VIENTIANE → LAOS CAPITAL CITY
Vientiane capital city of Laos & seat of government on a bend in the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Despite its chequered past, Vientiane (pronounced ‘Wieng Chan’ by the locals) is a laid-back city. Furthermore, it is home to interesting wats, lively markets, and a number of great activities to enjoy.
Full of tourist attractions to see, Vientiane city hosts the most important national monument in Laos: the Pha That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa). This stupa, therefore, symbolizes both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty.
Other things to do & sights of interest include Wat Pha Kaew, a former royal temple, which is now a museum; Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane; and the Morning Market, a sprawling collection of stalls which operate from 6 am to 6 pm. Wat Xieng Khuan is a collection of compelling Buddhist and Hindu sculptures located in a meadow, 24 km south of Vientiane.
Explore laidback Vientiane from cultures to lifestyle – Plan it now → Best Laos Tours & Holidays
Top things to do in Vientiane – Must see tourist attractions [2025]
Vientiane is known as the laid-back capital city of Laos. Since life moves slowly here, it consequently attracts travelers who enjoy a peaceful, relaxed vibe. Additionally, this calm atmosphere makes Vientiane an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Among the tab thing to do in Vientiane, Explore centuries-old Buddhist temples on foot, by bicycle, or by tuk-tuk, making it one of the most popular activities in the Lao capital.
Patuxai monument | Add: Th Lan Xang
Reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Patuxai stands as Vientiane’s most prominent monument. The name translates approximately to Arch or gate of Triumph. Beyond a tourist attraction, Patuxai features four archways instead of two. Built in the 1960s with US-purchased cement intended for a new airport, it has earned the nickname ‘the vertical runway’.
Lao National Culture Hall | Add: Th Samsenthai
Opposite the Lao National Museum stands the monumentally proportioned Lao National Culture Hall, which dwarfs the museum. The Chinese government built an oversized and unattractive hall in the late 1990s as a ‘gift to the people of Laos’.
In addition to being a tourist attraction in Vientiane, the hall hosts occasional cultural events, including French cinema, Lao classical dance, and beauty pageants. Since no publicly available schedule of events exists, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the Vientiane Times for announcements.
Phat That Luang | Add: Th That Luang
Top thing to do in Vientiane – This Svelte and golden, Pha That Luang stands as the most important national monument in Laos, symbolizing both Buddhist religion & culture. Legend says that Ashokan missionaries from India erected a tâht (stupa) here to enclose a piece of Buddha’s breastbone as early as the 3rd century BC.
A high-walled cloister with tiny windows surrounds the 45-meter-high stupa. This cloister measures 85 meters on each side and features various Buddha images. You’ll find Pha That Luang about 4 kilometers northeast of the city center at the end of Th That Luang.
COPE Visitor Centre | Add: Th Khu Vieng
COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) provides the main source of artificial limbs, walking aids, and wheelchairs in Laos. Its excellent Visitor Centre, part of the organization’s National Rehabilitation Centre, features a range of interesting and informative multimedia exhibits about prosthetics and the UXO (unexploded ordnance) that necessitate them.
The centre regularly shows several powerful documentaries in a comfortable theatre. A gift shop and café are also available, with 100% of the proceeds supporting COPE’s projects in Laos.
Wat Si Muang | Add: cnr Th Setthathirath
Originally a Khmer heritage team located in Vientiane. The most frequently used grounds in Vientiane are at Wat Si Muang, where the lák meuang (city pillar) stands. This site is considered the home of Vientiane’s guardian spirit.
The large sǐm, which was destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt in 1915, was constructed around the lák meuang and consists of two halls. The large entry hall houses a copy of the Pha Kaeo (Emerald Buddha) and a much smaller, somewhat melted-looking seated stone Buddha that is said to have survived the 1828 inferno.
Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial
Opened in 1995 to celebrate the late president’s 75th birthday, the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial near Km 6 on Rte 13 south honors Indochina’s most pragmatic communist leader. Kaysone’s former house displays modesty, while the museum contrasts with a vast Vietnamese-style celebration of Kaysone’s cult (a cult he never encouraged).
Vientiane: History of the capital city of Laos
Vientiane’s peaceful demeanour belies a turbulent history. Over the 1000 or so years of its history, it’s been variously abused by successive Vietnamese, Burmese, Siamese, Khmer and French conquerors. Check out Laos Culture and find out more about Laos National Flag
The French cemented Vientiane’s status as Laos capital city when they took over the protectorship of Laos in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; it was further inhabited by CIA ‘spooks’ and the charismatic Ravens (the screw-loose CIA-funded pilots of Air America) in the 60s and early 70s.
After their victory in 1973 the Pathet Lao briefly considered moving the capital to Vieng Xai but then relented and stuck with Vientiane, and the city began a rapid transformation from notorious den of vice to austere socialist outpost. Since opening up to international investment, Vientiane has slowly been shedding its parochial skin.
In 2004, Capital city enjoyed the honour of hosting the Asean Summit, placing it firmly on Southeast Asia’s diplomatic map. In 2009 Vientiane, host the Asean Games, litmus proof this once backward-looking country has its sights firmly set on the future.
The simplicity of village life is rather soothing, and even in Vientiane, one finds it hard to imagine that a national capital can have such a lazy waterfront lifestyle. Of course, there is also the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, where witnessing the motionless movements of hundreds of saffron-robed monks amidst centuries-old monasteries is one of Asia’s most romantic scenes.
Vientiane: Cultue & Traditions
The Lao upper class has a prominent community of Loum people living in Vientiane. Their culture & social structure is clearly defined, and they speak both their native Lao language and a variety of other languages, primarily English, French, and Vietnamese. The main religion in Vientiane is Theravada Buddhism, however a small minority practice local non-Buddhist religions. There are lesser numbers of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indians besides the Lao people.
Vientiane, the laidback capital city of Laos, is home to many important Buddhist sites including so many things to do as well as a large number of excellent dining establishments, bars, large hotels, and other hubs for relaxation and entertainment. Villages and farmlands coexist in Vientiane, where the locals produce their handicrafts, textiles, and the most exquisite silk artistry.
Some o the important culture activities celebrated in Vientiane Laos including Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai or Songkran, is one of the most visually stunning celebrations in Vientiane and is observed from April 14 to April 16.
The celebrations, which typically run for a whole week, include a variety of ceremonies, traditional music, and cultural dancing, as well as spectacular water fights.
Furthermore, travelers have a number of options to explore this captivating Buddhist region, including the Rocket Festival (held from the end of April to mid-May) to beg the sky gods for rain, the Boun Ock Phansa (held in October to celebrate boat racing), and the Boun Khao Phansa (held on the full moon in July to begin Buddhist Lent).
Vientiane Weather
The weather in Vientiane follows the annual monsoon cycles that affect all of Laos & produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Vientiane between May and July and lasts into November.
Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.
Vientiane, which has a tropical climate, has two different monsoon seasons with average daily temperatures above 80°F (27 °C). June marks the beginning of the rainy season, which lasts until late October and is characterized by high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The monsoon delivers fresh air and river festivities to draw big numbers of tourists despite the high percentage of precipitation.
The dry season, which lasts from November to May, on the other hand, has more comfortable temperatures and less humid air. November and February of the following year are the busiest travel months because March through May is considered “boiling season” and should be avoided.
When to go
The best time for visiting Vientiane (Including most of Laos), is between November and February, when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional festivals.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times in Laos. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.
Vientiane Getting there & away: Popular Transportation
Air travel
Vientiane Wattay International Airport is around 5KM west of the capital city. The airport host a large range of international and local airlines including Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International as well as the Vietnam Airlines.
Laos airline conducts domestic flights between Vientiane and Huay Xai (thrice weekly) Luang Prabang (five daily), Luang Namtha (four times weekly), Pakse (four times weekly) and Phonsavan (daily), Savannakhet (four times weekly), Udomxai ( four times weekly), and daily international flights to Hanoi & Bangkok.
Train travel
Travel easily between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang by speed train. This is a very popular choice. This is the first Laos railway network that is increasingly popular connecting major cities and towns like Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Boten. The train tickets are available to book 3 days prior departure. Book them online or directly throuhg your hotel.
Bus Travel
Vientiane’s Northern Bus Station which is exactly 9km northwest of the centre, and serves all points north of Vang Vieng, including China and some buses to Hue and Hanoi in Vietnam. Destinations and the latest ticket prices are listed in English. Book them through your hotel or check with the bus station directly.
There are regular services to Bangkok, Pattaya and Siem Reap.
Vientiane: How to get around the capital city?
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane is expanding and public bus services now travel across the city, the services are inexpensive and available in daytime.
Other options including rent a cat, motorbike, or, bicycle and enjoy the laidback city of Vientiane your way!
The most affordable yet recommended by tourists is to travel around Vientiane by bicycle. Taxis and motorbikes have also become popular options for renting or touring the city. Another significant choice is to take a fun tuk-tuk ride for journeys ranging from 500 meters to 20 kilometers.
Backpacking Vientiane Laos: Travel Tips, Highlights & How To Plan
Power Plugs & Sockets, check if travel adapter needed?
Laos, Including Vientiane capital, uses Type A, B, C, E & F outlets for power plugs and sockets. The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. Yes, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type A, B, C, E and F in Laos. It is also advised to take a voltage converter.
If you are traveling from North America or Europe, the power adaptor you use at home will accommodate plugs in Laos.
Medical services & healthcare
Vientiane offers facilities of international hospitals & medical healthcare in case of an emergency. The medical care outside Vientiane Laos are limited and most hospitals & clinics in capital city only offer basic treatments and quick emergencies.
Some of the more advanced hospitals and clinics in Vientiane, such as the Australian Embassy Clinic and the Centre Médical de L’Ambassade de France, require appointments before treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule your visit in advance.For inexpensive hospital treatment of minor ailments in Vientiane, seek healthcare assistance at Mahasot center hospital.
Is Vientiane safe for tourists?
Generally a very safe city. Vientiane isn’t a big mega capital compare to Bangkok, or Ho Chi Minh City, so the city is peaceful and less crowded. Street crimes and petty theft are not common. Of course, take the normal precautions and stay vigilant.
Pickpockets have been reported during crowded festivals such as Songkran. Therefore, watch your surroundings if you’re in the crowd. Additionally, keep emergency numbers handy, including ambulance (1195), fire (1190), police (1191), and tourist police (021-251128) in case of an emergency. Check out Vientiane on Wikipedia
Vientiane: Money & Traveling cost
The Kip is the official currency of the Lao PDR. Currently the following banknotes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Kip are in circulation and available to use for shopping and traveling in Laos. Check out Laos Currency
The best currencies that are easily exchanging into Lao Kip are the USD, Euros, and Thai Baht. Exchange at the bank, airport, or at the money changers across Vientiane and other cities. Your hotel may do as well in a lower exchange rate.
Credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. However, American Express is only accepted at luxury 5-star hotels. All the mid-ranger and tiger restaurants, souvenir shops in Vientiane & Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasack are accepting credit card for shopping.
Packing list for Vientiane
Consider packing carefully, take clothing suitable for sun exposure and mild temperatures, and pack layers of light warmer clothes for cooler evenings.
In general, casual clothing works best for traveling in Vientiane and Laos. Specifically, choose loose-fitting, lightweight cotton materials for humid weather. However, casual doesn’t mean you can wear just anything. Therefore, we advise dressing conservatively and respecting local customs, especially when visiting temples.
Comfortable clothes and footgear for all seasons
Lightweight and light-colored clothing for beating the sun
Long pants or skirt to covering arms & legs (for visiting temples)
Sweatshirt or light jacket for the cool seasons
Powerful and long-lasting sunscreen
Rain jacket in the wet seasons
Dry pack if planning water-based activities
Universal travel adaptor
An Unlocked mobile phone to use a Lao sim-card
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