Located on the banks of the Mekong, Laos’ charming capital Vientiane is more of a sleepy overgrown town than the usual frenetic, bustling Southeast Asian city.
From heavenly-smelling bakeries to grand colonial architecture, you’ll spot French influence everywhere you look – there’s even a replica Arc de Triomphe! This, coupled with orange-robed monks and steaming noodle stands, makes for one fascinating Asian-European fusion capital.
While a lot of travellers spend limited time here, the city undoubtedly has something about it; a unique charm that encourages you to slow down and let life happen around you. There isn’t loads to do but in all honesty, that’s why it appeals!
Vientiane, Laos – Backpacking Guide
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Vientiane Map & Resources
MORE INFO: (opens in a new tab)
- 🇱🇦 Laos Backpacking Guide
- 💰 Cost of Travel in Laos
- 📍 Nearby places: Vang Vieng | Nong Khai (Thailand) | Phonsavan
- 🚗 Must-do activity: Visit Buddha Park
Best Time to Visit Vientiane
November to February (dry season) is the best time to visit Vientiane. During this time, the days are generally warm and sunny with little rainfall. While March and April are also good times to visit, this is the hot season which can make exploring on foot very exhausting!
May to October marks the wet season and is a less desirable time to travel to the city. Despite this, rain rarely lasts all day and intermittent showers still provide adequate windows of opportunity to get out and explore.
Where to Stay in Vientiane
A focal point of the town is the ‘Nam Phou’ (fountain) located on the main Setthariat Street, where you’ll find many of Vientiane’s popular restaurants, bars and cafes.
There is a large selection of accommodations nearby from your fancy riverfront colonial-style hotels to your cheap youth hostels. Some recommendations include…
This charming hostel (1920s themed) gets great reviews from travellers who love the cosy atmosphere, large curtained dorm beds and super friendly staff. They have a small kitchen and the common room is a great place to meet fellow backpackers to discuss your travels in Laos. They also serve great coffee! Within walking distance of all sights, it’s no wonder this is a true traveller favourite!
If you’re after a stay in the capital with a little bit of character, look no further than Lao Poet Hotel. Situated close to the Laos National Museum, the maximalist ensuite rooms offer a unique yet plush stay. There is a beautiful rooftop swimming pool which is a great place to take in the city skyline.
A friendly hostel in a great location close to many bars, restaurants and the night market. A good buffet breakfast is included and they have a swimming pool, perfect for hanging out with your fellow backpackers. Onward travel services are offered and include hostel pick-up, however, they take a significant commission.
A good pick for couples on a budget, Patuxay Place is a friendly offering close to the Patuxai Monument (Arc de Triomphe). Although it is a little far out from the city centre, guests appreciate the free bicycle rental and friendly staff. Free drinking water refills are provided.
Another well-designed hostel with clean, modern dorm rooms and a little courtyard which is great for chilling. Located slightly outside the centre (15-minute walk), guests still find the location appealing. The beds are clean and comfortable and the free breakfast and coffee are delicious! All in all, great value-for-money option.
Set in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel is the place to base yourself in luxury. Clean and comfortable rooms with plush furnishings are the name of the game here, although sadly there is no on-site pool. Worry not, you can always spend your time in the cocktail bar instead! The staff are rated particularly highly and guests love the excellent restaurant.
Things to Do in Vientiane, Laos
1. Marvel at Buddha Park
Around 45 minutes from Vientiane centre, you’ll find Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan). This quirky site is home to over 200 concrete, slightly bizarre Hindu and Buddhist statues, including a huge reclining Buddha.
The park was built in 1958 by a self-acclaimed priest-shaman named Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat who wanted to spread his philosophical and spiritual ideas through sculpture. He also built a similar site just over the border in Nong Khai (Thailand) called ‘Wat Khaek’ after he was forced to flee because of the Lao Revolution.
While many tourists hire a tuk-tuk to get here, it is easily accessible on public bus #14, departing from the Central Bus Station. Buses depart every 20 minutes or so and it costs around 18,000 kip (approx. $1USD) for a one-way ticket. Visit early to avoid the hordes of tour buses that arrive around midday.
2. Take in the Views from Patuxai (Arc de Triomphe)
Vientiane’s concrete version of the Arc de Triomphe is at first an unusual sight. Built in 1969 to commemorate the Lao people who died in pre-revolutionary wars, it is possible to ascend the stairs for great views over Vientiane. At the time of writing, it costs 30,000 kip for foreigners (approx. $1.50USD).
3. Explore Pha That Luang Temple
Pha That Luang is a dazzling golden stupa situated on the eastern side of Laos’ capital, Vientiane. It is a highly important symbol of Buddhism and the National Monument of Laos.
Legend has it that this was once the site of an Indic temple dating back to the 3rd century which housed a piece of Lord Buddha’s breastbone. The temple is also the site of one of the largest and most important celebrations in Laos. Taking place on the night of the full moon in November; thousands of locals encircle the stupa with candles. The Theravada Buddhist festival (Boun That Luang), is a truly wondrous sight.
4. Visit Wat Si Saket
There are many temples in Vientiane, but the oldest and prettiest is Wat Si Saket, which dates back to 1818. With its pleasant courtyard and interesting murals, this makes for a worthwhile visit.
5. Educate Yourself at the COPE Centre and MAG Info Centre
During the Vietnam/American War, more bombs were dropped on Laos than on the whole of Europe during World War One. And, ironically, Laos was not ‘at war’.
The sad truth is that there are still many unexploded mines and bombies littered across the Lao countryside, which regularly kill and maim the population. The COPE Centre documents the work being done to clear the land and support the victims. It is an inspiring yet harrowing place to visit. Donations are much needed so please spare a few kip for the cause if you can.
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is one of the main mine-clearing organisations which works in Laos. Visit their information centre in the middle of Vientiane for more information on the battle to rid Laos of its UXO. Essentially a tiny museum, there is also a large wall of post-it notes left by visitors which is very moving to read.
6. Enjoy Vientiane’s Café Culture
Had your fill of noodle and rice dishes? Again, inspired by the French, Vientiane has a great café culture. You’ll find delicious baguettes, pastries, cakes and freshly baked goods in Vientiane’s selection of great eateries. Some of the best include Joma Bakery, Common Grounds Café and Bakery and Sugarmelt Pastries and Coffee.
7. See That Dam Stupa
This large 16th-century stupa is located in the middle of a roundabout between Chantha Khoumane and Bartholonie road so you’ll need to be a little careful when you go to see it.
Legend has it that the stupa was once covered in pure gold and a Naga, a type of water snake, once lived here and protected it. After the gold was stolen and taken to Thailand during the Siamese-Laotian war, the stupa returned to its blackened state which is what we see today.
Food and Drink in Vientiane
3 Xian Chicken Rice is a hidden-away gem frequented by tourists and locals alike. Specialising in chicken and rice, it is a quick, cheap and tasty way to get your fill while you’re in Vientiane!
As with any capital city, Vientiane is home to a thriving night market. While it predominantly deals in handicrafts and clothing, you can also find a good range of street food here. Try a few different things and grab a bargain!
Mrs. Thipsoumon Restaurant is a great place for a range of Southeast Asian cuisine. From favourites like Pad Thai to the quintessentially Laotian sticky rice, you’ll find it all here. If you haven’t yet tried Lao’s national dish laap, make sure to head to Han Sam Euay Nong – Three Sisters.
Read more about traditional Lao cuisine here!
With live music and a vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant cum bar Khop Chai Deu is one of the most happening spots in Vientiane. Located on the corner of Settharitat Street, close to Nam Phu fountain, it’s a great place to meet other backpackers and have a few more of those essential Beer Lao’s!
Once you’ve had your fill of noodles and rice, make your way to Snack and Chill for some good old-fashioned comfort food. Serving a range of excellent burgers, this is sure to hit the spot when you’ve overindulged the night before!
And for all you veggies and vegans, don’t miss The Greenhouse. Specialising in healthy ‘green’ food, there are a range of plant-based options here. The vegan tacos were our favourites!
Hichillico Café is set in a wonderfully restored colonial building and boasts a beautiful outdoor courtyard with views of That Dam Stupa. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a Lao coffee while you watch the hustle of the city before you.
Getting Around Vientiane
Vientiane is a different kind of capital when compared to others in Southeast Asia. Most of the main attractions within the city are walkable, although you should expect paths to crumble into non-existence and get used to dodging motorbikes!
For destinations further afield, such as Buddha Park or the Lao/Thai border, you can catch public buses from the Central Bus Station. This is a budget-friendly way to reach the outskirts of the city. You pay the conductor in cash once the journey is underway. It usually costs around 18,000 kip (approx. $1USD) for a one-way journey. Make sure you bring some small change!
The Northern and Southern bus terminals are located on the city’s outskirts so you’ll need to hop in a tuk tuk or taxi to reach them. Alternatively, use one of the many Laos Uber alternatives to arrange your ride. This is a good way to avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous drivers!
How to Get to Vientiane
By Rail – In December 2021, the Laos China Railway officially opened, revolutionising travel throughout Laos. It connects Vientiane to Kunming in China via other popular Laotian tourist destinations including Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Bear in mind that Vientiane Railway Station is a little way out of the main city. Public buses can take you there and depart from the Central Bus Station. Read more about taking the Laos China Railway here.
By Air – Laos’ main airport Wattay International Airport is starting to cater to more international flights. Cheap local airlines such as AirAsia offer flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Siem Reap and a few other nearby destinations in Southeast Asia.
By Bus – Many people travel to Vientiane by minivan from Vang Vieng which is around a 3-hour journey. From Luang Prabang, it should take around 7 hours on a bus.
From Thailand – From Bangkok, many backpackers take an overnight sleeper train to the riverside town of Nong Khai on the Thai/Laos border. (It’s also a popular route for those doing a border run from Thailand, as the Thai Embassy in Vientiane is just a hop over the border). From Nong Khai, it’s a short bus journey across the Friendship Bridge to Laos.
From Vietnam – The journey ‘Hanoi to Luang Prabang or Vientiane‘ is cemented in backpacking folklore as an epic bus trip, taking at least 24 hours with lots of shenanigans happening along the way! From tales of travellers getting abandoned at the border because they won’t pay to stay in a hotel for a few hours, to stories of sharing the journey with livestock, it’s certainly an experience which will give you some good stories!
Where to Go Next:
Vang Vieng: Once known for hedonism and tubing, Vang Vieng has undergone an image overhaul and is now pitting itself as an eco-destination. Head here for para-triking, hot air ballooning and incredible countryside vistas.
Tha Kaek: Deep in the heart of the central Laos countryside, Tha Kaek is the starting point for the legendary Tha Kaek Motorbike Loop through stunning scenery and friendly villages. Don’t miss the incredible Kong Lor Cave en route.
Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don): Take it easy, relax, then just chill out some more! There’s little else to do here in this backpacker hangout. Spend your days lazing in a hammock, kayaking past tiny islets or swimming at deserted beaches.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.