Vientiane
Photo: Ford Stratton / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to February (cool and dry, 15-28°C); March-May is scorching (35-40°C)
Language
Lao (official); French among older generation; English growing in tourism
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK); Thai Baht and US Dollar widely accepted
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Airport
Wattay International Airport (VTE)
Population
~950,000 (metro area)
Climate
Tropical savanna, avg 22-35°C; monsoon rains May-October
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1); petty theft and UXO in rural areas outside the city
Known For
That Luang stupa, French-Lao fusion cuisine, Mekong riverside culture, Buddhist temples, relaxed pace
Top Highlights
Pha That Luang
Laos's most important national monument — a gold-covered Buddhist stupa dating to the 3rd century, rebuilt in the 16th century. Entry: 10,000 LAK. Open 8AM-12PM and 1-4PM. The November That Luang Festival draws thousands of monks and pilgrims. Best photographed in late afternoon golden light. Allow 1 hour.
Patuxai (Victory Gate)
Vientiane's answer to the Arc de Triomphe — built with American-funded concrete intended for an airport runway. Climb the 7 stories for panoramic city views (3,000 LAK entry). The surrounding park and fountain are a pleasant gathering spot. Free to view from outside. 10 minutes walk from That Luang.
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
A surreal sculpture garden 25 km southeast of the city with over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues, including a 40-meter reclining Buddha. Built in 1958 by a mystic shaman-priest. Entry: 15,000 LAK. Climb inside the giant pumpkin-shaped structure for views. Reach by bus #14 from Talat Sao bus station (8,000 LAK, 1 hour).
Mekong Riverfront at Sunset
The riverside promenade along Fa Ngum Road is Vientiane's social hub at dusk. Locals gather for exercise, food stalls set up, and the sunset over Thailand across the river is spectacular. Beer Lao costs 10,000-15,000 LAK at riverside bars. The night food market near Chao Anouvong Park offers grilled meats and papaya salad from 15,000 LAK.
French Bakeries & Cafes
A delicious legacy of French colonialism — Vientiane has excellent baguettes, croissants, and pastries. Le Banneton and JoMa Bakery Cafe serve proper French baked goods with Lao coffee (15,000-30,000 LAK). Khao jee pate (baguette sandwich with pate, vegetables, and chili sauce) from street vendors costs just 10,000-15,000 LAK.
Vientiane Night Market
Along the Mekong riverfront near Chao Anouvong Park, this nightly market (6PM-10PM) sells Lao textiles, handicrafts, and street food. Lao silk scarves from 50,000 LAK, handwoven sinh skirts from 100,000 LAK. Less pushy than Thai or Vietnamese markets — vendors rarely pressure you. Best on weekends when the market expands.
Wat Si Saket
Vientiane's oldest surviving temple (1818) with 6,840 Buddha images lining the cloister walls — a hidden gem often overlooked for That Luang. Entry: 10,000 LAK. Open 8AM-12PM and 1-4PM. The serene courtyard is perfect for quiet reflection. Combined ticket with neighboring Haw Phra Kaew museum available. Allow 45 minutes.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Vientiane Itinerary
Arrival & Mekong Sunset
Arrive at Wattay International Airport (VTE). Settle into this surprisingly small and charming capital.
Visa on arrival at VTE(30 minutes)
$30-42 depending on nationality. Bring 1 passport photo and USD cash. Or e-visa at laoevisa.gov.la ($50)
Tuk-tuk to guesthouse(15 minutes)
20,000-40,000 LAK to center. Budget guesthouses from 80,000 LAK/night in the riverside area
Late lunch at JoMa Bakery Cafe(1 hour)
French-Lao bakery chain. Croissants, baguette sandwiches, and excellent Lao coffee. 15,000-30,000 LAK
Mekong Riverfront sunset(1.5 hours)
Fa Ngum Road promenade. Locals gather for exercise, food stalls set up. Beer Lao 10,000-15,000 LAK at riverside bars. The sunset over Thailand across the river is spectacular
Temples & Monuments
Vientiane's spiritual and historical landmarks — from ancient stupas to victory arches.
Pha That Luang(1 hour)
10,000 LAK. Laos's most sacred monument — gold-covered stupa dating to 3rd century. Best in late afternoon golden light
Patuxai (Victory Gate)(45 minutes)
3,000 LAK to climb 7 stories for city views. Built with American-funded concrete meant for a runway. Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe
Wat Si Saket(45 minutes)
10,000 LAK. Vientiane's oldest surviving temple (1818). 6,840 Buddha images lining the cloister walls. Serene courtyard
Haw Phra Kaew(30 minutes)
Combined ticket with Wat Si Saket available. Former royal temple, now a museum of Buddhist sculpture. The original Emerald Buddha was here before Thailand took it
Lunch at Kualao Restaurant(1 hour)
Upscale Lao cuisine in a traditional building. Laap, tam mak houng (papaya salad), sticky rice. 50,000-100,000 LAK
Night Market dinner(1.5 hours)
Mekong riverfront near Chao Anouvong Park. Nightly 6PM-10PM. Grilled meats, papaya salad from 15,000 LAK. Lao textiles and handicrafts
Buddha Park & French Colonial Heritage
Morning at the surreal sculpture garden, afternoon exploring Vientiane's French legacy.
Bus to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)(1 hour)
Bus #14 from Talat Sao station (8,000 LAK). 25 km southeast. Or tuk-tuk round trip ~100,000 LAK with waiting
Buddha Park exploration(1.5 hours)
15,000 LAK. 200+ Hindu and Buddhist statues including 40m reclining Buddha. Climb inside the pumpkin-shaped structure for views. Built by a mystic shaman-priest in 1958
Return to center for French bakery lunch(1.5 hours)
Le Banneton — proper French baguettes and pastries in Vientiane. Khao jee pate (baguette with pate) 15,000 LAK
French colonial quarter walk(1.5 hours)
Stroll along Rue Setthathirath and surrounding streets — French shuttered buildings, boulangeries, and the Presidential Palace (exterior only). Vientiane feels more French than Vietnamese cities
Sunset at Chao Anouvong Park(1 hour)
Riverside park with statue of King Chao Anouvong facing Thailand. Perfect sunset spot
Local Markets & Cooking Class
Morning market immersion, afternoon Lao cooking class.
Talat Sao (Morning Market)(1.5 hours)
Vientiane's main market — actually open all day. Textiles, electronics, gold, and a great food court upstairs. Lao silk scarves from 50,000 LAK
Organic farmers market (Saturday only)(1 hour)
If it's Saturday — near That Luang. Small but excellent market with organic produce, herbal products, and Lao coffee
Lao cooking class(3 hours)
Tamarind Restaurant or Thongbay Guesthouse classes. 200,000-350,000 LAK. Learn laap, sticky rice, and Lao-style spring rolls. Market visit included
Evening along the Mekong(1 hour)
Beer Lao and grilled chicken at a riverside bar. The pace here is genuinely slower than any other Southeast Asian capital
Day Trip to Vang Vieng (or Nam Ngum Reservoir)
Choose: the adventure town of Vang Vieng (3-4 hours north) or the closer Nam Ngum lake.
Option A: Van to Vang Vieng(3 hours)
Minivan from Northern Bus Station (60,000-80,000 LAK one-way). Or take the new Laos-China Railway (2 hours, 84,000 LAK)
Vang Vieng: Blue Lagoon swimming(2 hours)
20,000 LAK entry. Crystal-clear spring-fed pool in karst limestone setting. Multiple lagoons — Blue Lagoon 1 is most popular, 3 is quietest
OR Option B: Nam Ngum Reservoir day trip(Full day)
90 km north. Large reservoir formed by a hydroelectric dam. Boat trips, floating restaurants, and swimming. Less touristy, more local
Free Morning & Bicycle Exploration
Rest morning, then cycle through Vientiane's quiet neighborhoods.
Rent a bicycle(15 minutes)
20,000-30,000 LAK/day from guesthouses
Cycle to COPE Visitor Centre(1 hour)
Free (donations welcome). Exhibition on UXO (unexploded ordnance) — Laos is the most bombed country per capita in history. Eye-opening and important
Cycle along the Mekong(1.5 hours)
Follow the river road east past local neighborhoods, temples, and fish farms
Farewell dinner at Makphet Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Social enterprise training street youth. Modern Lao cuisine. 40,000-80,000 LAK. One of Vientiane's best restaurants
Departure Day
Final morning. Last baguette and airport transfer.
Breakfast khao jee pate from a street vendor(20 minutes)
Baguette sandwich 10,000-15,000 LAK. Vientiane's most delicious French colonial legacy
Last-minute textile shopping(45 minutes)
Lao silk and cotton at Talat Sao or boutiques on Rue Nokeokoummane. Hand-woven sinh skirts from 100,000 LAK
Transfer to Wattay Airport(15 minutes)
Tuk-tuk 40,000-50,000 LAK. Allow 2 hours before flights
14-Day Vientiane Itinerary
Arrival & Mekong Sunset
Arrive at Wattay Airport, settle in, and catch the sunset.
VOA at VTE(30 minutes)
$30-42
Mekong sunset(1.5 hours)
Beer Lao 10,000-15,000 LAK
Temples & Monuments
Pha That Luang, Patuxai, and the oldest temples.
Pha That Luang(1 hour)
10,000 LAK
Patuxai(45 minutes)
3,000 LAK
Wat Si Saket(45 minutes)
10,000 LAK. 6,840 Buddhas
Buddha Park & French Quarter
Surreal sculpture garden and colonial heritage.
Buddha Park(1.5 hours)
15,000 LAK
Markets & Cooking Class
Market immersion and hands-on Lao cuisine.
Lao cooking class(3 hours)
200,000-350,000 LAK
COPE & Bicycle Day
UXO exhibit and cycling through neighborhoods.
COPE Visitor Centre(1.5 hours)
Free. Donations welcome
Bicycle along Mekong(2 hours)
20,000-30,000 LAK/day
Wat Sok Pa Luang herbal sauna(1.5 hours)
Temple-run herbal sauna — sit in steam infused with lemongrass and herbs. 20,000 LAK. Followed by traditional massage 50,000 LAK
Makphet dinner(1.5 hours)
Social enterprise. Modern Lao from 40,000 LAK
Rest Day
Free day in Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital.
Brunch at Naked Espresso(1 hour)
Australian-style cafe. Good coffee, avocado toast. 40,000-60,000 LAK
Vang Vieng Day Trip
Adventure town 3 hours north — karst landscapes and blue lagoons.
Laos-China Railway to Vang Vieng(2 hours)
84,000 LAK. New high-speed railway — much faster than driving
Blue Lagoon swimming(2 hours)
20,000 LAK. Crystal pool in karst setting
Tham Chang cave(1 hour)
15,000 LAK. River cave with views from the entrance over the Nam Song valley
Lunch at a riverside restaurant(1 hour)
Nam Song river views. Lao food from 30,000 LAK
Weaving & Textiles
Explore Lao textile heritage — one of Southeast Asia's richest weaving traditions.
Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles gallery(1 hour)
Master weaver's studio in a colonial building. Watch artisans at handlooms. Exquisite silk pieces from $50-5,000
Lao National Museum(1 hour)
10,000 LAK. Covers Lao history from prehistoric to communist revolution. The propaganda section is fascinating
Lunch at Lao Kitchen(1 hour)
Modern Lao cuisine. Khao piak sen (Lao noodle soup) is their specialty. 30,000-50,000 LAK
Ban Nong Bouathong textile village(2 hours)
15 km northeast. Village of weavers producing traditional Lao silk. Watch the entire process from silkworm to finished fabric. Buy directly — scarves from 50,000 LAK
Nam Ngum Reservoir
Day trip to the large reservoir 90 km north — boating, islands, and local seafood.
Drive to Nam Ngum(1.5 hours)
Tuk-tuk or car hire ~200,000 LAK return
Boat trip on the reservoir(2 hours)
Explore tiny islands and floating villages. Boat hire from 200,000 LAK
Lunch at floating restaurant(1 hour)
Fresh fish from the reservoir. Lao-style grilled tilapia from 40,000 LAK
Alms Giving & Morning Rituals
Observe dawn alms and explore Vientiane's morning rhythms.
Dawn alms observation(30 minutes)
6-7AM. Watch monks collecting alms along main streets. Observe from respectful distance. If offering, buy sticky rice from local vendors
Breakfast at Scandinavian Bakery(45 minutes)
Vientiane institution. Croissants, rye bread, and Lao coffee. 20,000-40,000 LAK
Wat That Khao & Wat Ong Teu(1 hour)
Free. Active temples near the center. Wat Ong Teu is Vientiane's most important monastic school
Rest Day
Second rest day. Spa and gentle exploration.
Herbal sauna at Wat Sok Pa Luang(2 hours)
Repeat if you loved it — temple herbal sauna and massage
Cafe hopping(2 hours)
Common Grounds, Naked Espresso, JoMa — Vientiane's cafe scene is underrated
Tha Deua & Friendship Bridge
Visit the Thai-Lao border area and the Friendship Bridge.
Drive to Friendship Bridge(30 minutes)
First Thai-Lao bridge (1994). View point overlooking the Mekong border
Tha Deua market(1 hour)
Border market with Thai and Lao goods. Local atmosphere
Phou Khao Khouay National Park entry(3 hours)
90 km northeast. Waterfalls and wildlife. Tad Leuk waterfall is the most accessible — swimming possible. Entry 10,000 LAK
Last Full Day — Favorites & Farewell
Revisit what you loved. Final shopping and farewell meal.
Textile and craft shopping(1.5 hours)
Lao silk, coffee, herbal products at Talat Sao or boutiques
Farewell dinner at Le Silapa(2 hours)
Elegant French-Lao dining in a restored colonial house. Set menus from 150,000 LAK. Vientiane's most atmospheric restaurant
Departure Day
Final morning.
Last khao jee pate(20 minutes)
10,000-15,000 LAK
21-Day Vientiane Itinerary
Arrival & Mekong Sunset
Arrive Wattay Airport, settle in.
Temples & Monuments
That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket.
Buddha Park
Surreal sculpture garden and French quarter.
Cooking Class
Market visit and Lao cooking.
COPE & Bicycle Day
UXO exhibit and cycling.
Rest Day
Free day.
Train to Vang Vieng
Day trip to the karst mountain town.
Railway to Vang Vieng(2 hours)
84,000 LAK
Textiles & Weaving
Lao textile heritage.
Nam Ngum Reservoir
Day trip to the lake — boating and floating restaurants.
Morning Alms & Temples
Dawn rituals and active monastery visits.
Train to Luang Prabang
Take the new railway to Laos's jewel city for 4 nights.
Railway to Luang Prabang(2 hours)
~120,000 LAK. The new China-Laos Railway makes this formerly 10-hour bus ride fast and scenic
Check in riverside guesthouse(30 minutes)
Rooms from 150,000 LAK. Stay on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers
Sunset at Phousi Hill(1.5 hours)
20,000 LAK. 328 steps to the summit — panoramic views of the rivers, temples, and karst mountains. Arrive by 4:30PM for sunset
Luang Prabang Night Market(1 hour)
Famous handicraft market along Sisavangvong Road. Lao textiles, mulberry paper, and handmade products. Nightly 5-10PM
Luang Prabang Temples
The UNESCO World Heritage city's most important temples and morning alms.
Morning alms giving ceremony(1 hour)
5:30-6:30AM. Hundreds of monks collect alms daily — Luang Prabang's most iconic sight. Observe from a distance. If participating, buy sticky rice from local vendors
Wat Xieng Thong(1 hour)
20,000 LAK. Luang Prabang's most important temple. The 'Tree of Life' mosaic on the rear wall is exquisite. 16th century
Royal Palace Museum(1 hour)
30,000 LAK. Former king's residence — crown jewels, thrones, and diplomatic gifts. No photos inside
Lunch at Tamarind Restaurant(1 hour)
Outstanding Lao cuisine. Tasting platters from 75,000 LAK. Their purple sticky rice dessert is unforgettable
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham(30 minutes)
10,000 LAK. Gold bas-relief facade depicting the Ramayana
Kuang Si Falls & Bear Rescue
Luang Prabang's famous turquoise waterfalls and the bear sanctuary.
Drive to Kuang Si Falls(45 minutes)
Tuk-tuk round trip 100,000-150,000 LAK. Or join shared minivan 50,000 LAK
Kuang Si Falls(3 hours)
20,000 LAK. Multi-tiered turquoise cascades — swim in the natural pools below the main falls. Arrive by 9AM to beat tour groups
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre(45 minutes)
At the falls entrance. Free. Asiatic black bears rescued from poachers. Feeding times are the best viewing
Afternoon back in Luang Prabang(2 hours)
Browse the boutique shops and galleries along the main street
Utopia riverside bar(1.5 hours)
Legendary bar on the Nam Khan river — cushions on multiple levels. Beer Lao 15,000 LAK. Best sunset spot in town
Luang Prabang — Pak Ou Caves & Mekong Cruise
Upstream Mekong cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves.
Mekong slow boat to Pak Ou Caves(2 hours)
Shared boat ~65,000 LAK or private ~300,000 LAK. Scenic cruise upstream past fishing villages and karst cliffs
Pak Ou Caves(1 hour)
20,000 LAK. Two sacred caves stuffed with thousands of Buddha images left by pilgrims over centuries. At the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers
Whisky Village (Ban Xang Hai) stop(30 minutes)
On the return — village famous for lao-lao rice whiskey. Free tastings of whiskey infused with scorpions, snakes, and herbs
Farewell dinner at The Belle Rive(1.5 hours)
Riverside French-Lao dining. Set menus from 150,000 LAK. The river view at night is magical
Rest Day in Luang Prabang
Free day. Visit the remaining temples or simply soak in the UNESCO atmosphere.
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre(1 hour)
25,000 LAK. Excellent museum on Lao ethnic groups and their textiles, tools, and traditions
Spa treatment(1.5 hours)
Spa by L'amant — herbal treatments in a garden setting. From 150,000 LAK
Return to Vientiane
Train back to the capital.
Morning walk through Luang Prabang(1 hour)
Last look at the temple-studded peninsula
Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Waterfalls and wildlife in the national park east of the capital.
Tad Leuk waterfall(2 hours)
Entry 10,000 LAK. Swimming possible. Multi-tiered falls in forest setting
Rest Day
Fourth rest day. Gentle pace.
Friendship Bridge & Border Area
Visit the Thai-Lao border crossing area.
Wat Phra That Nong Bua(45 minutes)
Replica of India's Bodhgaya temple near the border area
Last Full Day — Favorites & Farewell
Revisit favorites, final shopping, farewell dinner.
Farewell dinner at Le Silapa(2 hours)
French-Lao in colonial house. From 150,000 LAK
Departure Day
Final morning.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa on Arrival for Most Nationalities
30-day tourist visa on arrival at Wattay Airport for $30-42 USD depending on nationality (US: $35, UK: $35, Australia: $35). Bring 1 passport photo and USD cash. E-visa also available at laoevisa.gov.la ($50 including processing fee). ASEAN nationals and some countries get visa-free entry for 14-30 days.
transport
Vientiane is Walkable and Bikeable
The city center is compact — most sights are within a 3 km radius. Rent a bicycle for 20,000-30,000 LAK/day from guesthouses. Tuk-tuks within the center cost 20,000-40,000 LAK. For Buddha Park and further sites, use the public bus or negotiate a tuk-tuk (~100,000 LAK round trip to Buddha Park with waiting time).
Budget
One of Southeast Asia's Cheapest Capitals
Budget travelers can manage on $20-30/day. Guesthouses from 80,000-150,000 LAK/night (~$4-8), street meals 15,000-30,000 LAK ($0.75-1.50), Beer Lao 10,000 LAK ($0.50). Mid-range restaurants serve excellent French-Lao fusion for 50,000-100,000 LAK. The Kualao Restaurant offers upscale Lao cuisine at fraction of Western prices.
Three Currencies Are Accepted
Lao Kip, Thai Baht, and US Dollars are all used. You'll get the best rate paying in Kip. Exchange at banks or BCEL booths (not money changers near tourist sites). ATMs dispense Kip with a 20,000 LAK ($1) fee per withdrawal. Tip: BCEL ATMs have the highest withdrawal limits (2,000,000 LAK).
Local Customs
Morning Alms Giving to Monks
If you witness the daily dawn alms-giving procession (6-7AM), observe from a respectful distance. Do not block monks' paths for photos. If you wish to offer food, buy sticky rice and snacks from local vendors (not tourist kits). Women should never touch monks or hand items directly — place offerings in the bowl.
Safety
Avoid Swimming in the Mekong
The Mekong current near Vientiane is dangerously strong, especially during monsoon. Locals drown every year. The river also has poor water quality near the city. Enjoy the views from the bank. For swimming, head to the public pool near the National Stadium or the Nam Ngum Reservoir day trip (90 km north).
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