Vientiane is probably the most overlooked capital city in Southeast Asia. Most travelers pass through on their way to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang and barely spend a day here. While I wouldn’t rank it among my favorite capitals in the region, like Bangkok or Hanoi, I do think it deserves at least one full day in your Laos itinerary. What Vientiane lacks in world-famous attractions, it makes up for with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful temples, good food, and some surprisingly interesting monuments. Here are the best things to do in Vientiane.
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1. Visit Pha That Luang
If there is one landmark that defines Vientiane, it’s Pha That Luang. This enormous golden stupa is the most important religious monument in Laos and appears on the country’s national emblem.
The complex is beautiful, especially in the late afternoon when the golden structure shines under the sun. While the temple grounds themselves aren’t huge, it is one of those places you simply can’t skip while visiting the capital.
Travel tip: Visit around sunset and combine it with the nearby Patuxai monument.
Price: 30.000 kip (1.2€); Schedule: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
The temple grounds are small, but it is a very impressive structure, especially when the sun hits the golden Grand Stupa. Also, the roofed courtyard around it is lined by Buddha statues. Most people just stay around the main temple (although still very few people visit), but do not miss the three amazing sites just next to the temple:
Wat That Luang Tai
Right next to Pha That Luang you will find a gardened temple with a golden reclining Buddha and a gorgeous painted prayer hall. I didn’t see anyone else there, but it was a really beautiful place. Do not leave Vientiane without visiting Wat That Luang Tai.
Wat That Luang Neua
On the other side of Pha That Luang, you can find a smaller temple with a beautiful gold and red carved facade.
Ho Thammasapha
And right next to Wat That Luang Neua you’ll find Thammasapha, an enormous Buddhist Conference Hall that looks more like a palace than anything else!
2. Climb Patuxai Monument
Often called the “Arc de Triomphe of Laos”, Patuxai is Vientiane’s most famous monument. Built after independence from France, it dominates a large boulevard in the center of the city. While it is already nice to visit from below, you can also climb to the top and get one of the best views of Vientiane. For me, the most interesting thing was seeing just how green and low-rise Vientiane still is compared to many other Southeast Asian capitals.
Price: 30.000 kip (1.2€); Mon-Sun 8.30am-5pm
3. Explore Wat Sisaket
Vientiane has plenty of temples, but if you’re only going to visit one, make it Wat Sisaket. Built in 1818, it is the oldest surviving temple in the city and one of the few structures that survived the Siamese invasion of Laos. The temple’s covered corridors contain thousands of small Buddha images, making it quite unique compared to other temples in the country.
Price: 30.000 kip (1.2€); Mon-Sun 8am-5pm
4. Watch Sunset Along the Mekong River
One of my favorite things to do in Vientiane cost absolutely nothing. Every evening, locals gather along the Mekong River promenade to exercise, socialize, shop at the night market, or simply enjoy the sunset. On the other side of the river you’ll actually be looking at Thailand. Grab a cold Beer Lao, find a seat by the river, and enjoy one of the most relaxing sunsets in Laos. I’m not gonna lie, sunsets in Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng are much more beautiful, but it is still great!
Travel tip: The riverside area becomes much livelier after dark, making it a great place for dinner as well. Enjoy the night market, which does not only encompass food, but also shopping and entertainment!
5. Discover Buddha Park
Located about 25 kilometers outside the city, Buddha Park is one of the strangest attractions in Laos. The park contains more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures spread across a grassy riverside setting. Some statues are enormous, while others are delightfully bizarre. It’s real name is Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, but it is not really a temple, and even thought the sculptures seem ancient, they are quite recently with the park starting in 1958. Despite all that, visiting the Buddha Park is still quite a memorable and unique thing to do in Vientiane.
Price: 30.000 kip (1.2€); Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Travel tip: Combine Buddha Park with a scooter ride through the countryside surrounding Vientiane.
6. Visit COPE Visitor Centre
This is arguably the most culturally and historically relevant visit you can have when visiting Vientiane. COPE explains the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance left behind after the Vietnam War. The exhibits are informative, emotional, and extremely well presented. It’s not the most cheerful attraction in the city for obvious reasons, but it provides valuable context about modern Laos and the challenges many communities still face today.
Price: Free (donations encouraged)
7. Eat Your Way Through the Night Market
The Vientiane Night Market stretches along the Mekong every evening and is one of the best places to sample local food. You’ll find everything from grilled fish and sticky rice to fruit shakes, Lao sausages, and noodle dishes. The market is also a good place to pick up souvenirs and inexpensive clothing. For a more local experience, don’t be afraid to venture away from the river and try some of the smaller street food stalls scattered throughout the city.
The night market in Vientiane is much more relaxed than in other more known destinations in Southeast Asia, such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or even Luang Prabang. Also, you’ll get to try crocodile! It may sound weird, but it is a tasty mix of chicken and white fix and a surprisingly sustainable protein source. There are many other choices too, so don’t worry!
How to Get to Vientiane
By Plane
Vientiane is served by Wattay International Airport, the main international gateway to Laos. There are direct flights from destinations throughout Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. The airport is located only a few kilometers from the city center.
By Train or bus
The Laos-China Railway has made reaching Vientiane much easier. High-speed trains connect the capital with Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and other cities throughout the country.
Travel tip: Train tickets can sell out surprisingly quickly, especially during weekends and holidays, so book in advance whenever possible.
You can also travel from and to other cities in Laos by bus or minivan, and this is especially relevant for smaller, lesser visited places in the country. You can check for tickets and routes in advance in the link below, but it may also be a good idea to check with your accommodation.
Where to Stay in Vientiane
Budget Accommodation
Vientiane has no shortage of affordable hostels and guesthouses. Most backpackers stay near the riverside area, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and transport connections. Wood Wood Hostel is a popular option for travelers looking to socialize, while HLD Hotel Vientiane or Demi Cafe and Hostel offer a quieter atmosphere and excellent value for private rooms.
Mid-Range Hotels
For very reasonable prices, you can find comfortable hotels with pools and central locations. Some great options include S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel, Salana Boutique Hotel, or Champa Phan Boutique Hotel. If you want something Mekong Riverside Villa.
Luxury Hotels
If you’re looking for something more upscale, Vientiane offers a surprising amount of luxury. The most famous property in the city is Crowne Plaza Vientiane, which features spacious rooms and excellent facilities. If you’re looking for luxury in an elegant colonial-style setting, both Settha Palace Hotel and Souphattra Heritage Vientiane are fantastic options. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more modern feel and great views, Latsavong Wanda Vista Vientiane is your go-to accommodation. Lastly, if you want a nature- and food-centric stay in a beautiful setting, choose Green Park Boutique Hotel.
Closing Statement
Vientiane may not have the dramatic landscapes of Vang Vieng or the cultural richness of Luang Prabang, but that’s part of its charm. This relaxed capital moves at its own pace and offers a pleasant introduction to Laos, complete with beautiful temples, riverside sunsets, fascinating history, and some excellent food.
If you’re traveling through Laos, spend at least a day or two exploring Vientiane before moving on. It might not be the highlight of your trip, but it is a surprisingly enjoyable place to slow down and experience everyday life in the country’s capital.
Don’t forget to check out my other Laos travel guides to help you plan the perfect adventure:
READ: Magical Luang Prabang: 11 Amazing Things You Can’t Miss!
READ: Epic Adventures and Hidden Gems in Vang Vieng, Laos
If you’re traveling to Southeast Asia, perhaps some of these posts would be interesting:
Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities
What to do in Bangkok: top 10 activities
Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers
Best Temples in Sukhothai: Ultimate Guide to Thailand’s Ancient Capital
What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore
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