Vientiane
Vientiane is a low-key riverside capital with French-era avenues, the gilded That Luang stupa and the COPE centre explaining the country's unexploded ordnance legacy. A day is enough for the sights, but the café and restaurant scene is the best in Laos. It is the southern end of the railway.
How long to stay
November to February.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Vientiane yet
Is Vientiane right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Vientiane is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Food
- Solo
Less of a focus
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Couples
- Budget friendly
Build your Vientiane trip
Top things to do
COPE Visitor Centre
Free entry · VerifiedVientiane
A small, serious museum on the bombing of Laos and the prosthetics programme for UXO survivors.
Pha That Luang
Entrance $0.55 · VerifiedVientiane
The gilded national stupa, rebuilt in the 1930s and the symbol of Laos.
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Popular activities
Buddha Park excursion
Trip to the concrete sculpture park south of the city.
Mekong riverside evening market
Sunset walk along the embankment with street food stalls.