Ball Games 
Softball and other ball games such as basketball, touch rugby (men's and women's), court hockey, even frisbee can be played on the shores of the Mekong River. Tip: If no-one is around playing any of these games…hang about a bit or start a game yourself and it won’t be long before the locals are joining in.
Boating can be done on Nam Ngum Lake about 80km to the north of Vientiane.
Bridge/Reading and other indoor group activities. There are a number of bridge groups, a reading group and other interest groups. . . all definitely the "do it yourself" variety that are a great way to meet the locals. For more details ask at your hotel on arrival or contact the Vientiane Guide, published by the Women's International Group (WIG) for more information.
Canoeing/Kayaking is another popular pastime in the area and can be done on the Mekong River or on one of the rivers in the area such as those found in Vang Vieng where some rivers take you through spectacular caves. If you do decide on a cave trip, don’t forget to take a torch, you will certainly need it.
Cycling Some hotels rent out bikes and the whole of Laos can be explored in this manner. You’ll need a touring bike, hybrid or mountain bike to ride through Laos, as there are few sealed roads. Laos is a cyclists dream!
Drama An international community drama group and a choir hold various performances throughout the year. For more information ask your hotel on arrival.
Golf There are two golf courses (one 14 km south of town presently being extended to 18 holes) and another smaller course (9 shorter holes) 6 km outside town. See also the Vientiane Guide, published by the Women's International Group (WIG) for more information on this activity.
Health Clubs can be found in a number of hotels and if your own hotel doesn’t have one, many hotels offer short term memberships.
Hiking can be done anywhere in the country but the most favoured areas are around Vang Viang about 4 hours drive from Vientiane. 
Horse Riding can be done through a number of hotels and resorts in the area. Ask for more info on arrival or contact us for further information.
Mountaineering (Climbing) Like many areas of S.E. Asia there are vast areas of unexplored limestone mountains to be explored. You must get 3 permits. These can be acquired from Vientiane about a month prior to your visit via a travel company. Individuals can not apply for these independently. Warning: Although many travel companies offer this facility, some do not come up to scratch at all and often visitors have been given the ‘run-around’. You are therefore advised to glean as much information possible from climbing clubs in your own country (if possible) or from other climbers who have visited the area before you.
