There: Located in the heart of Vang Vieng, within easy walking distance of most central hotels and hostels.

4. Vela Cafe and Restaurant

Cuisine: Lao, Thai, Western, Vietnamese

Vela Cafe and Restaurant offers a warm, family-run dining experience with an extensive menu. I appreciate their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, which results in fresh, flavorful, and fairly priced dishes. Their traditional Lao dishes, such as Pad Lao and Lao noodles, are highly recommended, alongside a good variety of international options and fresh juices. It's a consistently good choice for value and friendly service, often filling up in the evenings.

Price: 30,000 - 70,000 LAK (approx. $1.40 - $3.25 USD) per dish

Getting There: Situated on the main street of Vang Vieng, easily reachable by walking.

5. Restaurant du Crabe d'Or

Cuisine: Lao, French, Asian Fusion

For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Restaurant du Crabe d'Or, located at the Riverside Boutique Resort, provides an elegant setting. I have found the fusion of traditional Lao dishes with French influences to be exceptional, particularly their Lao degustation menu. The indoor and outdoor seating areas offer majestic views of the Nam Song River and the dramatic limestone cliffs, making it an ideal spot for a special dinner or a scenic breakfast.

Price: $$ (Higher end, likely 100,000 LAK+ per person for a main course, approx. $5+ USD)

Getting There: Located within the Riverside Boutique Resort. While still in Vang Vieng, it might be a short tuk-tuk ride or a pleasant walk from the very center of town, depending on your accommodation.

Check out our other pages on Vang Vieng

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