Vientiane Travel Guide - Your Handbook To Exploring Laos

The capital of Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, is Vientiane. Just like its the entire country, Vientiane moves more slowly and silently than other major cities in the area. Located on the Mekong River, the city was once a French trading post and still retains much of its vibrant original colonial architecture. Today, as Laos opens up to more foreign investment and tourism, Vientiane is evolving gradually and becoming more and more of a place to explore.

When visiting Vientiane, it will be helpful to know when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and more! Here is our comprehensive Vientiane travel guide to help you plan your perfect trip to Laos!

The capital of Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, is Vientiane

When to go to Vientiane

Vientiane has a tropical climate, with average daily temperatures ranging from 24 to 37 degrees Celsius (75 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit). The best time to visit Vientiane is from November to April. This is when the weather in the area is generally warm and dry, and if you intend on doing a lot of sightseeing, you'll want this type of weather (the driest months on average are December-February). The months of January and February are the busiest for visitors, so expect more people and higher rates.

The rainy season begins in late May or early June and lasts until the end of October. Although it rains frequently, it normally falls in brief spurts, leaving the rest of the day mild and bright. Coming here during this time period means you won't have to deal with many other tourists. Prices are also a tad lower. However, dengue fever is a concern at this period.

Top Things To Do In Vientiane

Explore Buddha Park

Located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Vientiane, Buddha Park is a sculpture park with over 200 Hindu and Buddhist figures that all look centuries old but were really created in the 20th century out of concrete.

Though not deemed "historic," it is nevertheless worth a visit with its array of unconventional designs, such as a 3-meter-tall (9.8-foot) entrance shaped like a demon head and staircases representing both heaven and hell that visitors can ascend. The cost of entry is 15,000 LAK per person.

Admire the Great Stupa

When it comes to the best place to visit in Vientiane, locals and tourists alike swear by the Great Stupa. The Great Stupa (Pha That Luang) is the most important landmark in the country, a gold-covered stupa standing 44 meters (148 feet) tall. Constructed in 1566 by King Setthathirat, the outside is characterized by high walls resembling a fortress, while the interior is adorned with murals featuring Buddhist, floral, and animal motifs.

Annually, from October to November, the That Luang festival, a major Buddhist commemoration in Laos, take place here. This festivity showcases customary presentations, lively parades, and religious rituals. Positioned 4 km northeast of Vientiane, Pha That Luang is accessible by tuk-tuk or bike. Numerous guesthouses are conveniently situated within walking distance from this site.

Great Stupa is the most important landmark in the country

See the Victory Gate (Patuxai)

The Victory Gate, often called the Arc de Triomphe, is a monument in Vientiane that was constructed between 1957 and 1968 in memory of Lao warriors who lost their lives in World War II and the 1949 war of independence (which was fought against the French).

The structure was deliberately constructed slightly taller than its Parisian counterpart as a deliberate act of defiance against the French. The concrete used for this monument was a donation from the USA, originally intended for a new airport rather than this specific monument. Visitors also have the opportunity to ascend to the top, offering splendid views of Vientiane from the observation area.

Hang out in Chao Anouvong Park

Centrally located, Chao Anouvong Park is on the list of our best places to see in Vientiane. Locals use the park's many green spaces for walking, socializing, and sports, and in the evenings, a night market offers food and crafts as well as clothing. If you visit during the day, pack a picnic and a book to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, or come hungry and explore the night market.

Visit the COPE visitor centre

During the Vietnam War, the United States dropped about two million tons of bombs on Laos. Even today, many rural residents lose limbs or their lives after coming into contact with unexploded munitions. COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) was founded to help these victims recover by providing prostheses and other medical treatments. The COPE Visitor Centre is an eye-opening experience where visitors may learn more about the ongoing tragedy and the work that is being done. It's depressing but also educational. The event is free to attend.

Explore Vientiane night market

One of the top things to do in Vientiane at night is to visit local markets. The lively Vientiane Night Market offers an immersive glimpse into the local lifestyle in Vientiane. It is located along the Mekong Riverfront and features multiple rows of red-roofed stalls selling a wide range of items, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and more. One of the best things about visiting the market is trying to haggle with the locals if you want to purchase something.

One of the top things to do in Vientiane at night is to visit local markets

Tour the Lao National Museum

This museum is jam-packed with Laotian history. Exhibits cover the country's early history to the current age, including the country's battle for independence. The major exhibit focuses on the 1970s Lao Revolution. There are English signs, although many are solely in French. The cost of admission is 10,000 LAK. (Currently closed as it is in the process of transferring to a new building).

Best Places To Eat In Vientiane

You may be wondering where to dine and what to eat when visiting Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Laotian food in general and Vientiane cuisine in particular are not too hard to prepare and do not add too many spices like in other countries; however, each dish still has its own special flavor and is unique. Vientiane offers a variety of dining options for tourists, from high-end restaurants to street food stalls.

The best places to eat in Vientiane for street foods are the night market at Ban Anou, the food market near Pha That Luang, Lane Xang, the city's widest boulevard, the booths at Ban Haysoke, the night bazaar by the Mekong River, and more.

Sticky rice (khao niaw), green papaya salad (tam mak hoong), Lao sausage (sai oua), pork sausage (som moo), traditional Lao noodle soup (Khao piak sen), Lao beef noodle soup (feu), spicy rice noodle soup (khao poon), Laap (made with pork, chicken, beef, duck, or fish with herbs), adaptable Lao stew (or lam), or raw meat dish (koi), among many other well-known Laotian dishes that you should not miss.

How To Get To Vientiane

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

The optimal route from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by train, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 19 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $160. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus, which takes approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes, with fares priced between $22 and $35. 

Another possibility is flying, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes, costing between $30 and $170.

How to get Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Unfortunately, although there is currently an airport in Vientiane, there is not one in Vang Vieng, therefore flying is practically nonexistent at this moment.

Taking the train is the newest and most fanciest way to go from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. You can reduce the amount of time you spend traveling and instead spend most of your day at your destination.

For people who value their privacy and are prone to motion sickness, taking the bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is a fantastic option because it is a slower, more comfortable route that will not make you want to throw up.

Vientiane is evolving gradually and becoming more and more of a place to explore

How to get from Nong Khai to Vientiane

There are a few choices to think about when traveling from Nong Khai to Vientiane. There are various ways to get between these locations by transportation: Bus, Van, or Taxi.

It is advised that you take a taxi if you need to get somewhere quickly. If, on the other hand, you would want to travel more slowly and at a cheaper cost, you can get a van ticket.

How to get from Siem Reap to Vientiane

The most economical way to travel from Siem Reap to Vientiane is by taking a bus route via Khon Kaen. This journey typically costs between $22 and $50 and has an approximate duration of 19 hours and 22 minutes.

Direct flights are available from Siem Reap International Airport (REP) to Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane. Flight durations can vary, typically with a layover in between, and prices may vary depending on the airline and time of booking.

Conclusion

This Vientiane travel guide is provided by Laos Immigration Services in the hopes of providing you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this beautiful city. As you can see, there is plenty to keep you busy, even if you take your time.

So, ready to dive into this extraordinary adventure? Ensure a seamless start by applying for a Laos eVisa through our website. Get set to explore historical wonders, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yourself in Vientiane's cultural riches.

Please contact us whenever you are ready to arrange a trip to Laos, and our team will be delighted to help and ensure that you have an unforgettable time there!