With its beautiful and peaceful landscapes, Vientine attracts flocks of tourists coming here every year. Tourists could have a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life, let’s slow down and enjoy every moment in tranquil Vientiane with Asia Private Travels.

Located on both banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a city steeped in legend and history.

Vientiane is situated on the banks of the Mekong River.

Coming to Vientiane, you might have calm-down feelings due to its attractive places such as ancient and spiritual temples or historical buildings with French influences. Served as the capital of Laos, Vientiane has many historic traces that history lovers definitely don’t want to miss! Don’t forget to explore these places to understand more about the history and traditions of this country.

Discover people and culture of Vientiane (Laos) - the country of a million elephants

Vientiane people and culture

Besides, apart from exploring the natural beauty and historic buildings, tourists also could participate in many other interesting activities such as meditation, going to the local market, massage, trekking…

That Luang Pagoda in Vientiane was built around the 16th century, on the ruins of a Khmer-style temple.

That Luang Pagoda in Vientiane

In Vientiane, you will have opportunities to interact with local people to understand more about life here. They are willing to share with you about their daily life so don’t hesitate to approach them and say “hi”.

With Asia Private Travels, you could know more about Vientiane before deciding to take a tour to visit this place.

What to do in Vientiane Laos

You might want to know what to do in Vientiane to have the best itinerary in Laos, so let’s take the time to know more about this important information with Asia Private Travels.

Exploring spiritual temples

Buddha Park is an open-air sculpture park located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) outside of Vientiane on the river Mekong.

Buddha Park

When visiting Vientiane, one of the must-do things which should be included in your itinerary is exploring spiritual temples. Buddha Park should be included in your Vientiane Tour due to its uniqueness and the number of Buddha statues here.

Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuang Buddha Park, is a famous sculpture garden with more than 200 Buddha and Hindu statues, cast in cement with many different shapes and meanings.

Buddha Park with more than 200 Buddha and Hindu statues

Buddha Park has more than 200 statues and with its peaceful beauty, you will surely have the best relaxing time in Vientiane! Besides, Pha That Luang is also one of Vientiane's top attractions! Pha That Luang is among the most famous temples in Vientiane and this is the reason why if you miss this place, your Vientiane travel couldn’t be fulfilled! The temple plays an important role in the culture of Vientiane people, it was constructed in the 16th century. Witnessing many historical events, the temple still survives up to now.

That Luang pagoda is considered the national symbol of Laos

Pha That Luang pagoda - the national symbol of Laos

Therefore, let’s add this place to your Laos itinerary. One of the must-visit spiritual places in Vientiane that worth mentioning is Wat Si Saket. Renowned for nearly 7000 images of Buddha made from wood, stone, and bronze, you will have the best experience that you have ever had!

Visiting historical places

Apart from exploring spiritual places, historical places should not be forgotten among places to visit in Vientiane. Patuxai should the on the 1st choice when you want to visit Vientiane’s historical place! Patuxai was built as a historical landmark when Laos gains the independence from French.

Patousai was built according to the model of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but with Laotian architectural style with reliefs of the goddess Kinnari, half human and half bird.

Patousai

When visiting this place, tourists could have an opportunity to climb to the 7th floor to have the best view of Vientiane. And, Laos National Museum is also an attractive place for you to learn more about the history of Laos. So if you are interested in the history of a new land that you have never gone to before, this place should be added to your Vientiane city tour. which includes many other places such as Ho Phra Keo Museum, COPE Visitor Centre, Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Museum…

Lao National museum collects, preserves and displays many priceless antiquities, photos and objects of different historical periods of Laos

Lao National Museum 

Trying “meditation”

Don’t just visit the landmarks in Vientiane, Vientiane has more interesting activities than you think! Have you ever heard about “meditation”? Coming to Vientiane, you will have this interesting experience! Vientiane has many temples and pagodas, where tourists could have this experience with the monks. Let’s relieve stress and have the best relaxing time for your soul! You will regret it if you forget this activity in your Vientiane tour.

Peaceful meditation with the monks

Peaceful meditation with the monks

Tasting delicious food

Taking a Vientiane food tour would be very fun! Let’s sample the delicious food of Laos before leaving this country. Meat Salad - Larb, sounds strange but it is the National dish of Laos! Laotian Grilled Chicken is also famous in this country, with its unique and great texture and flavor, you will fall in love with this dish from the first bite!

Larb, The Traditional Meat Salad From Laos

Larb - a traditional meat salad that originates from Laos

Mekong Catfish is also the pride of Laos people, with its various ingredients and different cooking recipe, this is a must-try dish for you! Besides, Vientiane still has many other delicious dishes which are waiting for you to come and try!

Going to local markets

Exploring Laos without visiting the local markets will make you feel regretful. Local markets truly reflect the daily life of the local people. Visiting local markets could help you understand more about the culture and traditions of people here. 

Coming to Vientiane night market, you can enjoy typical Laotian snacks and Buddhist products such as necklaces, Buddha statues, Buddha paintings or handicraft products.

Vientiane night market

A colorful night market in Vientiane Riverfront would be a nice choice for you, you even have a cool beer on the bank and enjoy the rhythm of life here. Talat Kuadin Market, the biggest morning market in Vientiane will not make you disappointed!

Trekking through local villages

Trekking in Vientiane is also an interesting activity on your Vientiane day trip! Vientiane has many beautiful trails for you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and visit many villages on the way. If you want to have the fulfillest experience in Vientiane trekking, let’s take a Vientiane tour package with Asia Private Travels for the best trekking itinerary!

Taking the trekking tour from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Embark on the trekking tour from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

What to eat in Vientiane

When visiting a new land, one of the must-do activities is trying the delicious food of this region because food also presents the long culture and customs of the local people. Laos food includes many ingredients combined with unique cooking recipes, which make you drool right from you see it. Apart from the famous food mentioned above, you also could try other delicious dishes.

Mouth-watering with delicious Lao grilled chicken

Mouth-watering grilled chicken from Laos

Papaya Pok Pok is a unique food that you couldn’t find in other places. Let’s grasp your chance on your Vientiane food tour to try this delicious food. With the various kinds of ingredients and attractive taste, you will never forget this experience!

Laos style sausages are widely eaten all over Laos

Laos style sausages

Lao Sausage is another must-try dish for you. Each region has its own recipe for making sausage, so you could try the special sausage of Vientiane Sausages. It is the combination of many ingredients that are hard to find in other places.

Sien Savanh is a typical dish of Lao cuisine, this dish is dried beef favored by Lao people.

Sien Savanh

Sien Savanh also should be listed in your note! This is a fried beef made by local people. This smoky taste will make you feel impressive right from the first bite!

The specialty list of Vientiane keeps going on with other delicious dishes such as Khao Niaw, Khao Piak Sen, Khao Poun, and Mok Pa… Just come and experience them by yourself!

Weather in Vientiane

You might want to know the best time to visit Vientiane because you definitely don’t want bad weather ruins your Vientiane tour, let’s spend time learning more about the Vientiane weather with Asia Private Travels!

If you want to visit Vientiane, the best time would be from November to February, when you feel comfortable with the nice sunny days but the temperature is not too high.

The weather in Vientiane as well as Laos is divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The sunny weather in Vientiane

From March to May, the weather is hot and you might feel not comfortable if you participate in outdoor activities. Therefore, you should experience night markets, and visit temples and historical places… at this time. These activities are enjoyable even in hot weather!

The wet season will last from June to October, with the tourists who don’t like the crowd and want to have a better price trip, this season would be a good choice for you!

How to get to Vientiane Laos

In Vientiane, you surely have many choices of transportation. So what are they? Asia Private Travels will help you know about the means of transportation in this place!

Bus in Vientiane is quite convenient and cheap. However, you might feel confused because you are not familiar with the routes in Vientiane.

The main means of transportation in Laos is a tuktuk

A tuk tuk in Vientiane street

Tuk Tuk in Vientiane is available and common. Most tourists will choose this kind of transportation for convenience. However, don’t forget to bargain for a better price.

Tourists can choose taxis as the vehicle to go around Vientiane streets

Taxis in Vientiane

Many tourists choose taxis in Vientiane and it is quite easy to catch a taxi here. Generally, the drivers are friendly and it is quite safe!

Besides, if you want to have your own transport, bicycle, and motorbike are nice choices for you to explore every corner of Vientiane.

If you want a safe tour with the best transportation service in Vientiane, you could contact Asia Private Travels to have the best tour in Laos.

Accommodation in Vientiane 

About accommodation, in Vientiane, you could easily find hotels. You should book a hotel in advance for a good price. There are many kinds of hotels for you to choose from with different prices, let’s contact Asia Private Travels for the best support!

Experience Unmatched Hospitality in the Heart of Laos - Vientiane's Premier Luxury Hotel.

Luxury hotel in Vientiane

Recommended tour styles in Vientiane Laos

Coming to this bustling capital city, you could explore Vientiane Laos by wandering by yourself or taking various package tours by trusted travel agents. In case you do not have enough time to explore Vientiane in several days, we recommend you take a Vientiane day tour. This tour could help you get a glimpse of Laos in a short time.

However, if the day trip is not your ideal option, it is highly recommended to take a Laos tour from Vientiane so you will have more experience in this country.

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos that always attracts tourists by its ancient beauty, peace and romance

Luang Prabang

Besides Vientiane, tourists are also attracted to other well-known provinces of Laos. Luang Prabang is perfect for culture lovers as the most touristy destination in the “Thousands of Elephants” country. When it comes to breathtaking nature with lush greenery, you shouldn’t miss Luang Namtha - unique eco-tourism opportunity in Nam Ha National Protected Area. Explore some of the best attractions in Laos with Best of Laos 10 days through Huay Xai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane… You could have a detailed itinerary with many interesting activities to explore Laos, so don’t miss this chance!

Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha

In case you have only more or less than a week in Laos, spending 5 nights in Vientiane - Luang Prabang can be a great option to gain memorable experiences. You can visit endless green forests along the Mekong Delta River and learn about the daily lives of local people along the river bank.

Asia Private Travels could give you many kinds of tours that are suitable for your budget and your time, so don’t hesitate to contact us for the best Vientiane tour.

Hope that you already gained some more useful information about Vientiane tourism before setting off your Laos holiday. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Asia Private Travels for the best support. Or, in case you haven’t found your ideal Vientiane tour yet, just easily click here to send us your inquiry. Our travel experts will tailor a personal itinerary and get back to you with an inclusive package!

Don’t just scroll back and forth among the blogs; let’s start your Laos trip now with Asia Private Travels to have the best holidays in this beautiful country.

Hotels in Vientiane

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options

Restaurants In Vientiane

Find the best Vientiane restaurant recommendations from our experts

Pizza da Roby
Pizza da Roby
Sihome Road 61, Vientiane, Laos

Paying homage to its location in Laos People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Pizza Da Roby turns out some of the best oven-baked pizzas in the country. Choose from a greatest-hits combination of toppings, pizza by the slice or a luscious lasagne, and follow up with a creamy caffeine kick from the homemade tiramisu.

Kung's Cafe
Rue Simeuang, Soi 1, Vientiane, Laos

Approaching cult status with Vientiane residents in the know, Kung's Cafe is hard to find, but well worth the effort. Affable Kung has decorated the local diner with hanging gourds and has a simple and effective menu that is superb value. Try the sticky-rice pancake or phat Lao and wash it down with a signature coffee and coconut.

Kung's Cafe
Noy's Fruit Heaven
Noy's Fruit Heaven
Heng Boun Rd.,Ban Haysok, Vientiane, Laos

Noy's is a homely, colourful juice bar with Chinese paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Stop in to pick up a few of your 'five a day' or decimate your hangover with one of its dragonfruit, coconut, mango, or tomato-juice shakes (15,000K). It also turns out super-fresh fruit salads and burgers.

Doi Ka Noi
Sisangvong Road, Vientiane

It took one meal for Doi Ka Noi to become one of our favourite restaurants in Laos. With a menu that changes daily (check the restaurant's Facebook page at around 8.30am to see what's available), the dishes here range from Lao standards to regional specialities most of us have never heard of, with something to appeal to both newbies and grizzled foodies.

Doi Ka Noi
Ka-Tib-Khao
Ka-Tib-Khao
Setthathilath Road Haysoke Village, Vientiane 0100 Laos

Ka-Tib-Khao (Rice Basket) has a reassuringly short and delicious menu of dishes, many from the country's north. Think sheets of deep-fried Mekong River weed served with a spicy dip, lemongrass-stuffed pork and Luang Prabang–style herbal sausages, all served in a setting that manages to feel both sophisticated and traditional.

Things to do & see in Vientiane

Things you need to know when travelling to Vientiane

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