Vientiane Travel Guide
Southeast Asia's sleepiest capital, a French colonial riverside town of tree-lined boulevards, golden stupas, and the monumental That Luang — Laos's most sacred Buddhist site.
🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Vientiane
- Pha That Luang — The national symbol of Laos, a gold-covered stupa dating to the 16th century, believed to contain a relic of the Buddha.
- Patuxai (Victory Monument) — A victory gate resembling the Arc de Triomphe, built in the 1960s with concrete donated by the US — climb to the top for city views.
- Wat Si Saket — The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, built in 1818 with a cloister wall containing 2,000+ silver and ceramic Buddhas.
- Wat Ho Phra Keo — A former temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha, now a museum of Buddhist art and religious artifacts.
- Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) — A park 25km outside Vientiane filled with 200+ concrete Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including a giant reclining Buddha.
- That Dam (Black Stupa) — A black stupa in the city center, reportedly once covered in gold, now weathered and surrounded by a small park.
- Morning Market (Talat Sao) — A market in Vientiane where locals buy and sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and everyday goods.
- COPE Visitor Centre — A notable sight in Vientiane, Laos, worth visiting for its cultural or historical significance.
- Mekong Riverfront — A riverside or waterfront area in Vientiane with walking paths, food stalls, and views.
- Wat Mixai — A Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos, with religious architecture and cultural significance to the local community.
🥾 Trails and Hikes in Vientiane
- Mekong Riverfront Walk — A scenic walk near Vientiane along the water with views and fresh air.
- Buddha Park Walk — A tuk-tuk or bicycle ride 25km downstream to Buddha Park, passing villages and rice paddies along the Mekong.
- City Centre Heritage Walk — A walking trail near Vientiane offering a way to explore the natural surroundings on foot.
🍽️ Restaurants in Vientiane
- L'Elephant — A long-running French restaurant in a colonial villa, serving classic bistro dishes and Indochine cuisine.
- Makphet — A non-profit restaurant training street youth, serving modern Lao cuisine with a social mission.
- Tamarind — A popular restaurant serving traditional Lao dishes with a modern twist, offering cooking classes.
- Joelle's — A restaurant in Vientiane serving local and international dishes.
- Kua Lao — A Lao restaurant in Vientiane serving sticky rice, laap, and Mekong dishes.
- Nang Fai Restaurant — A restaurant in Vientiane serving local and international dishes.
- La Belle Epoque — A restaurant in Vientiane serving local and international dishes.
- Chokdee Cafe — A cafe in Vientiane serving coffee, pastries, and light meals.
🍸 Bars and Nightlife in Vientiane
- Bor Pen Nyang Bar — A rooftop bar on the 5th floor with Mekong River views, cheap drinks, and a backpacker-friendly vibe.
- Spirit House Bar — A cocktail bar in a colonial house with creative drinks and a speakeasy atmosphere.
- Sticky Fingers Bar — A bar in Vientiane with drinks, music, and a social atmosphere.
- The Spirit House — A cocktail bar in a colonial house with creative drinks and a speakeasy atmosphere.
🎯 Activities and Tours in Vientiane
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park — Discover Wat Si Saket, Ho Pra Keo or Wat Ho Phakeo and Buddha Park on this Vientiane City Tour. Leave the city behind you and travel by air-conditioned car to Wat Si Saket. Visit Ho Pra Keo or Wat Ho Phakeo and Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang) with your tour guide before trave
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide — Enjoy your private tour with our English speaking tour guide in air-conditioned Minivan. Itinerary can be customised to include coffee break or some shopping. We will suggest to you local lunch but you can request for others (Vegetarian, halal or skip lunch). Feel free to let us
- Vientiane Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch — Laos’ capital city of Vientiane is an old French colonial trading post. This city is both abundant in French architecture as well as beautiful, ornate Buddhist temples. Even though it is the country’s largest city, it has not lost its friendly and laid-back character. Don’t miss
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour — On the Iconic Vientiane Tour, you'll dive into the rich culture of Laos as you explore its must -see landmarks! Visit the peaceful Buddha Park, where hundreds of unique statues create a magical atmosphere. Admire the beauty of the Patuxay Monument, often called the "Arc de Triomp
- Vientiane Cuisine & Culture: The Hungry Tuk Tuk — Do you eat your way through life? Us too! We loves food and Vientiane is a foodie’s paradise just waiting to be devoured. This gourmet safari visits local restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries, markets, factories and outdoor kitchens – so you can sample a smorgasbord of authenti
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station — Enjoy a hassle-free visit to Laos with convenient transfers between Wattay Airport and Vientiane city center! Get picked up by your very own professional driver at the airport or hotel and be transported to your destination with complete ease and convenience. This is a great way
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour — Enjoy a half-day guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane meaning the "city of sandal wood". Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals. Visit some of the most popular attractions includi
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch — Join a cooking class in Vientiane and learn how to make authentic Lao dishes. Visit a local market to purchase fresh ingredients, and enjoy a guided tour of the Madam Phasouk Cooking house
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time — Booking train tickets here can be difficult—often unavailable and time-consuming—as the train stations are far from the city center. We provide a convenient service that saves you money and time, removing the stress of being unable to buy tickets or finding them sold out when yo
- VangVieng Climbing and Ballon Area (Departure from Vientiane) — Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Vientiane and journey to the scenic town of Vang Vieng. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Namxai Viewpoint, where sweeping views of lush landscapes await. Explore the fascinating Jang Cave, rich in history and natural beauty
- +13 more activities and tours
🏨 Hotels and Stays in Vientiane
- Lao Plaza Hotel — Lao Plaza Hotel is a hotel in Vientiane city center, Vientiane. The commercial heart around Talat Sao and Patuxai with hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance of major sights The property features a guest review score of 8.6/10 and rates from $51/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Settha Palace Hotel — Settha Palace Hotel is a hotel in That Luang Area, Vientiane. The area around Laos's most sacred stupa, with quieter hotels and temple visits The property features a guest review score of 8.4/10 and rates from $84/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Ansara Hotel Vientiane — Ansara Hotel Vientiane is a hotel in Mekong Riverfront, Vientiane. The riverside promenade with sunset bars, night market, and hotels overlooking the Mekong toward Thailand The property features modern amenities, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Crowne Plaza Vientiane — Crowne Plaza Vientiane is a hotel in That Luang Area, Vientiane. The area around Laos's most sacred stupa, with quieter hotels and temple visits The property features a guest review score of 9.1/10 and rates from $74/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Salana Boutique Hotel — Salana Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel in City Centre / Morning Market, Vientiane. The commercial heart around Talat Sao and Patuxai with hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance of major sights The property features a guest review score of 8.9/10 and rates from $45/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Avalon Boutique Residence — Avalon Boutique Residence is a boutique hotel in Mekong Riverfront, Vientiane. The riverside promenade with sunset bars, night market, and hotels overlooking the Mekong toward Thailand The property features a guest review score of 9.2/10 and rates from $317/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Dhawakhin Hotel — Dhawakhin Hotel is a hotel in City Centre / Morning Market, Vientiane. The commercial heart around Talat Sao and Patuxai with hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance of major sights The property features modern amenities, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Green Park Boutique Hotel — Green Park Boutique Hotel is a boutique hotel in City Centre / Morning Market, Vientiane. The commercial heart around Talat Sao and Patuxai with hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance of major sights The property features a guest review score of 8.6/10 and rates from $76/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Mercure Vientiane Hotel — Mercure Vientiane Hotel is a hotel in City Centre / Morning Market, Vientiane. The commercial heart around Talat Sao and Patuxai with hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance of major sights The property features a guest review score of 6.7/10, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.
- Vientiane Garden Hotel — Vientiane Garden Hotel is a hotel in Sikhottabong / South, Vientiane. A quieter southern district with budget guesthouses and local markets near the train station The property features a guest review score of 7.6/10 and rates from $21/night, making it a practical base for visiting Vientiane.