Capital
Vientianeວຽງຈັນ
Give Vientiane one or two nights: a small, slow capital on the Mekong that suits a quick look at temples and markets before or after Luang Prabang.
Rules in force · 3
- Laos ↗Get the visa only from the official government e-visa portal or at the airport or border desk; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Laos ↗Carry Lao kip in small notes; small shops, tuk-tuks and markets are cash-only, and Thai baht or US dollars are only accepted at some tourist businesses.
- Laos ↗At dawn alms-giving, watch from across the street, keep quiet, never use flash and never touch a monk.
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and sits on the Mekong River across from Thailand. The centre is compact, with temples, a riverside promenade and French-era buildings. It is a low-key city with few major sights, and it is the main entry point by land from Thailand at Nong Khai.
At a glance
- Known for
- That Luang stupa · Patuxai monument · Wat Si Saket · Mekong riverside evenings · Buddha Park
- Best months
- Nov–Feb (cooler and dry)
- Avoid
- Mar–May (very hot) and Jul–Sep (heavy rain)
- Nights
- 1–2
- Airports
- VTE Wattay International (About 4 km from the centre; taxi)
Where to sleep
Near the Mekong riverfront
Walkable to cafes, restaurants and the evening market.
Around Nam Phu
Central square with restaurants and easy access to old-town streets.
Getting around
The centre is walkable; tuk-tuks and taxis cover longer distances. Rent a bicycle for the temples.
Watch out
- Agree tuk-tuk fares before setting off.
- Dress modestly for temples.
- Unexploded ordnance remains in rural Laos: stay on marked paths outside cities.
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Vientiane. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
Sources
Sources
- Ministry of Information (official)
- Wikivoyage — Vientiane (secondary)