Best Things to Do in Vientiane: The Heart of Laos

I fell in love with Vientiane in 24 hours, right after I realized my country had helped destroy it.

While I’m here to share the best things to do in Vientiane, including where to eat and which guided tours to take, the sights won’t mean much until you understand how they bounced back from devastation.

I talk history, yes, even the uncomfortable parts. Especially those. So, I’ll cover everything from what to pack, how to get around, where to eat, and what to see. But I’ll also share the colonial history most people skip. Because you deserve the full story.

Let’s get your inspirations going, so you can go and fall in love with Vientiane and its stunning cultural sites the same way I did. Enjoy!

Why Vientiane Is Worth A Visit

Having been burnt to the ground as recently as the 1800s (by my ancestors, I’m sorry 💀), Vientiane today stands as a testament to Laos’ enduring spirit and cultural depth that’s worth recognition.

Unlike the fast, busy capitals of its neighbors, Vientiane’s has advantages from its laid-back atmosphere, where the passage of time feels slower and more peaceful.

Important Cultural Note for Visitors

First things first. I understand there has been a lot of confusion about this topic, but anything or anyone that originates from Laos is “Lao” and not “Laotian.”

The origin of the word “Laotian” was “Laotien/Laotienne.” Are you starting to see the reason behind why it’s touchy to use the word Laotian?

It was an identity given to the indigenous Laos by the French, their colonizers. In their own language, the people of Laos identify as “Lao.” Let’s start with that basic respect if you’re visiting their home.

Historical Context for Vientiane

The basis of the Lao culture and identity came from Lan Xang, an ancient kingdom that broke off from the Khmer Empire to the east of Sukhothai in the 14th century.

During its existence, it grew to become one of the biggest kingdoms in Southeast Asia, comparable in size to the great Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Then later in 1707 was split into 3 separate kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak respectively.

Click here to skip history and jump to travel tips

The Glorious Days

From 1560 to 1707, Vientiane was the capital city of the Lan Xang kingdom, succeeding Luang Prabang. When Lan Xang split in 1707, it continued to thrive in glory as the capital of the Kingdom of Vientiane, with its borders stretching almost to the Khorat Plateau (present-day Nakhon Ratchasima of Thailand).

However, its days were numbered as the Kingdom of Vientiane. With the neighboring Luang Prabang and Thonburi constantly posing threats, conflicts continued to rise. As a Burmese vassal state, Vientiane’s point of breaking came in 1778, after another Burmese-Siamese War.

With his eyes set on taking Vientiane from Burmese control, King Taksin of Thonburi sent his forces to ransack the city and ended up taking the sacred Emerald Buddha back to Siam.

From then on, Vientiane became a Siamese vassal state, and resentment festered over the stolen object.

Annexation and Decades of Ruin

A few decades later, in 1826, King Anouvong of Vientiane launched a rebellion against Siam, now the Rattakosin Kingdom, to take back the Emerald Buddha and repatriate some of his civilians.

Rattanakosin quickly launched a counter-attack, which ended with Vientiane burnt to the ground (except for one temple). King Anouvong was brought back to Rattanakosin (present-day Bangkok) and died from torture in captivity.

With the Siamese annexing Vientiane and everything to the west and its population relocated into Siam, the city itself fell into ruins, overrun with bandits and local rebellions. The lack of central power in the area finally allowed the French to move in from Cambodia and Vietnam, taking Vientiane under its rule in 1893.

Vientiane Today

Laos regained its autonomy from the French Protectorate in 1949 and finally, its independence in 1953. Since then, Vientiane, as we know it today, has been the capital of Laos.

Let’s go explore what we can do there!

Quick Tips for Visiting Laos

Apart from your passport and a visa (if applicable), there are no other travel requirements to enter Laos as of June 2025. I always run a free check on Sherpa for visa requirements worldwide.

Best Time to Visit

Try to visit between November and February if you can! It’s winter and the driest season, so the weather is easier on cold-climate folks, and there’s minimal rain compared to the rest of the year.

However, if having fewer crowds is more important to you, visit in March-April when it’s the hottest time of the year (And I mean HOT).

Local Currency

The local currency in Laos is called Kip (LAK). As of March 2026, 1 USD = 21,425 LAK.

Plug Type

There’s no romantic answer to this one. Laos has no standard plug type, and you will find any kind of socket from Type A to F. Bringing a universal adapter is your only chance.

Getting Around in Vientiane

Laos uses InDrive in place of Uber. The Southeast Asian Grab App won’t work here either, so be sure to have InDrive downloaded before you get there!

General Dress Code

Laos is a very conservative country compared to its neighbors. You won’t see the locals dressing in revealing clothes ever. To blend in better, I recommend packing longer pants that cover your knees and sleeved tops. Aim for lighter fabric so you can withstand the tropical heat while covering up.

Vientiane’s highlights are mostly religious sites, so sticking with the conservative dress code is smart. But by all means, pack adventure clothes for your onward journey to Vang Vieng and beyond, if applicable!

My 9 Favorite Things to Do in Vientiane

Let me make one thing clear: I think most things in Vientiane are considered top attractions. They’re all super cool places that teach you something about the country. But let’s say, in the worst-case scenario, you only have one day, these “top attractions” would be what I recommend first.

1. Admire the Golden Pha That Luang

With its golden spire piercing the sky, it is more than just a national symbol; it’s a spiritual beacon for the Lao people. Visiting during the cool morning hours, you’ll find it less crowded than you expected.

It was destroyed by the 1827 Thai Invasion and left abandoned until the French successfully reconstructed it in the 1930s. Then, around 1040, it was heavily damaged again by Thai air raids during the Franco-Thai War. It was restored to how we see it today after the Second World War.

Because it’s a bit further away from downtown, download the LOCA App to call a taxi on your own, or ask your hotel front desk to call one for you. But do NOT flag down a tuk-tuk yourself, you’ll get overcharged.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission Ticket: 30,000 LAK (US$1.5)
• Location: 17.9767542, 102.6339376

2. Worship With the Locals at Wat Si Mueang

To get a glimpse into the local Buddhist culture, nothing works better than visiting Wat Si Muang. Countless locals go in and out of this temple all day long, praying and making offerings to the monks.

You’re always welcome to sit down in the sanctuary and take in the atmosphere for a bit as long as you remain quiet and respectful. Don’t forget to keep your feet from pointing at the Buddha image.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Free Admission
• Location: 17.9578944, 102.6145323

3. Visit the Oldest Temple in the City

Built by King Anouvong in 1818, this temple is famous for its 6,000+ Buddha statues and for being the longest-standing temple in the city. It pains my soul to talk about this, but I’m going to tell you why.

Even though the Siamese forces were instructed to “leave the temples intact,” most of the temples were still damaged beyond repair, some of them with only bare structures remaining.

However, word has it among the Laos that the reason Wat Si Saket was the least damaged was because 1) the Siamese soldiers used it as their lodging, and that was because 2) the Siamese king went to Vientiane for a portion of his studies, and he stayed at this temple.

So, it commanded enough respect to be left alone.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Admission Ticket: 30,000 LAK (US$1.44)
• Location: 17.9631998, 102.6087535

4. Enjoy Fountain Shows at Patuxai (Victory Gate)

Often referred to as Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, it offers not just a remembrance of those who fought for Lao Independence, but also a panoramic view of the city from its summit. Climbing its stairs, you’re treated to stories etched in its architecture and an amazing view of the sunset.

• Weekday Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Weekend Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission Ticket: 5,000 LAK (US$0.3) to climb up to the summit
• Location: 17.9706189, 102.6159515

Surrounding the victory gate is Patuxai Park, where locals love to take a stroll. There’s a fountain in front of the gate that turns on with music at certain times of the day as well.

5. See the Woodwork You Never Thought Were Possible

This is my personal opinion, but I think you have nothing to lose by visiting the Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Art. Because, guess what, 90% of said “Contemporary Arts” are ornately, insanely detailed pieces of carved wood.

We’re talking full-bodied goddess statues carved out of entire tree trunks and more.

There are museum staff members ready to take you through their art collections. Apart from carved wood, you will find marvelous pieces of painting as well. I was blown away walking around in there.

• Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Admission Ticket: US$10
• Location: 18.0278608, 102.6487482

6. Visit Ho Phra Keo Museum

This museum used to be a temple, and quite a significant one to the Lao people. It housed the Emerald Buddha, the sacred object of the land, before the Thai Invasion of 1778.

Today, the very same Emerald Buddha sits inside Wat Phra Kaew of Bangkok, while Ho Phra Keo turned into a museum showcasing the relics that remain.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 – 4:00 PM daily
• Admission Ticket: 30,000 LAK ($US1.5)
• Location: 17.9616951, 102.6089419

7. Stroll Around in Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan)

Officially called the Xieng Khuan Cultural Park, it presents a surreal landscape, dotted with over 200 religious stone statues, including a gigantic reclining Buddha. Each sculpture tells a part of the grand narrative of Buddhist and Hindu mythology.

The coolest structure, in my opinion, was this head of a giant, where you can go in through the open mouth and get lost inside its very confusing 4 stories worth of steep stairs and darker Buddhist-themed rooms before emerging up top. The park view from above is quite something.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Hours of Operation (Sunday): 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Admission Ticket: 40,000 LAK (US$2)
• Location: 17.912517, 102.7622026

Traveling to Buddha Park

• Getting There: Catch bus number 14 from the Bus Terminal next to the morning market. The ride should cost about 12,000 LAK (US$0.6) and take about 30 minutes.
• Getting Back: Find the bus stop sign across the street from the park entrance and catch a bus back
• Transportation Alternative: InDrive Taxi

8. Learn Some War History at COPE Visitor Center

Did you know Laos remains the most heavily bombed country in the world?

Although it has come to light today, the American “Operation Barrel Roll” was largely kept a secret during the Vietnam War due to the neutrality granted to Laos in the 1954 Geneva Conference.

Intending to take out the North Vietnam forces that were taking over Laos, the operation dropped a total of 260 million bombs on this tiny country with less than 5 million people at the time.

The COPE Visitor Center educates people about the ongoing dangers affecting the locals’ livelihoods due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) still littering parts of the country today.

• Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily
• Free Admission, donations accepted
• Location: 17.95775, 102.6177971

9. Shopping (and Eat) at Vientiane Night Market

But… but… what about the elephant pants? Laos has elephant pants, too, right? (Every tourist’s concern!)

They do! At the Night Market! Not only will you find local souvenir and clothing booths, but you’ll also find bustling, smoking street food stalls selling the best of Lao street delicacies. And because the market is right by the Mekong River, you might want to consider grabbing a spot to admire the view as you dig in.

• Hours of Operation: 6:00 – 10:00 PM daily
• Location: 17.9624593, 102.603091

Where to Eat in Vientiane

Vientiane’s culinary scene is delightful. If you’re a fan of Northeastern Thai food, you can’t miss this one, because it’s the better version. Sampling street food like Mok Pa (steamed fish in banana leaves) introduces you to the heart of Lao cuisine, rich in herbs and freshness.

For a more sit-down experience, the city’s restaurants are the place to go. I have one absolute favorite that I simply cannot recommend enough.

Khop Chai Deu

Even though it’s not one of the hole-in-the-wall kind of places like what I’d usually recommend to travelers, I will keep raving about this restaurant forever.

With 3 stories, the place is decorated with a vintage color palette and vintage items. There is live music in the evening, but having lunch there was nice and peaceful. And the food was DIVINE. The Crying Tiger beef was my favorite. You simply can’t grill meat and have it smell that perfectly EVERY TIME, but they nailed it.

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
• Location: 17.9645151, 102.6074335
• Recommended Menus: Crying Tiger, Tam Luan Prabang, Tam Mak Houng, Laab

Joma Bakery Cafe

Okay, not Lao food, but what if I told you this is the locals’ favorite hangout spot? Plus, they make decent toasts, bagels, and coffee. Their carrot cake was great as well!

• Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Location: Multiple branches all over the city
• Recommended Menus: Any coffee is great, and Butterfly Lemonade to cool you down from the heat

Recommended Guided Tours Around Vientiane

If you only have a day or two in the city, consider taking one of these day tours below.

This private tour of Vientiane takes you around most of what I’ve listed, starting at Buddha Park and ending the day at Pha That Luang at sunset.

This other one takes you to mostly the same spots, but instead of Buddha Park, you’ll be exploring the local mall and morning market. It sounds a little more laid-back and local to me.

Final Thoughts

Beyond my (far too short) list of highlights is a city that still has so much to offer. Wanting to spend a month or so here wouldn’t be unreasonable at all.

The peaceful way of life permeates the air every morning you wake up, and the locals are the sweetest. Vientiane is a wonderful slow-travel destination.

But don’t just stop in Vientiane. Take the high-speed train up to Luang Prabang after that, and you’ll be blown away by that city, too! (I still need to write a guide on that… 💀)

Common Questions

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