A standard day's cycling from Vang Vieng can take in the west bank villages, several cave entrances, and one or two blue lagoons without covering more than 25 to 30 kilometres. The roads are mostly packed earth or rough tarmac; a basic mountain bike handles them comfortably. Go early to avoid the heat and you'll have the paddy roads largely to yourself.
The route across the wooden suspension bridge at the north end of town and west through Ban Pha Thao village is one of the more scenic circuits. Children wave from doorways, buffaloes graze in the verges, and the limestone peaks shift their angles as you move through the valley. Allow a full day if you want to combine cycling with cave visits and a swim.