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
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
VientianePartly Cloudy
40°C / 104°F
38mm / 1.5"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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