Vientiane

Things to see and do in Vientiane

Vientiane – The Chillest Capital on Earth

Vientiane moves at the speed of a sleepy water buffalo. Golden stupas shimmer beside crumbling French mansions, monks cycle past baguette sellers, and the mighty Mekong drifts by like it has all the time in the world. There are no traffic jams, no skyscrapers, and the loudest noise is usually a tuk-tuk driver asking “where you go?” with a grin. Sunset is officially a national sport — hundreds gather along the river with cold Beerlao watching Thailand glow on the opposite bank. This is the least “capital” capital in Asia: proud, delicious, and so laid-back it should come with a hammock and a warning label that says “may cause permanent relaxation.”

Top Activities and Experiences in Vientiane

These are the moments that make you cancel your onward ticket.

Mekong Sunset with Beerlao & Grilled Fish

Grab a plastic chair at any riverside pop-up, order cold Beerlao and fish fresh from the grill, and watch the sky turn flamingo pink while Thailand twinkles across the water.

Pha That Luang at Golden Hour

Walk around Laos’ holiest golden stupa as the late light turns it molten — monks chant, butterflies dance, and the entire city feels sacred.

Sunrise Alms-Giving Along Sétthathirath Road

Wake early to watch hundreds of orange-robed monks collect sticky rice in perfect silence while the colonial streets are still cool and quiet.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) at Magic Hour

Tuk-tuk 25 km out to a riverside meadow filled with 200 giant, surreal concrete Hindu-Buddhist statues — climb inside the three-storey pumpkin demon for the weirdest view in Laos.

COPE Visitor Centre

Spend an emotional hour learning about the Secret War and the millions of unexploded bombs still in the ground — one of the most important (and free) museums in Southeast Asia.

Street-food Crawl at Night Market

Grilled buffalo skewers, tam mak hung papaya salad that sets your mouth on fire, khao jee sandwiches, and coconut pancakes until you can’t walk.

Ready for Golden Stupas, Mekong Sunsets, and Total Chill?

Vientiane doesn’t try to impress you — it just hands you a Beerlao and lets the sunset do the talking. Sabaidee — welcome to the world’s most relaxed capital!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vientiane

What are the absolute must-do experiences in Vientiane?

The must-do experiences are sunset on the Mekong with Beerlao, golden hour at Pha That Luang, sunrise alms-giving, the surreal Buddha Park, and the sobering COPE Visitor Centre.

How many days should I spend in Vientiane?

You should spend two relaxed days — one for temples and riverside life, one for Buddha Park and COPE. Most people use it as a visa-run stop, but it’s worth slowing down for.

When is the best time to visit Vientiane?

The best time is November–February when it’s cool and dry. October and March are still pleasant; avoid April (too hot) and July–September (rainy season).

Is Vientiane worth visiting?

Yes — it’s the perfect antidote to Bangkok or Hanoi chaos. People come for one night and leave four days later wondering where the time went.

Where is the best place to stay in Vientiane?

For atmosphere, stay near the Mekong or in the old French quarter. Luxury: Crowne Plaza or Salana Boutique. Mid-range: Sailomyen Café & Hostel or Azure Hotel. Riverside calm: Mekong Hotel or Beau Rivage.

What is the best food in Vientiane?

The best food is tam mak hung and grilled meats at night market stalls, French-Lao fusion at Le Vendôme or L’Adresse, khao soi breakfast at Noy’s Noodles, and riverside barbecue with cold Beerlao.

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Places to Visit

Pha That Luang

Laos’ national symbol — a massive golden stupa surrounded by 30 smaller pinnacles, glowing like a second sun at golden hour and surrounded by the smell of incense and marigolds.

Patuxai (Victory Gate)

Laos’ Arc de Triomphe — climb the seven floors for the best city panorama and laugh at the sign that says it was built with American cement meant for an airport.

Mekong Riverside Promenade

Evening comes alive with aerobics classes, food stalls, fairy lights, and hundreds of locals drinking Beerlao while Thailand glows on the opposite bank.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

A surreal meadow of 200 giant concrete statues — reclining Buddhas, multi-headed Nagas, and a three-storey demon pumpkin you can climb inside for weird views.

COPE Visitor Centre

A powerful, free museum about the Secret War and ongoing UXO problem — prosthetic limbs, bomb casings turned into art, and stories that will stay with you forever.

Wat Si Saket

The oldest temple in Vientiane — survived the 1828 Siamese destruction and now houses over 10,000 Buddha statues in every nook and cranny.

Suggested itineraries featuring Vientiane

Laos Highlights

5 Days | From $699

Laos

Luang Prabang | Vientiane

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Northern Laos Uncovered

11 Days | From $1299

Laos

Luang Prabang | Vientiane | Nong Khiaw | Vang Vieng

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Discover Laos

8 Days | From $999

Laos

Luang Prabang | Vientiane | Xieng Khouang

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Accommodation choices for Vientiane

Lao Plaza Hotel

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In a capital city which is famous for its temples and monuments, Lao Plaza Hotel has been created to dominate the growing skyline. As the country's first official 5 star hotel, the Lao Plaza Hotel is the center of the emerging capital's business and entertainment world. Multinational businessmen and tourists alike are swiftly discovering the potential of Laos. The Lao Plaza Hotel is uniquely positioned to cater for the executive demands and to introduce the world to the charms and excitement of the awakening country. The Lao Plaza Hotel is setting the new standards for hospitality in this ancient land.

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane

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Featuring views of the Mekong River, this relaxed hotel off Route 13 is a 12-minute walk from the Vientiane Night Market and 13 minutes by foot from the Presidential Palace. It's 1 km from
Wat Si Saket, a 19th-century temple.

Unfussy rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes, along with tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms have balconies; some add sitting areas.

Amenities include a fitness center, a spa area, and an open-air 10th-floor bar that has river views. Breakfast, parking and massages are available.

City Inn Vientiane

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The City Inn Vientiane Hotel is a blend of modern design and Asian culture. Our luxurious accommodations creates an ambiance that is sure to make your stay in Laos a memorable one. The hotel is an exquisitely designed facility that contains double rooms, junior suites, executive suites and a restaurant for your dining pleasure. It is conveniently located near Namphou Circle, major temples and tourist sites, the morning market, foreign embassies, business and shopping centres.