Set on the banks of the Mekong River and loved for its glorious sunsets and modern vibe, Vientiane is a top spot to visit in Laos. The capital city’s smaller population of under one million residents creates a cozy atmosphere, especially for backpackers who prefer strolling to attractions. The fusion of French charm, modern hotels and historic landmarks invites travelers to discover the incredible things to do in Vientiane. Plan a trip around these can’t-miss Vientiane historic sites, temples, upscale restaurants and modern nightlife hangouts.

Vientiane Historical Sites and Can’t-Miss Places to Visit

Vientiane’s rich tapestry of historical landmarks highlights the country’s cultural and religious heritage. Step back in to catch a glimpse of Laos history at Patuxai Monument, That Luang Stupa and other eye-catching landmarks in Vientiane.

Patuxai Monument

Head to town center for a panoramic view of the city from the tower of Patuxai Monument. This structure, laden with intricate sculptures and a mosaic ceiling, features a spiral staircase that goes all the way to the top. The landmark is dedicated to Lao soldiers who fought and died for the country’s independence from France and in other wars.

That Luang Stupa

The 16th-century Great Sacred Stupa is such an important landmark in Laos that is featured on the country’s currency. The Buddhist temple with its golden exterior sits just outside town center and is open to the public for tours. Guests should dress appropriately while visiting the religious site. Long pants and shirts with sleeves are recommended. Each November, That Luang Stupa hosts Boun That Luang, Vientiane’s most important Theravada Buddhist festival.

Ho Phrakeo Museum

Built as a royal chapel in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha, this temple now houses a museum and souvenir shop. Visitors will not see the Emerald Buddha at Ho Phrakeo Museum, however, as it now resides in Bangkok at Wat Phra Kaew, but tourists can learn the story about how the Buddha was captured and why Ho Phrakeo temple has been rebuilt several times since then.

Wat Ong Teu

This 16th-century Buddhist temple is best known for housing the largest bronze statue in Vientiane. Other bronze statues dominate the viewing areas, as well as colorful iconography. Wat Ong Teu conducts a Sangha Buddhist school and is open to the public at no charge.

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

Kaysone Phomvihan Museum celebrates the former president of Laos and revolutionary leader Kaysone Phomvihane. Opened in 1995 on the former leader’s 75th birthday, the museum displays artifacts from the president’s daily life, as well as a collection of Buddhist sculptures. It is located beside Lao National Museum, just a 15-minute drive from Vientiane Night Market. Kaysone Phomvihane Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and is wheelchair accessible.

Sightseeing in Vientiane – Top Things to Do and Attractions

For an enriching sightseeing visit to Vientiane, tourists will want to spend at least three days exploring the many modern Vientiane attractions, historic attractions and irresistible restaurants. The city contains a good mix of historical charm and contemporary living. Must-see places in Vientiane can be found in city guides, like this one, or by visiting tour agencies while seeing the sites. A few can’t-miss things to do in Vientiane include watching the sunset over the Mekong, participating in morning almsgiving ceremonies at local temples and attending a traditional Laos dance or music festival. Visitors will find cultural experiences at these popular sightseeing spots in Vientiane.

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

Religious art is the cornerstone of some of Vientiane’s most cherished landmarks, and Buddha Park exemplifies this aspect of Laos culture. Located in a sprawling field along the banks of the Mekong River, the outdoor sculpture park contains dozens of stone Buddha statues – some in crazy poses – and is a popular destination for cyclers. Guests can get around via paved walking trails and take a break at a riverfront café. Open daily, the park is a 25-minute ride east of Vientiane.

Wat Sisaket

Oozing with Siamese and Laotian culture, Wat Sisaket is the oldest original temple in Vientiane. The temple was built in 1818 and survived the 1828 Siamese occupation. Out of the more than 2,000 Buddha statues it houses, one is believed to date to the 13th century. Tourists will find ancient murals adorning the inside walls of the temple, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and just a short walk from the Vientiane Night Market area. Visitors should wear modest clothing and practice courtesy, as this is a working religious site where locals come to pray and pay their respects.

Simuang Temple

Good luck prevails on this small, colorful temple ground built in the 16th century. Simuang Temple, sometimes called Wat Si Muang, was named for a young lady who sacrificed herself to appease angry spirits and has been the site of royal coronation ceremonies. Simuang Temple is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

Vientiane’s Cultural Experiences

Travelers who want to immerse themselves in Laos culture have plenty of opportunities to do so in Vientiane. Unique cultural activities, like traditional art shows, music festivals and museum tours are great ways to dive into Laotian culture and experience the rich diversity of Vientiane. For some of Vientiane’s richest cultural experiences, tourists will want to check out these attractions.

Lao National Culture Hall, Samsenthai Road

The Lao National Cultural Hall towers over the Mekong River with its gold-plated façade and astounding indoor exhibitions and cultural programs. The hall opened in 2000 and hosts performing arts shows that capture Laos culture. The theater performances are appropriate for viewers of all ages and perfect for family outings.

Lao National Museum

A sprawling museum set in a French colonial building, this former 1920s administrative building now houses artifacts that help explain the complicated history of Laos. Through a walk-through tour, visitors can grasp the importance of the 1970s revolution and learn more about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Lao National Museum is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Lao Textile Museum

Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, the Lao Textile Museum displays a private collection of antique textiles and hand-woven silk fabrics. Many of the textiles on display were crafted by people from remote ethnic groups. The museum showcases how silk is made and hosts weaving demonstrations. It is located at Ban Nongtha-tai in Chanthabouly District, just a 15-minute ride from Vientiane Night Market.

Sinouk Coffee Pavilion

This open-air restaurant is a must-visit attraction for coffee lovers looking for some peace and quiet. Located about 15 minutes east of Vientiane Night Market down a quiet street, Sinouk Coffee Pavilion specializes in specialty brews made from tea and coffee grown locally in the Bolaven Plateau. Outdoor seating and a large, serene garden make for heavenly afternoons in what seems like the Laos countryside.

Best Restaurants in Vientiane

Hungry travelers have no shortage of food choices in Vientiane. The city is teeming with restaurants that serve delectable Laos cuisine, fusion restaurants and international establishments specializing in everything from Italian to India food. For gourmet experiences, check out these fine dining establishments in Vientiane.

• Kualao Restaurant, 134 Rue Samsenthai: enjoy traditional Laos cuisine while listening to Laos music and watching dance performance. This full-fusion experience is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. daily.Mosaic Restaurant: dive into the best of European food in the market-style restaurant in Crown Plaza hotel. Guests will find a host of international plates and local dishes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.Pimentón Restaurant Vientiane: treat your tastebuds to local, organic ingredients in the two-story tapas restaurant in Vientiane’s backpacker area. Guests will find an array of authentic Laos dishes that are grilled to perfection in an open oven. Find Pimentón Restaurant on Nokeokoummane Road, just a short walk from Vientiane Night Market. It is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Vientiane Food Tours – Journey through Laos Flavors

For a truly immersive experience in Laotian food and culture, book a Vientiane food tour. Organized tours can be arranged locally through tour agencies and often through hotel hosts. Food tours can be arranged during daytime to sample whole dishes at restaurants or at nighttime to visit local bars and tapas restaurants. Other tours include visits to Talat Sao morning market and Vientiane Night Market, as well as taking street food adventures.

Vientiane Nightlife – Top Clubs and Bars

When the sun goes down in Vientiane, the clubs light up. Visitors who are in the city to experience Laos nightlife will want to book a hotel in the backpacker area, near the Mekong riverside and Vientiane Night Market area. These evening entertainment spots are some of the most popular and easily accessible on foot in Vientiane.

• Bor Pen Nyang Bar, Fa Ngum Road: meaning “chill out” in Laotian, Bor Pen Nyang offers sunset views from its four-story rooftop bar and restaurant.Vientiane Night Market in Chao Anouvong Park: on top of music and nightlife, visitors will find street food, shopping stalls and even a flower garden on this bustling night promenade.No Name Bar: sit back and relax on a patio with a drink and hand-roasted peanuts at this family-owned and operated establishment. No Name Bar serves cold beer and cocktails from noon to 1 a.m. daily.CCC Bar & Club Vientiane: cut loose with locals who like to party at this nightclub where guests choose the music. Night owls can go all night long at this bar, which is open from 8 p.m. to 3:30 to 4:30 a.m. daily.
Vientiane Luxury Hotels

While Vientiane’s backpacker is famous for its hostels and affordable accommodations, the city features a number of high-end hotels with spas and luxury accommodations. Travelers who prefer boutique hotels and upscale stays will want to book a room at one of these Vientiane luxury hotels.

• Crowne Plaza Vientiane, Samsenthai Road: just 15 minutes from Wattay International Airport, Crowne Plaza Vientiane has 198 rooms and suites decorated in traditional and contemporary styles. Guests have full access to a rooftop infinity pool with sunset views and a poolside tapas bar.Green Park Boutique Hotel, Khouvieng Road: located in the business district of Vientiane near city center, this 4-star hotel provides luxury along with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Guests are treated to a tropical garden, outdoor pool and rooms with elegant interiors.Lao Poet Hotel: just a three-minute walk from Laos National Museum, this luxury hotel offers 55 rooms and suites on eight floors. Guests can swim on-site in a rooftop infinity pool, relax in the spa and dine in the restaurant. The hotel provides laundry service and has an on-site bar as well.Settha Palace: this 5-star boutique hotel on 6 Pangkham Street is set is a renovated French colonial building that was built in 1932. Family-owned and operated, the hotel features a restaurant, spa, fitness center, outdoor pool and room service, along with a bar and open terrace.Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel: overlooking the Mekong River, this 5-star luxury hotel features 188 rooms, a spa and fitness center and large lagoon-style pool outdoors. Guests can get a ride to the airport, as well as room and laundry service and incredible river views.
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