12 Best Things to do in Vientiane, Laos
12 things you’ll love about Vientiane - Laos’ underrated capital city
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Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is arguably the most laid-back city in the world. Lying along the banks of the Mekong river, people often come here for visa extensions or as a brief stopover en route to Luang Prabang. Despite what other travellers may tell you, this city has a charm completely of its own, where French colonial charm is wrapped up with ancient Buddhist heritage. This is where you come to experience the art of slow travel, a place you might start your day sipping on Laotian coffee from the Bolavan Plateau and end it on the shores of the Mekong river, as riverside stalls decked in fairy lights come to life. The city is more than just a stopover, and whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer, this is your ultimate guide to the 12 best things to in Vientiane, Laos.
1. Visit the Patuxai Monument
Often referred to as Southeast Asia’s Arc de Triomphe, the Patuxai Monument is an iconic landmark in Vientiane. Built in the 1960s to commemorate those who fought for independence from France, it’s engraved with mythological creatures and symbolises peace and unity among nations. Standing at 180ft tall, it’s an impressive sight. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mekong River, which looks especially magical at sunset.
2. Explore the Talat Sao Morning Market
For a taste of local life, visit the Talat Sao Morning Market, Vientiane’s most famous market. Open from early morning until the afternoon, explore four levels of stalls and boutiques to find everything from hand-woven fabrics (a Lao specialty), local snacks, street food, mountains of fresh herbs and traditional jewellery. This is where locals come to shop, so it’s a window into real Vientiane life! If you’re looking for an authentic souvenir, this is your spot.
3. Visit the Golden Stupa at That Luang
A national symbol of Laos, That Luang is a golden stupa located just outside the center of Vientiane. In fact, it’s one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Laos (the site itself dates back to the 3rd century) and you can spot it on the national currency. The stupa is enormous – a sight to behold in the morning sun as it glistens the brightest gold. The grounds are peaceful and it’s a wonderful spot to get away from the noise of the city.
4. Mekong Riverfront Night Market
Vientiane’s prime location on the Mekong River provided it strategic importance in the past, but nowadays, it offers a gorgeous waterfront night market lined with cafes, restaurants and the city’s night market. Stroll along the banks of this legendary river as traditional long tail boats float past and locals take part in tai-chi classes. By nightfall, this is the hub of the city, as everyone shows up to watch the sunset over the water. Grab a seat at one of the riverside cafes, snack on street food and enjoy a cold beer lao while watching the city come to life around you.
5. Visit the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Located 25km outside Vientiane, Buddha Park (or Xieng Khuan) is one of the most surreal sites in Laos. Here you’ll find over 200 religious statues, from giant Buddhas to Hindu gods, mythological creatures and giant pumpkins you can climb to the top of. Winding paths snake through the park, lined with fragrant flowers. Guides can be hired to explain the stories behind many of the statues. Don’t miss the enormous reclining Buddha, who stretches out at an impressive 40m in length.
6. Visit the Lao National Museum
A spectacular building, once the French Governor’s residence, houses the Lao National Museum, a fascinating place to explore and gain a deeper understanding of this country. It’s located near the river, home to a diverse collection of exhibits from pre-historic artefacts and traditional folk dress, to remnants of their battle for independence and the fall-out from the Vietnam war. The museum is small and doesn’t take long to see, but it provides a solid understanding of the country’s heritage and will give any trip here so much more depth and complexity.
7. Explore Wat Si Saket
Vientiane is home to many beautiful Buddhist temples, but Wat Si Saket is one of the most historic. Built in the early 19th century, it’s the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, famous for its cloistered courtyard filled with hundreds of Buddha statues. The grounds are quiet and peaceful, while the temple hall is a sight to behold, covered inside with beautiful murals. Stroll around the courtyard and admire the statues, some of which are over 300 years old.
8. Discover the COPE Visitor Centre
The COPE Visitor Centre sheds light on the issue of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. After the Vietnam War, Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita, and UXO remains a serious problem. The COPE Centre is an important and deeply moving exhibition on the effects of these bombs and the work being done to clear them. Learn about the survivors of UXO accidents and the continuous effort to clear unexploded bombs from the countryside. You also have the opportunity to purchase crafts made by survivors, helping support them directly.
9. Wander the Streets around Rue Setthathilath
Vientiane was a French colony for 60 years, from 1893 until they finally gained independence in 1954. Stroll the red tile pavements of Rue Setthathilath and you’ll find remnants of the occupation in the French architecture and cafes that line the streets. Elegant pastel townhouses with open verandas lie next to ancient temples, while monks in orange robes stroll down the distinctly French tree-lined avenues. Cafes perch on the corner of streets and old French villas are now home to restaurants and shops. Take your camera and explore one of the city’s most photogenic areas.
10. Relax in Chao Anouvong Park
One of Vientiane’s most beloved public spaces is Chao Anouvong Park, located along the banks of the Mekong River. Named after the last king of Laos, here you’ll find lush gardens and shaded walkways, scattered with statues and monuments. Spend the afternoon lazing here with a picnic, or drop by as the sun is setting to find areas strung with fairy lights, locals walking their dogs and dancing water fountains lighting up. At sunset, this area feels like the heart and soul of the whole city.
11. Visit Wat Si Muang
Wat Si Muang is a unique and fun hidden gem in Vientiane. It’s a really important temple in the city, believed to be at the site of the founding of the city. The temple itself is believed to bestow good luck on those who visit, and locals come here often to make merit – something you can witness when you visit. It’s a less touristic temple that gives you a glimpse into what temple worship really looks like for everyday people. And who knows, you might find your own luck improves after you leave!
12. Dive into Lao Coffee Culture
Lao coffee is some of the best in Southeast Asia, and Vientiane has some excellent roasteries to immerse yourself in its coffee culture. Kafe in Lab is a roastery and cafe just outside downtown Vientiane. Baristas are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, serving up expert brews using beans carefully sourced from Laos and around the world. If you want to take a taste home, they ship their beans internationally, and even offer brewing 101 classes for you to level up your coffee making at home. Le Trio Coffee is more centrally located near the riverfront, and is a small, hip, boutique roaster that was the first to open in the city. Their Vietnamese Drip coffee is an absolute must try and they serve up arguably the best coffee in the city.
Things to Do
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