Capital of Laos: Complete Guide to Explore Vientiane

Imagine a peaceful capital, devoid of the hustle and ostentatious luxury of major metropolises. This is Vientiane, the capital of Laos, where time seems to flow gently, inviting you to immerse yourself fully in the rich culture of the nation. Here, you will discover majestic Buddhist temples, testaments to the deep spirituality of the Laotian people. Additionally, this city is also a guardian of the values from the French colonial period, where European architectural influences harmoniously blend with the local culture.

In this article, we invite you to explore the many facets of Vientiane for a complete immersion and to fully enjoy your stay in this captivating city.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 29-11-2024

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Where is the capital of Laos located?

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is situated in the northern region of the country, along the left bank of the Mekong River. This capital has a complex and turbulent history. Founded in the 9th century, it has experienced various dominations by empires such as the Khmer Empire, the Vietnamese, the Burmese, and the Siamese. In 1560, Vientiane became the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom under the reign of King Setthathirat, marking a period of grandeur. However, it also endured destructions, plundering, and occupations over the centuries.

A Retrospective Look at its Historical Evolution

In the 19th century, this city came under French influence during the colonization of Indochina. It wasn't until the 2000s that Vientiane experienced significant transformation. Events such as the ASEAN summit in 2004, the Southeast Asian Games in 2009, and the celebration of its 450th anniversary in 2010 spurred its development. Since then, it has undergone rapid expansion with construction projects, road redevelopment, and increased traffic.

Today, this city is a burgeoning capital, skillfully balancing its turbulent past with growing modernity.

What to Do and See in the Capital of Laos?

The charming capital is brimming with cultural and enriching activities that will not leave you indifferent! Whether you visit this city solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you will always find that rare gem that will make your trip unique and memorable. If you're wondering how many days to spend in Vientiane, start by considering the activities you don't want to miss. Below are our top recommendations:

1. Patuxai - Victory Monument

The Patuxai Arc is a must-visit destination in the Laotian capital. Built in the 1960s, it honors the Laotians who fought for independence from France. This arc, reminiscent of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, is nicknamed the "Arc de Triomphe of Laos" and also known as the "Victory Gate." In fact, the entire street leading to the Patuxai Arc bears many similarities to Paris' Champs-Elysées.

It is adorned with religious symbols and offers magnificent views from its dome. Visitors can climb to the top via stairs for a fee of 3,000 kips per person.

2. That Luang Temple

The That Luang Temple is the most sacred and majestic monument in Laos. Its official name is actually Pha Chedi Lokajulamani, which translates to "The Precious Sacred Stupa of the World." Built in 1566 after the capital was moved to Vientiane, the pagoda was then covered in gold leaf, and it is said to contain a hair of Buddha himself. Damaged during past invasions, it was restored by the French in 1930.

We recommend visiting That Luang Temple in November during the festival of the same name, which attracts thousands of Laotian and foreign devotees each year, creating an exceptional cultural and spiritual atmosphere.

3. Buddha Park

If you are interested in Buddhism and Hinduism, don't miss the Buddha Park. Located about 25 kilometers southeast of downtown, along the Mekong River, this beautiful park houses hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues of all sizes. Locals call it Xieng Khuan, "the city of the soul."

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Created in 1958 by a shaman-priest-yogi, this curious public park was born from its founder's desire to merge Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, mythologies, and iconography in one place. The Buddha Park is famous for its collection of around 200 large religious statues, cultivating a mysterious and fascinating aspect. The centerpiece of the collection is a 120-meter-long reclining Buddha.

4. Ang Nam Ngum Lake

If you want to venture into the surrounding countryside of the capital, Ang Nam Ngum Lake is highly recommended. This water reservoir bordered by islets and fishing villages is still a little touristy destination today, ideal for disconnecting from the world and enjoying the moment under the sun during an impromptu picnic on one of the lake's two beaches.

Enjoy a digestive stroll on a pirogue tour or a mini-cruise around the surrounding islands before leaving, not without tasting the delicious seafood of the region! Besides the destination, the road leading to Ang Nam Ngum Lake is also very interesting and will immerse you in the heart of Laotian countryside, between waterfalls, Hmong ethnic villages, and cliffs sculpted with Buddha representations. It's a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

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5. Laos National Museum

The Laos National Museum is housed in a former French building dating back to 1925. It showcases historical documents covering the colonial period, the revolution, and the struggle for national identity. Ancient artifacts are presented on the first floor, while the second floor highlights documents on the 1975 war.

For those who wish to learn more about the country's history, this museum is a must-visit. It covers a good part of the historical facts, including the entire period of colonization, the revolution, and the country's struggle to assert its own identity. Note that the museum has recently been relocated, making it quite far from the city center.

6. Vientiane Night Market

The night market in the capital of Laos is a lively place to buy souvenirs. It starts at 6 PM and offers a variety of products at reasonable prices. Don't hesitate to negotiate prices! Don't miss the morning market, Talat Sao, which offers a similar experience but with more options. It opens at 7 AM.

Although Vientiane is a city where tranquility reigns, you will find numerous activities and entertainments that will amaze and delight you without any problem. Its markets (day and night) are one of the most popular attractions for travelers.

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7. Discovering Laotian Cuisine

You must not miss the cuisine when discovering a city or country. The must-try dishes in Laos are: Lap or Laap (Laotian tartare), Mok pa (Laotian fish papillotes), Tam mak houng (green papaya salad), Or lam (beef stew), etc.

If you love cooking, it is a real opportunity to learn more about Laos' culture. Indeed, Vientiane is a perfect city to discover the importance of food for its inhabitants and how each dish is savored. And what better way than to attend a cooking class taught by the locals themselves? Most cooking classes follow the same format: preparation of three to five dishes, recipes to take home, and, of course, a big meal at the end. Some even offer a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients.

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8. Local Celebrations

Local celebrations are rare and wonderful occasions to immerse yourself in the local culture. We suggest some of the most popular festivals in the capital of Laos:

• Laos New Year

The celebrations of the Laos New Year, also called Pimai, Pii mai, or Pee may, take place from April 13 to 16 every year. This festival is of great importance and is linked to Theravāda Buddhism. People wear their finest silk clothes, make offerings at the temple, and visit their relatives and elders. (For more information, please read: Lao New Year Guide: Sok Di Pi Mai!)

During the Laotian New Year, people gather in the streets to pour water over each other. This practice of throwing water is considered a way to wash away the worries of the past year and start the new year with a sense of freshness and purity.

• That Luang Festival

The That Luang Festival in Laos is a religious and cultural event held annually in Vientiane, the country's capital. It takes place in November and lasts several days. This celebration attracts thousands of Laotian and foreign devotees, offering religious ceremonies, processions, traditional dances, musical performances, and food stands offering Laotian dishes. It's a unique opportunity to discover Laotian culture in an authentic and spiritual atmosphere.

What are the Best Times to Visit the Capital of Laos?

The most favorable months are from October to March of the following year. The climate and temperatures are favorable to very favorable, with fewer risks of precipitation.

In April and September, the climate is rather correct, but we advise against visiting between May and August due to the high heat combined with the many rainy days, with precipitation reaching up to 447mm per month during this period!

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December and January seem to be the ideal months to visit the capital, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30°C, warm enough to enjoy a sunny vacation but not too hot, allowing you to comfortably explore the capital in every direction.

How to Get to Vientiane?

To get to this Laotian capital, you have several options:

• Airplane: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane offers international and domestic flights.
• Bus: Buses connect Vientiane to other cities in Laos and neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.).
• Train: There is no direct train service to Vientiane, but you can take a train to the border town of Nong Khai in Thailand and then cross the bridge to Vientiane.

For travelers from Europe, there are no direct flights to Laos, so you will need to transit through neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, or Singapore.

Hotels in Vientiane

Here are some famous and quality hotels that are often well-rated in hotel booking apps:

• Salana Boutique Hotel
• Crowne Plaza Vientiane, an IHG Hotel
• Barn Laos Hostel
• New Champa Boutique Hotel
• Settha Palace Hotel
• Dhavara Boutique Hotel
• Green Park Boutique Hotel
• Vientiane Boutique Villa
• Lao Poet Hotel

Vientiane as Part of a Combined Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos Trip

It can be very interesting to extend your vacation a bit to discover the treasures of not just one but two countries in a single trip. For all lovers of Asia, Vietnam and Laos have so much to offer during a combined stay!

Meet incredible cultural riches, mythical landscapes, delicious cuisines, and warm people. Live a unique and authentic experience that will forever be etched in your memory. From Halong Bay to Pha That Luang, passing through the Mekong Delta, the countries of Southeast Asia await you with open arms.

We wish you an excellent trip and hope that these practical and detailed information will help you fully enjoy your stay in the peaceful capital of the land of a million elephants!

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