🏛️ Welcome to Vientiane – The Laid-back Capital of Laos

Set on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Vientiane is not your typical Southeast Asian capital. Unlike the hustle and bustle of other major cities in the region, Vientiane welcomes you with a slow pace, colonial charm, Buddhist elegance, and riverside sunsets.

Though small in size, Vientiane is big in character: French-style bakeries, golden stupas, leafy boulevards, colorful markets, and deeply spiritual temples. It’s a city to stroll, sip coffee, admire architecture, and soak up the subtle rhythms of Lao life.

✈️ How to Get to Vientiane

By Air

Wattay International Airport (VTE) serves flights from:

  • Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore, and more.

The airport is just 15–20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk from the city center.

By Land

You can also reach Vientiane by:

  • Bus or train from Thailand via the Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai – Thanaleng border)

  • Buses from Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse, and southern provinces

🛺 Getting Around Vientiane

  • Tuk-tuk: Easy and available everywhere. Always agree on price before the ride.

  • Motorbike rental: From $10–$15/day. Great for short distances.

  • Bicycle: A peaceful way to explore the quiet streets and riverfront

  • Walking: Many attractions in the city center are walkable.

🌟 Things to Do in Vientiane

🛕 Visit Pha That Luang

The national symbol of Laos, Pha That Luang is a massive golden stupa believed to contain relics of the Buddha.

  • Visit at sunset for the most beautiful light

  • Entry: ~10,000 LAK (~$0.50 USD)

🏯 Admire the Temples

Vientiane is home to beautiful and historically important temples. Don’t miss:

  • Wat Si Saket – with over 6,000 Buddha images

  • Wat Ho Phra Keo – former home of the Emerald Buddha

  • Wat Ong Teu – known for its large seated Buddha and tranquil grounds

🏛️ Explore Patuxai Monument

Often called the “Arc de Triomphe of Laos”, Patuxai is a war memorial with Lao-style design and stunning views from the top.

  • Climb up for a panoramic view of Vientiane

  • Surrounded by fountains and public gardens

🧘 Relax by the Mekong River

  • Take a peaceful walk or rent a bike along the Mekong riverfront

  • Enjoy riverside cafes and food stalls

  • Join locals for sunset yoga, badminton, or street snacks

  • The night market opens from 5 PM near Chao Anouvong Park

🖼️ Visit COPE Visitor Centre

An essential stop to understand Laos’ war history and the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

  • Free entry

  • Thought-provoking and eye-opening

  • Supports a great cause — prosthetics and rehabilitation for UXO survivors

🧖‍♀️ Try a Traditional Lao Herbal Sauna

Relax with a herbal steam sauna and massage at local spots like:

  • Papaya Spa

  • Herbal Sauna at Wat Sok Pa Luang (a unique temple experience)

🍜 What to Eat in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a flavorful mix of Lao, Thai, and French cuisines, along with street food and trendy cafés.

Must-try dishes:

  • Laap (minced meat salad)

  • Khao Piak Sen (Lao-style noodle soup)

  • Grilled river fish with sticky rice

  • Baguette sandwiches with pâté and Lao fillings

  • Jeow bong – spicy chili paste made with buffalo skin

Where to eat:

  • Kualao Restaurant – traditional Lao cuisine in a colonial setting

  • Pimentón – Spanish-Lao fusion with great tapas

  • Rays Grille – burgers, Western comfort food, and riverside seating

  • Common Grounds – great coffee and brunch

🏨 Where to Stay in Vientiane

From budget guesthouses to boutique hotels, Vientiane has something for everyone.

Recommended stays:

  • Budget: Barn1920s Hostel, Sabaidee@Lao Hotel

  • Mid-range: Lao Poet Hotel, Salana Boutique Hotel

  • Luxury: Crowne Plaza Vientiane, Green Park Boutique Hotel

📅 Best Time to Visit Vientiane

  • November to February: Cool, dry, and perfect for sightseeing

  • March to May: Hot, with fewer tourists

  • June to October: Rainy season — lush and green, but occasional heavy rains

🇱🇦 Why You’ll Love Vientiane

Vientiane is not a city of rush or chaos — it’s a capital of quiet charm, gentle smiles, and deep spiritual roots. Whether you’re learning about Laos’ history, tasting local cuisine, or simply watching life go by at a sidewalk café, this city invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

Come with curiosity. Leave with calm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

It is highly recommended you visit Hanoi during the months of October to early December. The air is cool and dry and there are not yet many tourists (compared to the peak season of late December to early January). The period after Tet holiday from March to April is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals in and around Hanoi. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is otherwise a good time to be as accommodation and tour activities are considerably cheaper than in winter time.

2. Is Hanoi a safe city?

Hanoi is a very safe place to be in, especially in Hanoi Old Quarter area. Here and there there can be petty crimes such as pick pocketing, so beware of your belongings. Single woman travelers have consistently rated Hanoi as one of the safest cities to travel in, with very low crime rate against tourists.

3. How long should you spend in Hanoi?

It really depends on how much time you have got. The minimum recommended duration is 3 days while you can stay as long as 3 weeks to fully enjoy the city. Although Hanoi does not seem to have a lot of things to do at first sight, one will have to dig deeper to know the must-dos. From nightly street food scenes to the hidden shopping alleys, and occasional visit to craft village, Hanoi may just well be your most special destination thus far. If you need some suggestion, contact us.

4. What should I buy in Hanoi?

Hanoi is famous for its Old Quarter where each street often specialize in one single product (production and sales). Once you get here you will know exactly what you should buy. Some ideas include conical hats, handcrafted bags, silverwares… Souvenir shops that crowd Au Trieu Street, Nha Tho Street or Hang Be Street also offer more extension selection: coffee, tea, essential oils, and silk. If there is no price tag attached, it is always good to bargain.

5. How cold does it get in Hanoi?

Hanoi weather often reaches a record low of 7 Celsius degree in late December or early January. However the humid wind often makes it a lot harsher than its sounds. If you plan to travel to Hanoi during this period, make sure to pack some serious sweater or jackets. In case you travel beyond Hanoi to the mountain region of Sapa, the temperature may even drop further.