Things to do
Pha That Luang
Considered a symbol of Laos and its most important national monument, Pha That Luang was built in 1556. The 45-metre main stupa was originally covered in gold leaf and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, and is surrounded by 30 smaller stupas said to contain the ashes of former kings and other royal family members. The temple has been through several restorations as a result of invasions. Today, still covered in gold, it is a significant spiritual centre for Buddhism in Laos
Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. Located close to the old Royal Palace in the centre of the old city, Wat Sisaket was one of the few temples that survived destruction caused during the Siamese invasion of 1828. It is by far one of the most interesting temples in the city and houses more than 10,000 images of Buddha, the oldest dating as far back as the 16th century. Within the compound is a Ho Trai or library where the anicient Buddhist manuscripts known as the Tripitaka are kept
Patuxay
Appearing like a miniature Arc de Triomphe on one of Vientiane's main avenues, Patuxay, or “Victory Arch”, was built between 1957 and 1968 to honour those who gave their lives during the struggle for independence from France. Patuxay has four arched gateways, and the ceilings are decorated with Buddhist mythological creatures and Hindu gods, including the three-headed elephant Erawan. Visitors are encouraged to climb to the top of the monument for breathtaking panoramic views of the city
Wat Simuang
Wat Simuang was built in 1563 by King Saysetthathirath. The altar was destroyed by the Siamese in 1828 and restoration began in 1915. According to legend, the temple is guarded by the spirit of a girl named Nang Si, who sacrificed her life by leaping to her death, and a wooden pillar was lowered to cover the hole. Due to its sacredness, the temple is frequented by local Laotians to pray and make merit for the next life
Ho Phra Keo
Ho Phra Keo (or Haw Phra Kaew) is a former Buddhist shrine dating back to 1565 – today, it serves as a museum of religious arts in Vientiane. Locals call it ‘the Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ as Ho Phra Keo has a gilded throne meant for the Emerald Buddha, which now sits on the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace. You can see displays of Buddha statues on the terrace, and 6th-century stone sculptures at the main ordination hall
Buddha Park
Buddha Park, with its amazing collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues, is adjacent to the Mekong River about 24 km (15 miles) from Vientiane. It contains more than 200 statues, including a 40-meter (131-foot) high statue of a sleeping Buddha. Travelers who want the best pictures of this famous sculpture park will need to deal with the demon. Shutterbugs need to climb a stone ladder three stories to the top of a pumpkin structure; the entrance is shaped like a demon’s mouth. The park’s best known statues include a Hindu god riding a three-headed elephant and another god with 12 faces and lots of hands.
COPE - Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise
The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) is a charity organisation that provides treatment and rehabilitation programmes for Laotian people with physical disabilities. Many patients suffer injuries from hidden explosives scattered throughout the countryside as a result of the Vietnam War. COPE has 5 rehabilitation centres across 8 provinces in Laos, so that victims – mostly children – living in rural areas have access to this crucial healthcare centre. You can learn more about COPE’s mission through various exhibitions and documentary films showcased in the centre. You can also see how prosthetic limbs are made at the onsite workshop.
Night Market
The Vientiane Night Market takes place along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can see rows of red-roofed stalls selling handicraft, clothes, and electronics. Vendors begin to set up their stalls around sunset – the market is busiest around 8pm, so head there early to avoid a large crowd. The Vientiane Night Market is well worth a visit in the evening for its gorgeous sunset alone, as well as the many street food stalls selling authentic Lao dishes.
CURRENCY AND SHOPPING
The Lao currency is kip and is approximately 21,000kip (LAK) to the 1 US dollar. It is advantageous to have kip as all businesses transact in the local currency. ATMs are plentiful and changing money is best in the better known banks BCEL, Banque Franco Lao, with branches.
If you are changing at the money changer's make sure you count your notes carefully before leaving. Most shops catering to foreigners accept credit cards and add a 3% bank charge to pay by card. US dollars and Thai baht are widely accepted although the exchange rate may not be as advantageous paying in these currencies.
What to do in Vientiane
When staying in Vientiane, be sure to devote ample time to just wandering around. The city’s pace is relaxed, and matching that pace will make for a most enjoyable trip. If you’ve opted to stay in a luxury hotel in Vientiane, don’t feel guilty about idling away your hours there, the city will wait for you.
When you do wander away from your Vientiane boutique hotel, choose a direction by picking a sightseeing hotspot like the gorgeous Wat Si Muang, the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, or Ho Phra Keo, which was once the temple that housed the Emerald Buddha and is now a magnificent museum. Don’t forget to aim your walk outwards to Patuxay, the Victory Monument and park, at some point as well. The best view in the city is atop this beautifully sculpted monument.
You can fit all this and more in a day’s sightseeing if you’re keen to get your exercise in, or you can do things the true Vientiane way and make ample stops at the city’s lovely cafes, restaurants, handicraft stalls and massage shops along the way.
Later in the day, spend time wandering along the meandering Mekong waterfront or, for a little more action, head to the downtown Night Market or the Walking Street behind Vientiane New World Shopping Centre.
Outside of the city centre, you might also plan day or half-day trips to outposts like Tad Moun Waterfall, Nam Ngum Reservoir, the Phou Phanang Conservation Area or Xieng Khuan Buddha Park.
Vientiane, Laos is sure to capture with its sleepy charm, so go slow and enjoy it.
Dining in Vientiane
To fully enjoy your Lao luxury holiday, you will need to stay fueled up of delicious local cuisine. Fortunately, Vientiane offers excellent eats at just about every price point. From French gourmet to street foods, Vientiane’s dining scene will not disappoint.
Try Lao cuisine, which is similar to that of neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, but marked by a penchant for acidity which can be sampled in the mouth-puckering and flavourful condiments and sauces and in the ceviche style laabs featuring pungent herbs and greens.
Be sure to sample some of the everyday fare you’ll find at the markets to get the local flavour, but don’t discount the gourmet Lao options. Amphone restaurant, for example, offers surprisingly well-crafted Lao cuisine in a simple yet welcoming atmosphere. Here Chef Peunth marries traditional Lao cuisine with French techniques to a tasty and exquisite effect.
Thanks to a strong French influence, wine, bread and cheese are in plentiful supply in Vientiane. From classic French fare to more casual tapas style dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this riverside city.
Where to go before or after Vientiane, Laos
A gateway city, Vientiane is the perfect checkpoint on your journey through Southeast Asia, and an easy stop on the way to or from leafy Luang Prabang, Laos or Thailand’s eastern provinces.
No journey through Laos is complete without a stop in the scenic UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang. A day’s drive or short flight from Vientiane, Luang Prabang is the second largest city in Laos, but as with Vientiane, the title belies the scale as this charming mountain town is compact and perfect for wandering on foot. You might also add a stop in the southern region of Champasak – Pakse to your itinerary. This rural Mekong region is covered in expansive rice fields and stunning scenery.