Exploring Vientiane has Hidden Gems: A Local is Guide to Laos Charming Capital

Discover Vientiane: Visit Pha That Luang, COPE, Buddha Park, and savor local food. Guide to Laos' relaxed riverside capital.

Exploring Vientiane's Hidden Gems: A Local's Guide to Laos' Charming Capital.

Introduction to Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. With a population of over 800,000, it's located on the banks of the Mekong River in the northwest central part of the country.

Vientiane has a long history. It was originally founded in the 11th century and was ruled at various times by the Khmer Empire, Lan Xang Kingdom, Ayutthaya Kingdom, and eventually France in the late 19th century as part of French Indochina. The French left their mark on the city with many colonial buildings and villas still standing today.

After Laos gained independence in the 1950s, Vientiane continued to grow as the administrative and economic center of the country. While it maintains its historic charms, the city has developed rapidly in recent decades with modern amenities.

Vientiane provides a gateway into Laos and an interesting mix of Southeast Asian and French colonial influences. It serves as a hub for exploring the rest of the country with its laidback riverside vibe and cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants. Click link.

Top Attractions

Vientiane may be a small capital city, but it has no shortage of sites to see. Here are some of the top attractions visitors shouldn't miss:

Pha That Luang

The national symbol and most important national monument of Laos, Pha That Luang is a stunning golden stupa located in the center of the city. It was originally built in the 16th century to house a relic of Buddha, but has been reconstructed multiple times. The stupa rises 44 meters and its unique architecture features overlapping tiers that represent various stages of Buddhist enlightenment. Click to see more link.

Patuxai Monument

Known as the "Arc de Triomphe" of Vientiane, Patuxai is a victory monument built in the 1960s. The structure looks like a hodge-podge with its mix of Laotian and French design elements. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Click to see more link.

Buddha Park

Officially called Xieng Khuan, this bizarre sculpture park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues set amidst gardens and trees. The most famous is a 40-meter-long reclining Buddha. Located 25 km outside the city, the park makes for an intriguing day trip. Click to see more link.

Wat Si Saket

Built in 1818, Wat Si Saket is Vientiane's oldest surviving temple. It is home to over 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images lining the walls inside. The temple also features French colonial architecture like its wooden ceiling and red walls. Click to see more link.

Wat Ho Phra Keo

This temple once housed the famed Emerald Buddha, now located in Bangkok. Wat Ho Phra Keo still contains some interesting art and artifacts. Highlights include the main sim depicting the Buddha's life, a statue of King Sisavangong, and a few remaining Buddha images. Click link.

Mekong Riverfront

The Mekong Riverfront in Vientiane is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and taking in views of the river. A promenade runs for several kilometers along the banks of the Mekong River, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or bike rides.

The riverfront area features beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, many dotted with gazebos and benches to relax. Some of the notable green spaces include Chao Anouvong Park, which has a large statue of King Anouvong, and That Luang Marsh, home to the national symbol of Laos. Click link.

One of the best times to visit the riverfront is at sunset, when the skies turn brilliant hues of orange and pink. Find a nice spot along the promenade or in one of the riverside parks to watch the sun dip below the horizon across the Mekong. Grab a snack or cold drink and take in the peaceful atmosphere as the city transitions into the evening. Click link.

The Mekong Riverfront offers both scenic natural beauty and an opportunity to experience local life in Vientiane. Spend an afternoon walking, cycling, or just sitting by the river to soak up the charm of Laos' capital. Click link.

Markets

Vientiane boasts bustling markets that offer an authentic Lao experience. The largest market is the Morning Market, located downtown near the Mekong River. This market is best visited early in the morning to find fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, and local delicacies. Browse stalls bursting with tropical fruit, sticky rice, grilled meat skewers, and more. The market also has souvenirs like woven textiles, handicrafts, and antiques. Be sure to haggle for the best prices. Click link.

Another central market is Talat Sao, which has a distinctive Soviet-influenced architecture. This indoor market contains hundreds of small stalls selling mostly clothes, shoes, fabrics, and household goods. It's a great place to experience local shopping and pick up some bargains.

When the sun goes down, Vientiane comes alive with bustling night markets. These outdoor markets have street food stalls offering barbecue, noodle dishes, desserts, and more. Grab a plastic stool at a food stall and try authentic Lao dishes at inexpensive local prices. The night markets are also known for handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing. For shoppers, foodies, and bargain hunters, Vientiane's markets offer a thrilling sensory experience. Click link.

Temples and Monasteries

Vientiane has many beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries worth visiting. Some highlights include:

Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang is a highly revered temple in Vientiane. It was built in 1563 to house the guardian spirit of the city. The temple is known for its striking Sri Lankan-style architecture. Inside you'll find a large Buddha statue as well as pillars decorated with intricate carvings. Make sure to see the large pillar in the middle that locals believe has the power to fulfill wishes. Click link.

Wat Ong Teu

Wat Ong Teu is Vientiane's oldest temple, originally built in the 16th century. It has been renovated and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The temple features classic Laotian designs with sweeping rooflines. Inside you'll find ancient Buddha images and murals depicting the previous lives of Buddha. Click link.

Wat Mixai

Wat Mixai is located near the Presidential Palace and dates back to around 1565. It has an elegant whitewashed exterior and golden roof. Inside, see the large golden Buddha statue and colorful wall paintings. There are also display cases containing Buddha images and artifacts. Click link.

Wat Sok Pa Luang

Wat Sok Pa Luang contains a forest monastery where monks live and meditate. Located south of the city center, it provides a peaceful natural setting. The wooden buildings stand on stilts and there are walking paths winding through the trees. It's an interesting place to witness how monks practice Buddhism in a forest environment. Click link.

Museums

Vientiane has several interesting museums that provide insight into Lao history, culture, and way of life. Click link.

Lao National Museum

The Lao National Museum is located in the center of the city and is considered the country's most important museum. It contains exhibits spanning from the prehistoric times to the revolution. Highlights include ancient Buddhist sculptures, Khmer stone carvings, and a rare Buddha image made of gold. Click link.

COPE Visitor Center

The COPE Visitor Center documents the horrors caused by unexploded ordnance left from the Vietnam War era. It tells personal stories of those impacted and showcases prosthetic limbs designed to aid bombing victims. The center aims to raise awareness about UXOs and advocate for a ban on cluster bombs. Click link.

Lao Textiles Museum

This small museum located near the Mekong highlights traditional Lao textile arts. It displays a fascinating collection of hand-woven textiles made by the many ethnic minority groups in Laos. Exhibits explain how textiles represent the group identity and contain meaning via colors and patterns. Visitors can learn traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. Click link.

Food and Dining

Vientiane offers a delicious mix of Lao, French, and international cuisine. Click link.

Local Lao Cuisine

For an authentic Lao dining experience, head to street food stalls and local restaurants. Popular dishes include:

• Laap - Spicy minced meat salad with herbs and spices
• Khao poon - Lao laksa with rice vermicelli soup
• Tam mak hoong - Spicy papaya salad
• Ping gai - Grilled chicken skewers

Sample Lao cuisine at traditional restaurants like Makphet, Vieng Sawan, and Lao Kitchen. Click link.

French Bakeries and Cafes

Vientiane's French colonial history has left a legacy of baguettes, croissants, cafes, and quiches. Stop by Le Banneton or La Signature for freshly baked French pastries and breads.

Sip coffee and people watch at cafes like JoMa Bakery Cafe, Cafe Nomad, and Scout Cafe. Pair your coffee with a croissant or crepe. Click link.

International Restaurants

For Italian, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and other global cuisines, head to the international restaurants clustered around the Nam Phou fountain. Popular picks include Pimentón Tapas & Wine Bar, Dok Diew Khong, Delhi Durbar, and Saigon Bakery.

Vientiane's dining scene offers flavours to suit all tastes and budgets. Discover the city through its diverse culinary offerings. Click link.

Nightlife

Vientiane's nightlife is centered around the bars and restaurants that line the banks of the Mekong River. As the sun goes down, the riverfront comes alive with both locals and tourists looking to relax with a cold beer Lao or fruity cocktail.

The area has a lively yet laidback atmosphere, with reggae bars like Bor Penny Africa and rock bars like Rock Bar by Soul Fuel providing live music on certain nights. Just wander along the riverfront to find a spot with good music and a fun crowd.

For those looking for more late-night options, head to Samsenthai Road in the city center which has a cluster of bars and nightclubs that stay open until the early morning hours. Places like 007 Club and Atlantic Club play dance music and put on shows.

Bowling is also a popular nighttime activity in Vientiane. Bowling Green is a modern alley with neon lights, lounge areas, and a full bar and restaurant. For karaoke, you'll find private KTV rooms at Golden Karaoke that can be booked for groups.

Vientiane may not have a wild nightlife scene, but with chilled-out bars by the river, lively clubs, and karaoke options, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the evenings during your visit. Click link.

Getting Around

Getting around Vientiane is fairly easy thanks to the compact size of the city center. For short distances, tuk-tuks are the most convenient option. Simply flag one down from the street, negotiate the fare, and you'll be whisked to your destination in no time.

For more flexibility and savings, renting a bicycle or scooter is a great idea. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals for just a few dollars a day. Driving in Vientiane is not too chaotic, so riding around by yourself is manageable even for novice riders. Just be sure to watch out for vehicles popping out from side streets.

Vientiane also has a local bus network that connects major sights across the city. While the buses may not have air conditioning and are usually packed with people, they only cost a few cents per ride. Route maps are posted at major bus stops. Knowing a few basic Lao phrases helps when asking locals for directions.

Getting around the compact city center is easy on foot. But having the option to hop in a tuk-tuk, rent a bike, or take the bus makes exploring Vientiane even more convenient. Click link.

Day Trips from Vientiane

Vientiane makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns. Here are some of the top day trips from the Lao capital:

Vang Vieng

The once sleepy town of Vang Vieng has transformed from a backpacker haven to an outdoor adventure destination. Situated on the Nam Song River, its picturesque limestone karst landscape is ideal for exploring. Rent a bicycle and cycle through the countryside, go tubing down the river, or climb the karsts and admire the views. Don't miss Tham Chang Cave. Click link.

Buddha Park

Officially called Xieng Khuan, Buddha Park is a bizarre religious sculpture park located 25 km southeast of Vientiane. Built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, the park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues set in lush gardens. Highlights include a 40-meter high reclining Buddha and a giant pumpkin shaped building with three levels representing hell, earth and heaven. Click link.

Tha Ngon Village

For a glimpse of traditional Lao village life, head to Tha Ngon. Here you can stroll through the village, learn about textile weaving, and even spend the night at a homestay. The village is located 40 km from Vientiane. A great way to arrive is by cycling from Vientiane, taking in the scenery along the way.

With its proximity to caves, rivers, and traditional villages, Vientiane is a great launch pad for exploring the Lao countryside. Renting a car or motorbike provides the freedom to discover off-the-beaten-path places at your own pace. Click link.