LA
Vientiane
A laid-back Mekong capital of golden stupas, quiet temples and riverside markets
A laid-back Mekong capital of golden stupas, quiet temples and riverside markets
This victory monument, built in the 1960s, resembles the Arc de Triomphe but is decorated with Lao motifs. Stairs lead to a viewing platform.
Photo: Stefan Fussan, CC BY-SA 2.0
Built in 1818, it is thought to be Vientiane’s oldest surviving temple. Its cloister walls hold thousands of small Buddha images.
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 25 km south-east of the centre, this garden of eccentric concrete Buddhist and Hindu sculptures was created from 1958 onwards.
Go early or late; there is little shade.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0
The gold-covered stupa, rebuilt in the 16th century on older foundations, is the national symbol of Laos and the focus of a major festival around the November full moon.
Cover shoulders and knees.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try larb, green papaya salad (tam mak hoong), grilled fish, khao piak sen (noodle soup) and baguette sandwiches (khao jee).
The riverside night market and the streets near Nam Phou fountain have many cheap places to eat.
Wattay International Airport is a short drive from the centre. Laos–China Railway trains run north to Vang Vieng in about an hour and Luang Prabang in about 2 hours; Vientiane station is about 16 km from the city.
The Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge links Vientiane with Nong Khai, and trains run from Thailand to Khamsavath station on the edge of the city. Many nationalities can get a Lao visa on arrival or an e-visa; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Laos uses the kip (LAK), which has lost much of its value in recent years, so prices change often; some hotels and tours quote in US dollars or Thai baht. Carry cash, as cards are not widely accepted outside larger hotels.
Prices are approximate; the kip fluctuates, so check current rates.
Temples, history and the riverfront.
Visit Pha That Luang, Patuxai and Wat Si Saket, then watch sunset by the Mekong and eat at the night market.
Visit the COPE Visitor Centre to learn about unexploded bombs in Laos, then take a tuk-tuk to Buddha Park.
Pha That Luang, the golden stupa, is the national symbol of Laos.
Book train tickets a few days ahead; they can sell out.
Choose branded drinks from reputable venues. Since six foreign tourists died of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng in November 2024, several governments advise avoiding local spirits, free shots and cheap cocktails in Laos.
April is the hottest month.
Quick answers for planning time in Vientiane.
By train in about 2 hours, with several departures a day.
About 25 km, reachable by bus or tuk-tuk.
An exhibition on unexploded ordnance in Laos and the people helped by prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Yes, trains cross the Friendship Bridge between Khamsavath station and Nong Khai.
November to February, when it is dry and cooler.
Lao script is hard to read; a translation app with camera mode helps.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Laos travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.