Overview
Take a trip to Vientiane on your Laos Vacation
Vientiane is the largest city and capital of Laos. Situated on a bend in the Mekong River, near the border with Thailand, Vientiane is considered one of the most relaxed capitals in the world to be enjoyed on a Laos tour.
With its three main roads running parallel to the Mekong River, as well as lighter traffic as compared to many other Asian cities, getting around Vientiane is fairly easy.
Considered to be an early Khmer settlement centred around a Hindu temple, Vientiane features a checkered history, all adding to its character and places of interest.
On a Laos vacation, Vientiane offers a number of beautiful temples and lively markets. One of the more famous tourist sites is Pha Tat Luang Temple, a Buddhist temple originally built in 1566 and restored in 1953.
Buddha Park, built in 1958 along the banks of the Mekong River, contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees.
The most prominent landmark in Vientiane is Patuxai, a memorial monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Although resembling Paris’ arc de Triomphe, it is decorated with typical Laotian design and offers panoramic views of the city from its top.
Featuring cafes, restaurants, street stalls, beer halls, and a night market, Vientiane is slowly becoming a tourism boom, offering various cultural sites amidst a laid-back atmosphere on a Laos vacation.
Buddha Park, built in 1958 along the banks of the Mekong River, contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees.
The most prominent landmark in Vientiane is Patuxai, a memorial monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Although resembling Paris’ arc de Triomphe, it is decorated with typical Laotian design and offers panoramic views of the city from its top.
Featuring cafes, restaurants, street stalls, beer halls, and a night market, Vientiane is slowly becoming a tourism boom, offering various cultural sites amidst a laid-back atmosphere on a Laos vacation.
At a Glance
Languages
LaoCurrency
Lao Kip (LAK)What do the experts say?
I love how laidback and relaxed Laos is compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. It's like the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all rolled into one, and then sent back in time 20 to 30 years.
Most people don’t know that Laos is home to mysterious ancient caves and hidden temples that few travellers ever visit, tucked away in remote mountains and along quiet rivers.
What I love most about travelling to Laos is the great mix of culture, history, good food, vibrant markets, and scenic views.
Buddhist architecture in Vientiane
Buddha Park is a popular place to visit while o...
Jade Buddha statue gardian of haw pha kaew temple
Laotian Prime Ministers Office
Temple in Vientiane
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
VientianeLight Rain
36°C / 98°F
90mm / 3.5"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Laos
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,210 ReviewsEverything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. ClaireGoway planned a custom 2 week safari trip for my wife and I which was beyond perfect. Extremely satisfied with the entire process from planning, booking and follow up. Special thanks to my Travel Specialists, Brooke Theron and Angela DonnellyNeil RWorking with Allan is absolutely a dream. He is one of the most responsive people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and his attention to detail is unmatched. I truly wish I could just use him for every single trip I need to book.Liz PooreKimberly Brown from Goway Travel made my trip to Australia & New Zealand a very memorable and remarkable experience. Every step and detail was fantastic and I will never forget the trip of a lifetime and it was because of the experience of Kimberly. If you are thinking about taking a trip to New Zealand and Australia, I highly recommend contacting Kimberly from Goway travel. David KleinWe had a blast and felt covered by GoAway throughout. This was our first time using a travel agent and Melissa and her team made it easy. I also appreciated the quick communication while on our trip. I only wish that we got our official itinerary and tickets sooner as we did not receive them until a week prior. But it is busy season so I understand. Courtney McCarthyElise created a fantastic trip to South Africa. Our experience could not have been better. Thank You so Much!!Dave McVayOur trip to Japan was great. All our Goway arrangements preformed like clockwork and the guides for the tours were wonderful. Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was in total fog but at least the lunch was very good and so was the drum solo, also our tour guide kept our spirits up ( she was the best).
Taryn picked hotels that were very convenient to the meeting point of our tours which was much appreciated and organized all aspects of our trip perfectly. So from our airport pickup to our last day in Tokyo everything ran very smoothly so we have used Goway before and will certainly use it again and reccommend Goway to others.JWWe had a great experience with Goaway travel our travel agent,FARNAZ. was very helpful and patient with us in planning our vacation to Greece. She was very thorough and professional and excellent with laying out our flights and our itinerary for our trip would highly recommend her very professional. Thank you again Franaz for your help and for me and my wife to have experienced a wonderful time in GreececustomerFarnaz booked Greece and Italy - she is fantastic! She listened to our needs and planned a beautiful itinerary that everyone enjoyed. All transfers went smoothly and I am looking to book more trips with her! AmyWe have used Goway Travel for previous trips and have been very happy with their excellent service. Our last trip to New Zealand and Australia was no exception. Our agent, Lori Mazzono, got tuned into the sort of trip we were hoping to have immediately. The various booking she provided were, without exception, exceptional and exactly what we envisioned, We really don't think we would have changed anything. tBruce Belshaw
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified