Welcome to Vientiane Tour first steps off the plane

First-time guide to Vientiane: Airport tips, transport, currency, SIMs, stays, and day one activities. Essential for a smooth trip start.

Arriving in Vientiane: A Checklist for First-Time Visitors

Getting From the Airport

When you arrive at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, you'll need to figure out how to get into the city center. Here are the main options for transportation from the airport:

Taxi

The fastest and most convenient way to get into the city is by taxi. Just outside the airport arrival hall you'll find the official taxi stand. Fares into the city center start at around 50,000 kip ($5-6 USD). Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in, and only use licensed taxis from the stand. The ride takes around 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Click here see more detail.

Bus

Public bus number 13 and bus number 14 both run between the airport and the Talat Sao bus station in central Vientiane. The bus stop is just outside the airport parking area. Buses run frequently and the fare is around 8,000 kip ($0.80 USD). The bus takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. This is the cheapest option but involves hauling luggage onto a crowded local bus. Click here see more detail.

Pre-Arranged Pickup

Many hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane offer airport pickup services if arranged in advance. The cost is usually comparable to a taxi fare. This is a good option if you want door-to-door service without having to hassle with taxis or buses upon arrival. Make sure to confirm the pickup details with your accommodation ahead of time. Some places charge extra for airport transfers.

Getting into central Vientiane from the airport is quite easy using taxis, local buses, or pre-arranged transportation. Taxis offer the fastest and most hassle-free option for travelers who don't mind paying a bit more for convenience. For budget travelers, the local bus is certainly doable. And arranged transfers take the guesswork out of the arrival process. Click here see more detail.

Currency Exchange

When arriving at the airport in Vientiane, it's important to know that the local currency is the Lao kip, not the US dollar. You'll need kip for all transactions like taxis, food, hotels, etc.

There are several currency exchange counters located right inside the airport terminal after you exit the baggage claim area. Look for signs that say "Currency Exchange." The rates are usually decent and it's convenient to get kip right away upon arrival.

Avoid paying for anything in US dollars if possible. While some tourist businesses may accept dollars, you'll get a much better exchange rate paying in kip. Plus, you don't want to run out of dollars and not have the local currency on hand.

Get at least 100,000-200,000 kip to start, which will be more than enough for your first day getting around the city, taking taxis, eating meals, etc. You can always exchange more later if needed. But having kip in your wallet right away is a must when arriving in Vientiane.

Getting a Local SIM Card

One of the first things many travelers arriving in Vientiane will want to do is get a local SIM card for their phone. This allows you to have a local number, make affordable calls and texts, and access mobile data during your stay.

There are a few main options for getting a SIM card in Vientiane:

• Purchase at the airport - There are SIM card vendors located right as you exit the arrivals area at the airport. This is the easiest option, though can sometimes have higher prices than other locations. Common providers here include Unitel, M-Phone, and Beeline. Expect to pay around 50,000 Kip ($5 USD) for the SIM card with some included data.

• Local providers - There are Unitel, Lao Telecom, and Beeline stores located throughout the city. Visiting one of their official stores may have better package options than the airport. You'll need your passport to purchase and register the SIM card.

• Convenience stores - Many local shops and mini-marts also sell SIM cards from major providers. This can be a quick and affordable option. Look for Unitel and Beeline cards.

When purchasing your SIM, opt for a package that includes enough data for your stay. 1-2GB is usually sufficient for light usage like maps, social media, and web browsing. Top-up data packages are available if needed.

Having a local SIM is highly recommended for Vientiane to stay connected and access maps, transportation apps, and travel information during your visit. With cheap options available throughout the city, it's easy to get set up right after arriving at the airport.

Accommodation

Arrange hotel/hostel if you haven't already. Vientiane has accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Some areas to consider staying in are:

• Downtown Area - Close to the Mekong River and many attractions. Budget to mid-range options.

• That Luang/Patuxay Area - Near two of the city's most famous sites. Range of mid-range hotels.

• Thadeua Road Area - Trendy area with cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels.

If you haven't pre-booked, there are plenty of hotels you can check into upon arrival. Head downtown if you want to look around first. The area near the Talat Sao Mall has many options.

Hostels are a popular choice for backpackers. Some reliable ones include Mixay Guesthouse, Vientiane Backpackers Hostel and Dream Home Hostel.

Make sure to see the room before paying. Check for things like cleanliness, noise levels and wifi quality if important to you. Click here see more Accommodation.

Food

One of the first things to do when arriving at the airport in Vientiane is to get something to eat, especially if you just had a long flight. The Wattay International Airport actually has some decent food options to choose from.

Right after you exit the plane, you'll find a small food court area with various stalls selling quick bites like sandwiches, noodles, rice dishes, and snacks. This is convenient for grabbing a light meal before heading on your way. Prices here are fairly reasonable too.

For sit-down restaurant options, there are a couple choices like the Wattay Airport Restaurant which serves a mix of Lao and international food in an airy open-air setting. Dishes range from Lao staples like larb and papaya salad to pasta, pizza, and burgers. It's a nice introduction to Lao cuisine if you've just arrived.

Another good option is the Smile Lao Restaurant located pre-security in the domestic terminal. This restaurant offers tasty local dishes along with western favorites in a casual setting. The papaya salad and Lao sausages are recommended.

So don't wait until you get into town - be sure to take advantage of the surprisingly good food choices available right at the Vientiane airport. It's a great way to get your first taste of Lao cuisine and fuel up before embarking on your adventures. Click here see more Accommodation.

Transportation

Getting around Vientiane is fairly easy. The most common forms of transportation are tuk tuks, buses, and bike rentals. Click here see more detail.

Tuk Tuks

Tuk tuks are auto rickshaws that are prevalent throughout the city. They are an affordable and convenient way to get around. Tuk tuk drivers are usually willing to negotiate fares, but have an idea of what the typical cost should be for the distance you want to travel. It's advised to confirm the fare before getting into the tuk tuk to avoid any surprises at the end of the ride. Click here see more detail.

Buses

Vientiane has a public bus system that services routes around the city. The buses have numbers and signs indicating their route. Bus fares are very cheap, usually around 5,000-6,000 Kip per ride. The downside is that bus routes and schedules can be difficult to navigate if you don't speak Lao. Click here see more detail.

Bike Rentals

Many guesthouses and hotels offer bike rentals for around 10,000-20,000 Kip per day. Biking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. Vientiane has relatively flat terrain and is not overly congested, making it bike-friendly. Just be wary of traffic and stay hydrated in the heat. Click here see more detail.

Attractions

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. Though not as popular with tourists as Luang Prabang, there are still many interesting attractions and things to do during your visit.

Buddha Park

One of the top attractions is Buddha Park, located 25 km outside the city center. This park contains over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues in a tranquil riverside setting. The most iconic is a 40-meter tall statue of reclining Buddha.

Patuxai

This victory monument in the city center resembles Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Vientiane. The monument looks particularly impressive lit up at night.

Wat Si Saket

Wat Si Saket is Vientiane’s oldest surviving temple, built in 1818. It is home to over 2,000 ceramic Buddha images and ornate wooden carvings. This is a great place to learn about Buddhist history and architecture.

COPE Visitor Centre

An interesting place to visit is the COPE Visitor Centre, which provides education about prosthetic limbs. UXO (unexploded ordnances) are a major problem in Laos due to the Vietnam War era bombings.

Talaat Sao Morning Market

For local shopping and street food, head to Talaat Sao Morning Market. Here you’ll find stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, jewellery, and local snacks. It's a great place for souvenirs.

Pha That Luang

The most important national monument is the golden stupa of Pha That Luang. This Buddhist temple complex dates back to the 3rd century and is an impressive sight, especially when illuminated at night.

Lao National Museum

To learn about Laos’ history and culture, spend some time at the Lao National Museum. Exhibits include ancient artifacts and displays on ethnic groups.

There are plenty of interesting things to see and do during your visit to Vientiane. With Buddhist temples, lively markets, monumental architecture, and moving war history, it's a diverse capital with cultural attractions.

Safety

Vientiane is generally a very safe city, especially compared to other Southeast Asian capitals. Violent crime is rare and tourists can feel comfortable walking around during the day and night. However, you still need to exercise common sense and take basic precautions.

• Be wary of scams. There are occasional reports of tuk tuk drivers trying to bring tourists to gem shops or massage parlors where they get pressured to buy overpriced goods. Always agree on a fare before getting into a tuk tuk.

• Avoid accepting snacks or drinks from strangers. There have been some reports of spiked drinks leading to robbery.

• Don't walk alone late at night, especially in unlit areas. While rare, there is some risk of mugging.

• Watch your belongings. Pickpocketing sometimes occurs in crowded tourist areas and public transportation. Keep valuables secure.

• Be cautious about prostitution. Prostitution is illegal in Laos.

• Ignore touts trying to sell you tours or offering other unsolicited services. Many are scams.

• Only take licensed taxis with meters. Unofficial taxis may overcharge.

• Carry a photocopy of your passport instead of the original when exploring the city.

By using common sense and being alert, you're unlikely to encounter any major problems in Vientiane. It's a relatively safe capital where you can enjoy your time without too much worry.

Weather

Vientiane has a tropical wet and dry climate with the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April.

The weather in Vientiane is generally hot and humid. Average temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in April. The hottest months are April and May before the rainy season starts.

During the rainy season, expect high humidity and frequent downpours, especially in the afternoons and evenings. The rain can range from light showers to heavy thunderstorms. Flooding is common in the low-lying areas.

The cooler and drier season runs from November to February, which many consider the best time to visit. Days are still warm but more comfortable. Nights can get chilly during the peak of dry season in December and January.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Bring a light jacket for the evenings. Umbrellas and rain jackets are essential during rainy season. The weather is humid year-round so moisture-wicking fabrics are recommended.

Itinerary

Vientiane is a charming capital city with a relaxed vibe. Here's a suggested 1-3 day itinerary to help you plan your time:

Day 1

• Morning: Start your day with a stroll along the Mekong River. Stop for a coffee and pastry at Le Trio Coffee Shop or Scandanavian Bakery.

• Afternoon: Visit some of Vientiane's top temples like Wat Si Saket, Wat Ong Teu, and the striking That Luang.

• Evening: Watch the sunset over the Mekong River then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Makphet, Khambang Lao Food Restaurant, or Lao Kitchen. Try laap (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), or other Lao specialties.

Day 2

• Morning: Take a tuk tuk to the Buddha Park, a quirky sculpture park located about 25km outside the city center.

• Afternoon: Learn about Lao history at the Lao National Museum or Ho Phra Keo museum.

• Evening: Shop for souvenirs at the Night Market. The market runs from 5pm-10pm and sells handicrafts, clothes, and more.

Day 3

• Morning: Rise early to visit the Morning Market when it's most active. Browse stalls selling fresh produce, spices, and more.

• Day trip: Take a day trip out of the city. Options include Vang Vieng for caving, kayaking and tubing or the ancient capital Luang Prabang.

• Evening: Watch a traditional Lao music or dance performance at the Lao National Culture Hall. Click here see more detail.