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Vientiane

Vientiane, Viangchan, Laos

Discover Vientiane: Laos' Laid-back Capital of Charm Escape the ordinary and step into the tranquil embrace of Vientiane, the captivating capital of Laos. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Vientiane is a c…

#Capital city#Cultural attractions#Historic sites#Mekong River#Buddhist temples

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Vientiane.

Top Hotels in Vientiane

Top Flights to Vientiane

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Vientiane.

Tours

Vientiane City Tour

Explore the capital of Laos with guided visits to the iconic Patuxai Victory Monument and the revered Wat Si Saket, filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Visit COPE Visitor Centre

Discover the powerful history of Laos during the Vietnam War and the ongoing effects through interactive exhibits at the COPE Visitor Centre.

Family Exploration at Wat Si Saket

Discover the historical beauty of Wat Si Saket, a fascinating Buddhist temple filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Cultural Afternoon at Lao National Museum

Visit the Lao National Museum to enrich your family with knowledge about the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Explore That Luang Stupa

Visit the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang), a gold-covered Buddhist stupa regarded as the most important national monument in Laos.

Patuxai Monument Visit

Explore the grandeur of Patuxai, a war monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe, offering a panoramic view of Vientiane from its top.

Lao Textiles Exhibition

Visit Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles for an insight into traditional Lao weaving techniques, featuring intricate handcrafted designs.

Afternoon at Wat Si Muang

Visit Wat Si Muang, an important spiritual and cultural site with a vibrant atmosphere, known for its legendary foundation stone.

Explore Hor Phra Keo Museum

Visit the Hor Phra Keo Museum to admire one of the most impressive collection of Laotian religious artifacts.

Wat Ho Phra Keo Visit

Explore the ancient temple Wat Ho Phra Keo noted for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.

Shopping

Evening at Night Market along the Mekong

Stroll through the vibrant Vientiane Night Market along the Mekong River, discovering local crafts and street food.

Outdoor

Sunset at Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Enjoy a peaceful evening admiring the unique sculptures and stunning sunset views at Buddha Park, located along the Mekong River.

Morning Walk at Chao Anouvong Park

Start your day with a refreshing walk at Chao Anouvong Park, a serene spot for families to enjoy morning activities and explore the surroundings.

Vientiane Riverside Morning Jog

Start your day with a refreshing jog alongside the Mekong River on the scenic Vientiane Riverside, enjoying the morning breeze and beautiful views.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Vientiane.

Currency

₭ | LAK | Lao Kip

Population

948487.0

Languages

Lao, Lao, French, English

Average weather

Vientiane

Jan

28°15°

Feb

30°17°

Mar

33°20°

Apr

35°23°

May

33°24°

Jun

32°24°

Jul

31°24°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

31°23°

Oct

31°22°

Nov

29°19°

Dec

27°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Vientiane.

What people love

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, offers a unique travel experience with its blend of traditional Lao culture, French colonial architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here are some pros of traveling to Vientiane:

Rich Cultural Heritage: Vientiane is home to several beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the iconic Pha That Luang, which is a symbol of Laos' national identity. Visitors can explore the spiritual side of Laos by visiting these sacred sites.
French Colonial Influence: The French colonial legacy is evident in Vientiane's architecture, with charming buildings, boulevards, and cafes that offer a glimpse into the city's past. Travelers can enjoy a mix of Lao and French influences in the city's cuisine, culture, and lifestyle.
Riverside Charm: Vientiane is situated along the Mekong River, offering picturesque views and a relaxing ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverfront, witness stunning sunsets, or take a boat ride to explore the surroundings.
Local Markets and Street Food: Vientiane boasts vibrant markets like the Morning Market and the Night Market, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Food lovers can indulge in delicious Lao street food, with options ranging from spicy papaya salad to savory noodle dishes.
Affordable Travel Destination: Compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, Vientiane is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for budget travelers. Accommodation, food, transportation, and activities are reasonably priced, allowing visitors to experience the city without breaking the bank.

Overall, Vientiane offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a rewarding destination for travelers looking to explore the charms of Laos.

What to know

Traveling to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, may present a few challenges or cons that travelers should be aware of:

Limited transportation options: Vientiane may not have as extensive or efficient public transportation systems compared to other major cities. Getting around the city may require relying on tuk-tuks, taxis, or renting a motorbike, which can be more expensive and less convenient.
Language barrier: English is not widely spoken in Vientiane, so communication may be a challenge, especially when trying to navigate the city, order food, or seek assistance from locals.
Limited tourist attractions: While Vientiane has its charm and cultural sites like temples and museums, it may not offer as many tourist attractions compared to other popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Some travelers may find the city lacking in terms of entertainment options.
Lack of nightlife: Vientiane is known for being a relatively quiet city, and the nightlife scene may not be as vibrant or extensive as in other cities. Those looking for bustling nightlife options may find Vientiane lacking in this aspect.
Hot and humid climate: Vientiane experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions, especially during the summer months. Travelers who are not accustomed to such weather may find it uncomfortable and challenging to explore the city during the day.

Overall, while Vientiane has its unique charm and cultural offerings, travelers should be prepared for some of the challenges mentioned above when visiting the city.

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, has a rich and complex history that reflects the broader history of the region. It is located along the Mekong River near the border with Thailand and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Laos.

Early History

Foundation and Early Development: Vientiane's origins are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been settled since at least the 9th century. It became a significant center during the Khmer Empire's influence in the region.
Lan Xang Kingdom: In the 14th century, Vientiane became part of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which was founded by King Fa Ngum in 1353. It served as a strategic and cultural hub within the kingdom.

Becoming the Capital

Capital of Lan Xang: Vientiane became the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom in 1563 under King Setthathirath, who moved the capital from Luang Prabang to better protect it from Burmese invasions. During this time, many important religious and cultural sites were established.
French Colonial Era: In the late 19th century, Vientiane fell under French control, becoming part of French Indochina. The French influence is evident in the city's architecture and urban planning.

20th Century and Beyond

World War II and Independence: During World War II, Vientiane was occupied by Japanese forces. After the war, Laos sought independence from France, which was officially granted in 1953.
Pathet Lao and Vietnam War: In the years following independence, Vientiane was a focal point of conflict during the civil war between royalist forces and the communist Pathet Lao. The city experienced significant turmoil during the Vietnam War era.
Capital of the Lao PDR: In 1975, the Pathet Lao took control of Vientiane, and it became the capital of the newly established Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Significant Historical Figures

King Fa Ngum: Founder of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
King Setthathirath: Moved the capital to Vientiane and commissioned the construction of key religious sites.

Important Landmarks

Pha That Luang: A national symbol of Laos, this large Buddhist stupa in Vientiane was originally built in the 16th century and is considered the most important national monument.
Patuxai: Often called the "Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane," this war monument commemorates those who fought for independence from France.
Wat Si Saket: The oldest temple in Vientiane, famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images.
Ho Phra Keo: Once a royal temple, it housed the Emerald Buddha and is now a museum of religious art.

Vientiane continues to be a city of immense cultural and historical significance, blending its rich past with modern development as Laos expands its role in Southeast Asia.