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Detailed review. It's a climb, not a hike! Very steep 30-45 degree climb all the way up. It's not easy, with the beginning and end sections the hardest with huge slippery rocks to navigate. Definitely worth the effort, stunning views!
You are using your hands/arms all the way up.
DURATION: Very fit can get up in 15mins. People fit with good agility and stamina in 20mins. Average person probably needs 30mins. Unfit or people with poor knees/legs probably need 45-60mins.
Going down takes double the time! It's more technical/tricky and slippery, definitely harder on your knees.
TIME: Best time to go 6:00 till 8am, when it's still 22 degrees still. Do not to after 9am as it's just too hot with 27degrees plus.
CLOTHING: Whole way up is shaded, no direct sun which is great. No need for hats. Definitely no suncream unless you want this dripping into your eyes. Sunglasses for the top defo recommended.
It is not cold, so even for the sunrise hike shorts and vest/t-shirt only.
DRINK & SNACKS: Pack minimum 1.5liter of water and snacks for the top as there is nowhere to buy.
TRAVEL: recommend taking a tuk tuk for 200.000 LAK there and back (they wait), as the roads to the bottom from the center is very rough with huge potholes. You can rent a motorbike for 150.000 LAK, but personally I'd just pay the extra 50k.
BUSY: between 8-10am on my ascent/descent I only saw around 20 people. At the top we were around 6 people for about 1 hour. So really not...
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After several days of walking, I was utterly exhausted and hadn’t planned to climb. But reaching Nam Xay Viewpoint was an experience beyond words.
The hike is short — about 380 meters — but it’s very steep, with an elevation gain of around 130 meters. Despite my fatigue, I pushed through, and the panoramic views at the summit made every step worthwhile.
At the top, you're greeted with a 360-degree view of lush rice fields, jagged limestone cliffs, and the peaceful countryside of Vang Vieng. One fun surprise is the motorbike placed at the summit — it's a quirky photo spot that has become a signature of Nam Xay.
However, one thing that saddened me was seeing so many empty water bottles left behind on the trail and at the top. Please, if you visit, bring your trash back down with you. Respect this beautiful nature so future travelers can experience it the same way.
The entrance fee is 20,000 LAK (about $1), and the trail is open daily from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It's highly recommended to wear sturdy shoes because the path can get slippery, especially after rain.
Despite the unexpected challenge, the feeling at the top — the fresh wind, the endless views, and the deep sense of accomplishment — made this hike a true highlight of my trip. If you're in Vang Vieng, don’t miss Nam Xay Viewpoint. It's tough, but the reward is...
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what an experience! 🤩
the views are to die for and the motorcycle on the ledge just adds epic value to this hike!
it’s true, the effort will be rewarded, however if you’re like us (travelling in August) there is a bit of rain from time to time, this makes this path VERY slippery and quiet a mission not just physically but mentally.
i’ll happily admit, i’m super scared of falling /height and i pushed a lot of fear boundaries, thankfully my partner, (pictured) supported me all the way.
It took us 1 hour to get up and 1 hour down.
at the beginning…don’t be mislead that the track has steps built in all the way…as this is not the case, you’ll also need balance and upper body strength to leverage on the bamboo railings (and anything that adds support going up and down. there is a bit of sharp rock scrambling at points, you will need to use your whole body (find your footing, your best path and grips)
WARNING: do not wear slippers (thongs) or white shoes, sandals or dress shoes… this path will destroy them and completely unsafe!
Although for me it was challenging, i loved it …my partner loved it, did he think it was easy? no.
yes the review is a bit detailed, but just a reminder to prepare yourselves a bit especially in the wet season ESPECIALLY if you do a sunset or sunrise hike bringing a with a...
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