The Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary
for Vientiane, Laos
How to spend 48 hours in Southeast Asia’s most laid back capital
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Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a place where time seems to move just a little slower. Tucked along the banks of the winding Mekong River, this surprising city is home to golden Buddhist temples and riverfront markets, scattered with the remnants of French colonial architecture and Parisian-style cafes. If you find yourself here for a few days, you’ll want to make the most of your time – this isn’t a city where landmarks and tourist sites jump out of every corner. Here’s our curated 2 day itinerary for Vientiane, to help you experience the best of the Laotian capital.
La Terrasse, Vientiane
Day 1 - The Heart of Vientiane
Morning
Begin your first morning in Vientiane with a walk along the Mekong Riverfront, the heart and soul of the city. At night, it’s lively and bustling with street food stalls and markets, but in the early light, you’ll see locals practicing Tai Chi and traditional fishing boats gliding past you to get their catch for the day.
Cut through the lush Chao Anouvong Park to head to La Terrasse for breakfast. A beloved spot in the city, this French-style cafe bakes pastries and fresh bread every morning, serving it with rich Lao coffee and a terrace to watch the world go by. Fuel up here for a busy two days exploring the city.
The Patuxai Monument, Vientiane
Visit the Patuxai Monument
After breakfast, your first stop should be the Patuxai Monument, Vientiane’s answer to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and the most iconic sight in the city. Built in the 1960s, this monumental structure honours those who fought for Laos’ independence. The design is a fusion of Lao design and French architecture, surrounded by a park and fountains. Climb to the top of the monument for wonderful views of the city and the Mekong River.
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That Luang Stupa, Vientiane
Netx, it’s a 5 minute drive to visit That Luang Stupa, the country’s most sacred religious monument. This huge, shimmering golden stupa stands 45m tall and is the most important symbol of Buddhism in Laos. Explore the extensive grounds and the peaceful courtyard, as well as some of the temples and pagodas in the area. It’s a truly spectacular site, filled with culture and history.
Joma Bakery, Vientiane
Afternoon
For lunch, head into the lush Nong Sa Phang Lenh Park to find BBQ by Laoderm, one of the best spots in the city for traditional Laotian BBQ. Cook fresh meat, veggies and wild herbs at your table, washed down with a cold Beer Lao. You’re in the heart of the park, surrounded by trees and birdsong. Sit on their outdoor terrace to enjoy the fresh air and soak in the atmosphere of this local spot. If you fancy something lighter for lunch, nearby is Joma Cafe & Bakery, an institution in Laos serving up delicious sandwiches, pastries and coffee. Try their chicken pesto baguette and indulge in their giant cinnamon rolls – so good they should be illegal. Perfect for a quick lunch stop before soaking up more of Vientiane.
Wat Si Saket, Vientiane
Wat Si Saket
After lunch, make your way back into downtown Vientiane and visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest surviving temple in the city, dating back to the early 19th century. It’s famous for the beautiful cloistered courtyard, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues lining the walls. In the middle of the city, this is a peaceful oasis and the perfect way to round off a day of exploring the cultural soul of Vientiane.
Le Trio, Vientiane
If you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, just a 5 minute walk from the temple is Le Trio Coffee, one of the best cafes in the city serving single-origin Lao coffee brewed by expert baristas. We love it here, and recommend dropping by for a caffeine hit before leaving the city. Afterwards, make your way back to your hotel to freshen up before heading out to the riverfront for the evening.
Vientiane Night Market
Evening
Head out before sunset and grab a table at Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Lounge. This chic, relaxed spot is the place to hangout with friends and watch the night draw over the city, with wonderful views of the river. Enjoy a cocktail as they spin chill beats, before making your way down to the riverfront promenade.
What a difference 12 hours can make! This is where you were in the morning, except now, the riverfront is full of the red tents of market stalls, selling clothing, souvenirs, street food and everything in between. Head to the south of the park to find the Night Food Market, where you can feast on everything from pad thai and meat skewers to roasted duck, balut and mango sticky rice.
COPE Visitor Centre, Vientiane
Day 2 - Hidden Gems of Vientiane
Morning
On your second day, begin with a visit to the COPE Visitor Centre, a museum and educational center dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing effects of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. After the Vietnam War, Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita, and millions of unexploded bombs remain in the countryside. Here, you gain an in-depth understanding of the history of UXO and the impact on Laos. It gives you an entirely new perspective on the country and the quiet resilience of its people.
Talat Sao Market, Vientiane
Next, it’s a 20 minute walk to Talat Sao, Vientiane’s famous morning market, where you’ll experience the true essence of local life. Open early every day until midday, this market is a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and smells. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, clothing, fabric and more, making it a great place to shop for authentic souvenirs. While you’re here, sample some of the local treats, such as khao nom kok (coconut rice cakes) – our favourite!
Buddha Park, Vientiane
Afternoon
For the afternoon, head out of the city to find the Buddha Park, a surreal, open-air park filled with large statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities. It’s quirky and fascinating – a quiet relief from temples! Find Buddha, Shiva and other figures in this otherworldly landscape, and climb the giant pumpkin for epic views over the park itself. Grab some lunch from one of the local restaurants surrounding the park. We loved Xieng Khuan Restaurant, serving up light, freshly made dishes surrounded by lush greenery in the cool shade of the trees.
Kualao Restaurant, Vientiane
Evening
For your final night in Vientiane, head to Kualao Restaurant, housed in a beautiful, creamy French colonial mansion. Visited by presidents and royalty, this is one of the best places in the city for an immersive culinary experience. Dine on traditional and authentic Laotian cuisine in their grand dining room, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.
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Things to Do
things to do
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