Capital of Laos, Vientiane is a comparatively small and a chilled out city with beautiful sights, great food and friendly locals. Vientiane is easily accessible, which makes it a great stop to explore for a day or two.
There are lots of fun things to do in Vientiane! It surprises me why Laos capital is easily overlooked by so many travelers, with a reputation of not having enough things to see or do. So I created this guide in the hope of inspiring travelers to visit Vientiane and enjoy it as much as I have.
Where to Stay
I stayed in the Barn 1920s hostel and it checked all the boxes! Unique 1920s atmosphere and easily a luxurious stay for a very affordable backpacker price. You will be greeted with kind and professional staff who will show you to your private and cosy bunk bed. Here I had one of the best sleeps while travelling Laos, that mattress is surely from heaven!? However the best part of my stay was the night market which is on the doorstep of the hostel. I booked my stay directly with Booking.com.
Use my code to earn £15 back from your stay: V0OBUC54
Transport
Vientiane is not a big city, most places you will want to visit are within 10-15 minutes walk away. Otherwise you can take a tuk tuk by flagging one from the street. Be prepared to negotiate the price. For every place I recommend to visit below, I also included an approximate cost for the tuk tuk journey (applicable from any main street near the Barn 1920s hostel).
I arrived to Vientiane by plane from Kuala Lumpur and hopped on a next public bus headed to Vientiane city centre for Kip 20,000. Airport is a 15 minute bus ride away from the city centre and buses leave every 40 minutes from 9:15 am to 9:15pm. Tuk tuk Kip 50,000 per person.
What to see
1. COPE Visitor Centre
Absolute must while you’re in Vientiane! Not only you will learn so much about the country you’re traveling in, you can also support a truly wonderful organisation that helps people in Laos. You can check out their official website here.
A little bit of history..
Laos is one of the most bombed countries in the world. During the Vietnam War more than 580k bombing missions were conducted over Laos, which is equivalent to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day for 9 years! Every bomb shell case dropped was filled with individual cluster bombs resulting in overall 270 million cluster bombs dropped over Laos. It is estimated that about 30% of them failed to detonate, now scattered across the country, mostly sunk in the ground where it’s hard to notice.
The biggest problem now is recovering the cluster bombs and destroying them safely, before they are accidentally caused to explode! This occurs often.. Farmers accidentally striking a cluster bomb while working, children discovering cluster bombs accidentally mistake it for a playing ball etc. these unfortunate events result in many deaths or disabilities even to this day.
COPE is a non-profit organisation in Laos which provides prosthetic limbs, mobility assistance and rehabilitation to those affected by cluster bombs and those with mobility-related disabilities.
Cost of entry: Free
Location: here. You can walk or take a tuk tuk which will cost approximately Kip 30,000 per person.
2. Patuxai Monument
In the heart of Vientiane you will find Patuxai Monument, Vientiane’s own version of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. This monument is dedicated to those who fought for independence from France. Patuxai translates to “Victory Gate”.
You can go up to the top of the arch by climbing 7 floors. From the top you will get fantastic views of Vientiane.
Cost of entry: Kip 5,000 to climb to the top of the Patuxai Monument. Admission to the park is free.
Location: here. You can walk or take a tuk tuk which will cost approximately Kip 20,000 per person
3. That Dam
On a quiet roundabout, in the centre of Vientiane you can find a lonely and overgrown stupa, also known as the “Black Stupa”. Legend says that That Dam was once inhabited by a seven-headed dragon that stood to protect the city from the threat of the Siamese.
Cost of entry: Free
Location: here. You can walk or take a tuk tuk which will cost approximately Kip 20,000 per person.
3. Buddha Park
Buddha Park is complete with more than 200 unique Buddha statues and is slightly out of town, however it’s worth the trip. This unique park shows a different perspective to religious artefacts while being a chilled place to walk around and enjoy the beautiful park and river.
You can climb to the top of a massive ‘pumpkin’ type structure, entering through a ‘demon’s’ mouth. It’s a fairly interesting architecture and you can find yourself running in circles through a labyrinth-like interior, searching for a way up. From the top you get wonderful views of a whole park.
After traveling Asia for over a year I tend to skip visiting temples or any religious sites unless they are very popular or an absolute must see. Buddha park was very unique.
Cost of entry: Kip 15,000
Location: here. You can take a tuk tuk which will cost approximately Kip 150,000 for the entire tuk tuk including return journey (each tuk tuk can approximately hold 4 people).
4. Pha That Luang
The Pha That Luang is also known as the “Great Stupa” and it is called so for a good reason! Standing 45m tall, it is the largest stupa in the country and also one of the most popular attractions in Vientiane.
Pha That Luang is referred to as the most important Buddhist monument in Laos, with so much interesting history which you can explore while visiting! (no spoilers!)
Cost of entry: Kip 10,000
Location: here. You can take a tuk tuk which will cost approximately Kip 50,000 per person.
Where to Eat
1. Central Point
Located very close to the Barn 1920s hostel, Central Point is a favourite dinner spot amongst the locals serving great variety of Lao food and delicious desserts! Just take a seat and one of the waitresses will provide you with a menu.
Location: here
2. Nok’s Burgers
Also very close to Barn 1920s and next door to Central Point, I had the best ‘value for money’ homemade burgers in Laos! Only Kip 15, 000 for a pretty good burger and a great service by a lady who runs this place.
Location: here
3. Ban Lao Beer Garden
Delicious food, large portions and good price at this very popular restaurant. Many tourists choose to come here for dinner and drinks. This place can be a great atmosphere to hang out.
Location: here
Roni on the Run 