Blue Lagoon 1 and Tham Phu Kham

A turquoise pool beneath a great tree with a rope swing, and above it a steep scramble into a cave where a bronze Buddha lies in a shaft of light.

Area

Karsts & caves

Start from

Vang Vieng town

Distance

about 7 km west

Time needed

half a day

Best season

November – May for the clearest water; the lagoon may turn murky after heavy rain

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

Bicycle, motorbike, tuk-tuk or tour

Tickets & rules

Small entry fee; extra for some activities

Why go

The first Blue Lagoon is Vang Vieng’s most famous swimming spot, and for good reason. A stream emerges from the base of a karst cliff into a natural pool of astonishing blue-green, shaded by a huge old tree whose branches hang out over the water.

People jump from the lower and upper branches, swing on ropes and float on tubes, while others sit at the picnic tables in the shade. It can be noisy and busy in the middle of the day, but in the early morning or late afternoon the water is calm and quiet.

Above the lagoon, a steep path climbs into Tham Phu Kham, a large cave that opens into a vast chamber. In its mouth lies a bronze reclining Buddha, lit by sunlight falling through the entrance. Climbing up out of the heat into the cool, quiet cave is a wonderful contrast.

The story

The lagoon is fed by water that runs underground through the karst, which is why it stays so clear and cool even in the hottest months. Its colour comes from the limestone dissolved in the water, which reflects the sky and makes the pool glow turquoise.

Tham Phu Kham, Golden Crab Cave, is linked to a local legend about a golden crab that lived inside it. The cave was sacred to villagers long before tourism arrived, and the Buddha image installed in its entrance makes it a place of quiet worship.

Beyond the main chamber, the cave continues deeper into darkness, with side passages and formations. Guides from the village sometimes take visitors further in with headlamps, but the passages are uneven and slippery, so you should not go far alone.

As tourism grew, the village nearby took over management of the lagoon and its facilities, and the entry fees help support the community. Several other lagoons further west have since been given names like Blue Lagoon 2 and 3, partly to share the visitors.

Getting there

Cross the river by the toll bridge and follow the road west for about 7 km. By bicycle it takes around forty minutes on a rough road; by motorbike or tuk-tuk it is much quicker.

Many tours combine the lagoon with kayaking or caves, but it is easy to visit independently.

A suggested plan

1. 8:00Cycle or ride from town, crossing the river while it is still cool.
2. 8:45Arrive before the crowds and swim in the lagoon.
3. 9:30Climb the steep path up to Tham Phu Kham and see the reclining Buddha.
4. 10:30Rest at a picnic table under the big tree with a fruit shake.
5. 11:30Return to town or continue west to the other lagoons.

Where to stay

Stay in Vang Vieng; the lagoon is an easy half-day trip, and staying on the western bank shortens the ride.

Good to know

• Wear shoes with good grip for the cave climb; flip-flops are a bad idea.
• Bring a torch or headlamp if you plan to go deeper into the cave.
• Arrive early or late in the day to enjoy the lagoon without crowds.
• Life jackets are often available to borrow or rent at the lagoon.