Tham Nam Cave Vang Vieng
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Tham Nam Cave Vang Vieng

4.1
·809 reviews·Vientiane, Laos

Explore Tham Nam, a stunning water cave in Vang Vieng, Laos, offering thrilling tubing and zip-lining adventures amidst natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November - April

Dry season, safer water levels

CrowdMedium
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Tham Nam Cave Vang Vieng

Tham Nam Cave Vang Vieng

Best Time

November - April

Dry season, safer water levels

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Tham Nam, a stunning water cave in Vang Vieng, Laos, offering thrilling tubing and zip-lining adventures amidst natural beauty.

4.1
(809 reviews)

"Tham Nam Water Cave is a fun and exciting place for adventure lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Skip the Bridge Toll

Don't pay the unofficial 10,000 Kip toll for the steel bridge; just drive over. :moneywithwings:

Wear Clothes You Can Get Wet

Embrace the adventure! Your clothes will get soaked, so choose wisely. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tubing Through the Water Cave

Tubing Through the Water Cave

Tham Nam Cave

Float through a 500-meter-long cave system on a tube, marveling at limestone formations in cool, clear water.

Zip-lining Adventure

Zip-lining Adventure

Zip-line course near Tham Nam

Experience multiple zip lines for an adrenaline rush with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Elephant Cave Exploration

Elephant Cave Exploration

Elephant Cave (near Tham Nam)

Discover a temple featuring a natural stalactite formation resembling an elephant's trunk.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Tham Nam

Visit during the dry season (November to April) for lower water levels and safer conditions. Avoid the rainy season (May-October) when water can become dangerously high. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

Prepare for Basic Amenities

Tham Nam offers a raw adventure with basic facilities. Expect to get wet, so wear clothes you don't mind ruining. While guides provide waterproof bags, consider a dry bag for electronics if you're extra cautious.

Best Times

When
November - April
Why
Dry season, safer water levels
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SON DOONG LARGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD #jre #joerogan #animals #safari #animals #nature #vietnam #laos
@clipmind
1M likes • 8.5M views

Skip the Bridge Toll

Don't pay the unofficial 10,000 Kip toll for the steel bridge; just drive over. :moneywithwings:

Wear Clothes You Can Get Wet

Embrace the adventure! Your clothes will get soaked, so choose wisely. :athletic_shoe:

The Toe Tickler (Thought I’d repost since this cave diving trend is going on) #mymysenpaii #cavediving
@mymysenpaii
733.9K likes • 4.7M views
📍Tham Nam Water Caves and Blue Lagoon 4, Vang Vieng, Laos 🇱🇦 Blue lagoon 4 is one of the least visited lagoons in Vang Vieng however it’s right next to the Tham Nam Water caves and I can’t recommend it more! When you arrive at the water cave there’s lockers for your things and then you are given a helmet with a light and a rubber ring and are free to explore the Cave! It’s pitch black and you ...
travelwith.zo
72 likes • 1.9K views

Headlamp & Tube Included

Your 30,000 Kip fee covers a tube and a functional headlamp for cave exploration. :ticket:

Waterproof Bag Provided

Tour agencies usually provide waterproof bags for your belongings. :iphone:

Испытал новые ощущения при исследовании пещеры Tham Nam (Water cave) 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Experienced new sensations while exploring Tham Nam Cave (Water cave) 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 #nature #mountains #Laos #VangVieng #Instagram #reels #topreels #topvideo #travel #world #traveling #traveler #vacation #mytravelgram #visiting #trip #tourists #touris #instatrip #vacationtime #tourism #travelphotography #traveller #trav...
feodor_alekseev
13 likes • 279 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Skip the Bridge Toll

Don't pay the unofficial 10,000 Kip toll for the steel bridge; just drive over. :moneywithwings:

Wear Clothes You Can Get Wet

Embrace the adventure! Your clothes will get soaked, so choose wisely. :athletic_shoe:

Headlamp & Tube Included

Your 30,000 Kip fee covers a tube and a functional headlamp for cave exploration. :ticket:

Waterproof Bag Provided

Tour agencies usually provide waterproof bags for your belongings. :iphone:

Listen to Your Guides

Guides ensure safety and a smooth experience, especially on rocky paths. :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(809 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tham Nam for its refreshing tubing experience through the cave and the fun zip-lining activities. The natural beauty and cool waters are highlights, offering a unique adventure. However, some note the basic facilities and the need to be prepared for getting wet.

"Great visit to this cave, you basically pull yourself through with a rope and explore the river that runs through the place. You get given a head torch when you pay for a ticket and this is sufficient to see within the cave. They also have zip lining there too which was really fun; we had about 7/8 different zip lines… men beware that the last one will absolutely hurt your nuts!"

Daniel Totterdell

"Ave was not accessible noemde to the rains of recent. Seems like a fun place though. Drove out on scooters, where you had to wade through water and drive over some loose rocks but it’s well doable. There was no entrance fee but that might be because it wasn’t in operation."

Mieke A

"Visiting Tham Nam, the Water Cave, is such a refreshing experience. The cave itself is beautiful, with clear, cool water perfect for a dip after exploring. The surrounding area is peaceful, and there are spots to rest and enjoy a snack, making it a lovely escape from the heat."

Zoey Bing

What People Like

Refreshing cave tubing
Fun zip-lining
Natural limestone formations

What People Dislike

Basic facilities
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tham Nam Cave is located about 30 minutes from Vang Vieng by tuk-tuk or scooter. The journey can involve wading through water and driving over loose rocks, but it's generally manageable. Some tours include transportation. Instagram

Driving a scooter is possible, but be prepared for some rocky terrain and potential water crossings. Ensure your scooter is in good condition. Reddit

Yes, many tour operators in Vang Vieng offer packages that include transportation to Tham Nam, often combined with tubing, elephant cave, and kayaking. Instagram

Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient option for reaching the cave. Scooters offer more flexibility if you're comfortable with the roads. Instagram

Walking is not recommended as the distance is significant and the terrain can be challenging. Transportation is advised.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically 30,000 Kip per person, which includes a tube and a headlamp. Reddit

Booking in advance is generally not necessary, especially if you are visiting during the dry season. You can usually pay upon arrival or as part of a tour package.

The fee usually covers your entry, a rubber tube for floating, and a headlamp to illuminate the cave. Reddit

Be aware of unofficial tolls for bridges, like the steel bridge before the entrance. It's advised not to pay these as they are not official. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to confirm with your tour operator or local information sources.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main activity is tubing through the 500-meter-long cave. There are also zip lines and the nearby Elephant Cave to explore. Instagram+1

The tubing ride itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The entire visit, including preparation and walking, can take 1 to 1.5 hours. Reddit

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, as you'll be tubing in water. Swimwear is also appropriate. Reddit

Yes, lockers are available to store your belongings while you explore the cave. Instagram

Yes, it's generally suitable for children, but they should be supervised, especially during tubing and zip-lining. The water is cool and refreshing. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

You can take photos, but be mindful of the water and ensure your device is protected. The headlamp provided is sufficient for basic visibility. Reddit

Using a waterproof phone case or a provided waterproof bag is highly recommended to protect your device from water. InstagramReddit

Yes, the cave formations and the surrounding natural beauty offer great photo opportunities. The zip-lining also provides scenic views. Instagram

It is a cave, so it is dark. The provided headlamp helps with visibility, but it's not as bright as a professional camera flash. Reddit

Expect shots of the cave's natural rock formations, the water, and fellow adventurers tubing. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tham Nam Water Cave is a fun and refreshing adventure for families. The tubing experience is generally safe for children, provided they are supervised by adults. TikTok The cool water is a great way to beat the heat, and the nearby Elephant Cave offers a touch of cultural interest. Instagram Remember to pack swimwear and clothes that can get wet, and utilize the provided waterproof bags for electronics. The zip-lining might be suitable for older children, depending on their comfort level with heights. TikTok

🎒 Budget Backpackers

Tham Nam is a budget-friendly adventure, with an entrance fee that includes tubing and a headlamp. Reddit Opting for a local tour package that includes transportation can be cost-effective. Instagram While facilities are basic, the experience offers great value for money. Reddit Consider visiting during the dry season to ensure full accessibility and enjoy the natural beauty without inflated prices. TikTok

💑 Couples Seeking Adventure

For couples looking for a unique adventure, Tham Nam offers a blend of natural beauty and excitement. Tubing through the cave together can be a fun and memorable experience. Instagram The zip-lining provides an opportunity for shared thrills, and the serene surroundings offer a peaceful escape. Instagram Consider combining your visit with other Vang Vieng attractions for a romantic and adventurous getaway. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tham Nam Tubing Experience

The signature activity at Tham Nam is tubing through the 500-meter-long cave. You'll be given a rubber ring and a headlamp, then guided to pull yourself along a rope system through the cool, clear water. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes, offering a unique perspective of the cave's natural limestone formations. It's a refreshing and adventurous way to explore this underground river system. InstagramReddit

Guides are present to ensure safety, and they provide waterproof bags for your belongings. The water temperature is generally cool, making it a welcome escape from the heat, though some reviews mention it can get warmer halfway through. Reddit The entire experience, including preparation and walking to the cave, typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. Reddit

It's important to note that the facilities are basic, so don't expect luxury amenities. The walk to the cave can be a bit rocky, but the guides are there to assist. Reddit This adventure is a highlight for many visitors seeking a unique natural experience in Vang Vieng. Instagram

Beyond the Cave: Zip-lining and Elephant Cave

While tubing is the main draw, Tham Nam also offers a thrilling zip-lining experience with multiple lines. These zip lines provide an adrenaline rush and offer panoramic views of the lush Vang Vieng landscape. TikTokInstagram

Nearby, you can visit the Elephant Cave, which is a small temple housing a natural stalactite formation that resembles an elephant's trunk. This offers a cultural and natural point of interest, often included in tour packages. Instagram

These additional activities complement the cave exploration, making Tham Nam a well-rounded destination for adventure seekers. The combination of underground exploration and aerial thrills provides a diverse experience for visitors. Instagram

Best Time to Visit and What to Expect

The ideal time to visit Tham Nam is during the dry season, from November to April. During this period, water levels are lower and safer for activities like tubing. Reddit The rainy season (May to October) can lead to dangerously high water levels, potentially making the cave inaccessible or unsafe. Reddit

When you arrive, you'll likely encounter basic facilities. It's crucial to wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet, as you will be tubing in the water. Reddit While tour agencies often provide waterproof bags for your essentials, it's wise to be prepared. The entrance fee typically covers your tube and a headlamp, which is sufficient for navigating the cave. Reddit

Be aware of unofficial bridge tolls before entering the property; it's generally advised not to pay these. Reddit Overall, Tham Nam offers a raw, adventurous experience that prioritizes natural exploration over modern amenities. Reddit

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