Pha Poak Viewpoint in Vang Vieng, Laos has been one of the most popular things to do in Vang Vieng. And there are good reasons for that. Pha Poak Viewpoint is visible from most parts of Vang Vieng city, which means the viewpoint is actually within walking distance from the city. Walking towards the entrance of Pha Poak Viewpoint will bring you through several vast paddy fields. And while the hike is just a short 30 minutes, the payoff is huge. You’ll be able to see Vang Vieng city on one side, with massive limestone hills on the other. Simply breathtaking.
So if you’re in Vang Vieng, I would say, definitely add Pha Poak Viewpoint to your bucket list. It’s one of the highlights of my Laos backpacking trip! Continue reading for all the details and information you need to get there!
Whenever you’re ready, let’s dive into this comprehensive guide for Pha Poak Viewpoint in Vang Vieng!
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Views From Pha Poak Viewpoint
Views from Pha Poak Viewpoint can be breathtaking especially when you just arrived in Vang Vieng. Let’s not compare it with Nam Xay viewpoints, which are hundreds of meters taller than Pha Poak hill.
The views Pha Poak Viewpoint offered is unique, with the city view on one side and giant limestone hills on the other side. There are no platforms or decks on the peak, so be sure to hold on to something when you arrived at the peak.
If you’re wondering where Pha Poak Viewpoint is from Vang Vieng city, try looking for a small limestone hill with a huge red flag on its peak, that’s it.
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Climbing Up To Pha Poak Viewpoint
The climb from the foothill entrance to the peak will take roughly 30 minutes depending on your stamina. While it might sound like an easy climb, trust me, it’s not. You’ll want to wear a fully-covered sports shoes to attempt the hike, never a flip-flop.
Some even said it’s the most challenging short hike in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Basically, there are three stages in the climb up to Pha Poak Viewpoint. First, bamboo staircases. Second, steep hiking on soil ground. And third, climbing sharp jagged rocks approaching the peak.
Starting from the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a series of steep bamboo staircases, which don’t seem rigid. Those with acrophobia will find this climb difficult as you will deal with a lot of height problems along the way.
After the staircases, it will be a long steep hike. In some parts, there will be ropes assisting your climb but most of the time, you’re on your own. Grabbing onto small trees is essential here, but make sure the trees you grabbed onto are rigid and strong.
When you’re near to the peak, that’s where the tricky part comes into play. You will start to deal with sharp, vertical rocks, which is why I recommend wearing sports shoes. Those who aren’t familiar with climbing rocks might take a little more time compared to those who’re experienced.
The red flag at the Pha Poak peak will make you question about who the hell had the balls to carry this huge bamboo pole up to the peak and erected it up vertically. Nevertheless, the red flag is the only thing you can hold on to when you’re enjoying the view on the peak.
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Getting To Pha Poak Viewpoint
Where is Pha Phoak Viewpoint entrance? Open up your Google Maps. From the city, head towards the bamboo bridge connecting Phobane Cafe and Bananna Bungalows. There is no toll to pay to cross the bamboo bridge.
To make life easier, just head to Bananna Bungalows using Google Maps if you’re going from the city. Once you cross the bamboo bridge, you will see a sign showing you the way to Pha Poak Viewpoint and Lusi Cave. Follow the path between Cliff View Bungalows and Bananna Bungalows for 1.2km and you’ll see the limestone hill with a red flag on its peak.
From now on, there will be signs showing you the way through the paddy fields to the entrance of Pha Poak Viewpoint. From the city to the entrance, it will take around 30 minutes of walking. Expect more time if you stop a lot for photos.
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Entrance Fee For Pha Poak Viewpoint?
The entrance fee for Pha Poak Viewpoint is 10,000 Kip per person.
Lusi Cave in Pha Poak
Despite the signboard saying that there are a lot of interesting things in Lusi Cave, we didn’t find it particularly interesting. The cave filters in some light during the day, but only a small portion of it. There are no torch rentals or anything so we decided not to explore any further. The floor seems slippery and dangerous as well.
Before that, we already heard a lot about the bad reviews regarding Lusi Cave in Tripadvisor.
Editor’s Note: Check out this post if you’re planning to go for tubing in Vang Vieng!
Ready for Vang Vieng Pha Poak Viewpoint?
I hope the above information will give you detailed insights about climbing Pha Poak Viewpoint in Vang Vieng. It’s an excellent way to fill up your half day. After descending from Pha Poak Viewpoint, head over to the bamboo bridge, where there are a lot of restaurants along Nam Song River. Grab some beverages and enjoy the view and hot air balloons rising from the city. Feel free to comment below if I missed anything. As usual, happy traveling! Check out this Luang Prabang itinerary, or this Vientiane itinerary if you’re heading there next.
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