VIENTIANE AT A GLANCE
CITY
Vientiane (ວຽງຈັນ)
COUNTRY
TIMEZONE
UTC+7 (ICT)
TRAIN
None
BUS
Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise (₭5000 LAK / $0.24 USD)
TERRAIN
Urban Tropics, Located on the Mekong River
WEATHER
Cool Season: 77ºF - 86ºF November to February / Hot Season: 95ºF+ March to May / Monsoon Season: 86ºF - 95ºF and Rainy June to October
AVERAGE MEAL COST
₭45000 LAK / $2.18 USD
AVERAGE HOSTEL COST
₭125000 LAK / $6.05 USD
LAST UPDATED
10/11/2023
The Best Bites in Vientiane, Laos
LANDSCAPE
NOTABLE FEATURES
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is known for its rich cultural heritage, serene Buddhist temples, and captivating landmarks. The city is home to iconic sites such as Pha That Luang, a golden stupa symbolizing Lao sovereignty, and Patuxai, a war monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe. Wat Si Saket, with its thousands of Buddha images, and the Buddha Park, showcasing a collection of unique sculptures, contribute to Vientiane's cultural allure. The Mekong Riverside offers picturesque views, and the vibrant Night Market allows visitors to immerse themselves in local crafts and cuisine. Vientiane blends historical charm with a relaxed atmosphere, creating a destination where traditional Lao culture meets modern influences.
TRAVELER'S NOTES
Is Vientiane Skippable?
Many backpackers choose to skip Vientiane and only use it for its Wattay International Airport. However, there is a lot of merit in Vientiane and I personally enjoyed my time there quite a bit. Not only do you get to experience a bustling city on a smaller scale, but also enjoy riverside restaurants along the Mekong and French cafes dotting the city. If you're one for tours and adventuring, this probably isn't your stop. But if you're like me and enjoy getting in sync with global cities, you might think of sticking around for a while.It's All About Where You Stay
I had the best time in Vientiane and that was most likely because I chose the right hostel. City hostels can be hit or miss. Especially when there are a lot of options. Choosing a hostel that meets your needs and has a conducive environment for socializing can make all the difference. While in Vientiane, I stayed at the Barn 1920s Hostel. This adorable hostel was 1920s themed and had an incredibly kind staff, a cafe with decent WiFi and even a kitchen for us backpackers. The kitchen was a huge plus, as it allowed me to chef it up from time to time. If I had been able to stay longer, I most definitely would have.Cafe De Dre and Big Wolf Vodka
While in Vientiane, my hostel had a kitchen! I took this as an opportunity to finally cook again. It had felt like ages since I last cooked up a meal and gotten drunk in the kitchen. One of my favorite pastimes is drinking cocktails while cooking. As such, I went down to the local grocery store and bought ingredients. The first thing I made was a mango juice and pineapple soju cocktail made with Big Wolf Vodka. Whatever you do, do not buy Big Wolf Vodka! No matter how cheap it is and how poor you are. It was awful... but I drank it anyways. Soon enough, I was dancing around the kitchen to my cooking playlist and working on the salmon. I made a pineapple-soya salmon and garlic bread. That night I had invited a cute French girl to dinner with me. I was excited to share the carefully cooked meal I had prepared with her. But unfortunately, she didn't show until the last minute and told me she had already eaten. Although I was a bit upset by this, nothing could shake my cooking spirit and I happily gulped down more of the Big Wolf Vodka atrocity and ate my food which I had prepared with love. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to love yourself a bit too.ACTIVITIES
Popular Activities
Pha That Luang: Pha That Luang is a magnificent golden stupa, considered the most important national monument in Laos. Dating back to the 16th century, it symbolizes both the religious and national identity of the country. The stupa is surrounded by a large complex with beautifully manicured gardens.
Patuxai (Victory Gate): Known as the "Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane," Patuxai is a war monument that offers a commanding view of the city from its observation decks. Its architectural design is a blend of traditional Lao and French styles.
Wat Si Saket: Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist temple renowned for its cloister walls adorned with thousands of small Buddha images. The temple's architecture is a fine example of traditional Lao design, and it has survived various invasions and wars.
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): Located just outside Vientiane, Buddha Park is a sculpture park featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The highlight is a massive reclining Buddha. The park provides a surreal and spiritual experience.
That Dam Stupa: That Dam, or the Black Stupa, is a mysterious structure with a dark legend. Despite its lack of gold like other stupas, it has a unique charm and is surrounded by local stories and beliefs.
Lao National Museum: The Lao National Museum offers insights into Laos' history and culture. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and displays detailing the nation's journey from ancient times to the present.
Mekong Riverside: Strolling along the Mekong Riverside provides a serene experience. You can enjoy picturesque views of the river, witness local life, and find numerous cafes and restaurants to relax and savor the surroundings.
Night Market: The Vientiane Night Market is a vibrant and bustling market where you can shop for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It's also an excellent place to try local street food.
COPE Visitor Center: The COPE Visitor Center highlights the work of the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, a non-profit organization providing prosthetic and orthotic services. Visitors can learn about their impact on the community.
Wat Si Muang: Wat Si Muang is a colorful and spiritually significant temple known for hosting lively religious ceremonies. The interior is adorned with intricate carvings and murals.
Talat Sao Morning Market: Talat Sao is a bustling morning market where you can explore a wide range of goods, from traditional textiles to electronic gadgets. It's a great place to experience local commerce.
Hor Phra Keo: Hor Phra Keo, or the Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha, was originally built to house the Emerald Buddha. Although the original Buddha is now in Bangkok, the temple displays a collection of religious art and artifacts.
Buddha Garden: The Buddha Garden is a tranquil space adorned with various Buddha statues and religious art. It provides a peaceful setting for contemplation and relaxation.
Cultural Performances: Throughout Vientiane, you can find venues showcasing traditional Lao dance and music performances. These cultural shows offer a captivating glimpse into the country's artistic heritage.
Tad Xai Waterfall: Tad Xai Waterfall is a short trip from Vientiane, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall provides a serene environment for picnics and relaxation.
Underrated Destinations
Ban Anou Night Market: Often overshadowed by the larger Night Market, Ban Anou Night Market offers a more authentic and local experience. Visitors can explore stalls selling traditional crafts, clothing, and street food, all in a less crowded setting.
Wat Inpeng: Amidst the more famous temples, Wat Inpeng remains a hidden gem. This small and serene temple features intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere, providing a quieter alternative to the bustling temple sites.
Lao Textile Museum: The Lao Textile Museum showcases the artistry of traditional Lao textiles. Visitors can gain insights into the weaving techniques, patterns, and cultural significance of these textiles, often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Xieng Khuan Cafe: Adjacent to the Buddha Park, the Xieng Khuan Cafe offers a tranquil riverside setting with stunning views of the Mekong. It's an ideal spot to relax, enjoy local coffee, and appreciate the beauty of the river.
Chao Anouvong Park: Named after a former Lao king, Chao Anouvong Park is a serene green space along the Mekong River. It's an underrated spot for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or simply unwinding while enjoying the river breeze.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Mekong Riverfront: The western edge of Vientiane is defined by the Mekong River, providing a scenic riverside area. The Mekong Riverside is adorned with parks, cafes, and spaces for recreation, offering residents and visitors a place to enjoy the river views.
City Center: The central part of Vientiane serves as the city's commercial and administrative hub. Here, you'll find government buildings, businesses, hotels, and a range of services. Notable landmarks, including the Patuxai Monument and government offices, are situated in this area.
Temples and Cultural Sites: Scattered throughout the city are numerous Buddhist temples, reflecting Laos' rich religious heritage. Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo, and That Dam are examples of temples that contribute to the cultural landscape.
Residential Areas: Vientiane has both traditional Lao-style homes and more modern residences. The city's residential areas include a mix of housing types, from traditional wooden houses to contemporary structures.
French Colonial Influence: Remnants of French colonial architecture, such as colonial-era buildings and boulevards, add a distinctive character to parts of Vientiane. The French influence is particularly visible in areas like Setthathirath Road.
Markets and Commercial Districts: Vibrant markets, such as the Morning Market (Talat Sao) and the Night Market, contribute to the city's lively atmosphere. These markets are not only places for commerce but also hubs for social interaction.
Green Spaces: Vientiane incorporates green spaces and parks, providing areas for relaxation and recreation. Chao Anouvong Park along the Mekong and other smaller parks offer locals and tourists spaces to unwind.
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