Vientiane still has much of the Eurasian feel that characterized the former French Indochinese cities. French Colonial architecture, broad tree-lined avenues and freshly baked French bread are as integral a part of the scenery as saffron robed monks, Buddhist temples and street stalls selling noodle soup. There are also elements of the Thais, Khmers, Chinese, Vietnamese, Soviets, Hindus and Christians who have contributed to varying degrees to the city's history and character.

Being quite small, it is very easy to get around and traffic, while increasing, is still nothing compared to the chaos that characterizes most Asian metropolises.

This charming town is a popular tourist destination so there is a wide range of accommodation there to suit every budget, including upscale luxury hotels, serviced apartments, French colonial style boutique hotels and Lao-style guesthouses with a family atmosphere. Click on Vientiane Accommodation to find and book Vientiane hotels or Vientiane guesthouses. Alternatively, use our Vientiane Map to search for accommodation by its location.

Vientiane Destination Guide

In addition to visiting the sites listed below, there are quite a few things to do. Early to mid-November there is the That Luang Festival which is the largest temple fair in Laos. Festivities climax on the morning of the full moon at which time thousands of monks from all over the country receive offerings of food and alms from Laos' Buddhist faithful.

In October is the Bun Nam (River Festival) during which there are boat races and festivities for three days. And of course there's shopping - everything made anywhere in Laos practically can be bought in Vientiane. See the Vientiane Shopping page for more details. So venture outside your comfortable hotel room and see what this city has to offer!

Pha That Luang (Royal Stupa)

Pha That Luang (Royal Stupa), located 3 km north of downtown, is the most famous landmark of Vientiane and an important national symbol since it represents both Laos' main religion - Buddhism - and its sovereignty. It was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in 1935. It is also the site of a major festival in early November during which time it is lit up.

Patuxai (Anousavary) - Victory Monument

Situated at the north end of Lane Xang Avenue, this arch resembles Paris' Arc de Triomphe - as it is sometimes referred to - with the exception of the Lao motifs carved into it. The Patuxai was built to commemorate the Laos who died in pre-Revolutionary wars. During the day, the monument can be climbed and makes an excellent vantage point from which to survey the city.

Wat Sisaket

This temple was built in 1818 and is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. It features over 6,840 Buddha images of various sizes, styles and materials including silver, ceramic, wood, bronze and stone. Most of the images are older than the temple itself, coming from between the 15th and 19th centuries. They are all ritually cleansed at the time of the Lao new year.

Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park)

Buddha Park is situated about 25 minutes drive outside the city centre. The park was designed and built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a yogi-priest-shaman who merged Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, iconography and mythology. It is fascinating for its many unusual concrete sculptures of virtually every Hindu and Buddhist deity.

Lao Revolutionary Museum

The museum is housed in a large, old French colonial building on Thanon Samsenthai and shows a collection of artifacts, photographs and paintings of the history of the Lao People's Revolution. From the French Colonial period to the struggle for independence to the resistance to American imperialism, it ends finally in 1975 with the Pathet Lao Communist victory. There are also small cultural and geographical exhibits.

Wat Ho Prakeo

Situated next to the Presidential Palace is the large temple of the former Lao Royal family which has been converted into a museum. Thought to be built in 1565 by order of King Setthatirat, Wat Ho Prakeo once housed the Emerald Buddha that was taken by the Thais in 1779, was razed in 1828 during the Siamese-Lao war and rebuilt between 1936 and 1942. It has inside and outside several impressive examples of Buddhist sculpture.

Nam Ngum Lake

This artificial lake, created by the damming of the Ngum river for a hydroelectric plant, forms an area 250 sq km and contains many attractive islets. Boats can be hired by the hour to explore the area and visit the islands which were briefly used to banish law offenders after 1975.

Phu Khao Khoay - Buffalo Mountain

This mountain is situated 45km east of Vientiane and is a National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA). The hills, which rise to over 1000m and are covered with pine forests are home to important wildlife including elephants, gibbons and rare species such as gaurs, tigers, clouded leopards and Asiatic black bears.

While there are no formal facilities for visitors, the area makes a cool retreat from Vientiane during the hot season March to May but is pretty cool and misty much of the rest of the year.

Don Savang

About 30km from Vientiane, 4km from the road to Luang Prabang, is Don Savang - a small island in the middle of a lake at the Nam Houn Dam. Here, locals enjoy the afternoon spending their time eating, drinking and playing water sports. There are a number of floating shelters where you can relax, as well as a small restaurant.

Vientiane Destination Guide

Being quite small, it is very easy to get around and traffic, while increasing, is still nothing compared to the chaos that characterizes most Asian metropolises.

Vientiane Destination Guide

Attractions in and around Vientiane

Pha That Luang (Royal Stupa)

Patuxai (Anousavary) - Victory Monument

Wat Sisaket

Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park)

Lao Revolutionary Museum

Wat Ho Prakeo

Nam Ngum Lake

Phu Khao Khoay - Buffalo Mountain

Don Savang

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