Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Vientiane
Welcome to Vientiane, where tuk-tuks move slowly, and the mighty Mekong River flows by like a gentle giant! Unlike bustling capitals, Vientiane (ວຽງຈັນ) offers a chilled-out vibe. Sure, there might not be a jam-packed itinerary, but that's the beauty! Unwind in charming cafes, explore glittering temples, and soak up the easygoing vibes. Ready to trade fast-paced for slow and steady?
Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!Overview Vientiane
1. LOCATION
Along the flow of mother Mekong, Vientiane city lies right on the riverbank, which borders Thailand on the south northern of Laos. The city is also a destination to reach of tourists aboard.
Overview of Vientiane
Even in the modern day, this lovely capital still remains the antique beauty of old temples and monuments, which are scattered everywhere throughout the city.
When visiting here, you can enjoy many activities and tourist attractions that it provides. Sure, your time during the Vientiane tour package would be unforgettable.
2. BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENTIANE
Season and weather are what I said define your trip, they can make your trip a regretful one because of the wrong time visiting or enhance it to a wonderful rate.
From November to March, you can find the weather really pleasant and cool, the temperature is about 250C. In the hottest months of March, April, and May, the weather is turning hot but can still be manageable. Due to this reason, this period of time is considered to be the best time to visit Vientiane.
Vientiane on a sunny day
From May to October, it starts to rain, and the rain peaks in July, August, and September. Visiting Vientiane this time, you can catch all day long raining, which could affect lots to your dream journey. That’s why the season has the least tourists arriving of all.
3. THINGS TO DO IN VIENTIANE
Contemplate Masterpieces at Buddha Park
25 km to the southeast of Vientiane, a splendid Buddha sculptured Park is situated by the Mekong riverside. What special to mention? The Park (Xieng Khuan) is home to over 200 sculptured statues of Buddha, Hindu gods, Demons, and mythological creatures of various sizes. Make sure you have at least two hours before its closure time of 4:30 pm to observe all the masterpieces. A ticket for entering costs 5000 Kips (about 60 cents).
Buddha Park in Vientiane
Pay a Visit to the COPE Center
Laos had suffered severe consequences from the Vietnam War and Western invasions. To relieve the pain of those suffering victims, people donated to establish the COPE Center, short for the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise, which provides custom prosthetics, rehabilitative services, and special education for those victims and rural people that affected by the war.
COPE center in Vientiane
When you enter the center, you can see many of those fake arms and legs that hang in the chamber. They don’t ask for entering tickets but appreciate donations.
Rolling into Outstanding Temples
Vientiane is home to many antique and modern temples, let’s check these out:
Pha That Luang: one of the best temples in the city. This stupa has a magnificent size and is constructed with one big pierce that is straight to the sky, surrounding the main stupa are many smaller ones. It is believed to have been built in the 1500s.
Pha That Luang in Vientiane
Wat Si Saket: this one deserves to have a space in the top temples of the Vientiane list. It was built about 200 hundred years ago and designed in Siamese style.
Wat Dane Soung Jungle Temple: which is said to have existed since the first millennia. Stone shrines and enormous Buddha statues had expressed the beauty of ancient Laos.
Admire the Patuxai Victory Monument
The monument has always been a Laos symbol. It was built to memorize heroes who passed away when they fought against France and invaders to protect the country. This typical style of Laos monument is located at the end of Thanon Lane Xang in the government, which directly leads to the Presidential Palace.
Pat Xu Thai in Vientiane
On the 4 arches of the monument, there are many gift shops available. Taking photos of the place, people will recognize you are in “the country of elephants” - Laos.
Visiting Laos Museums
There are many museums worth visiting when you travel to the city. In particular, if you want to observe Laos ethnic costumes and their unique texture of fabric, you must visit the Lao Textile Museum. They display the fabric carefully in glass cupboards, hence, those pieces of fabric are still in good condition to watch.
Laos Museum in Vientiane
They also have a studio to show the silk-making progress, which will satisfy your curiosity. If you are keen on historical objects and simulation figures of old times, Lao National Museum would be suitable for you. They have artifacts of dinosaur bones, war weapons, graphics and posters of battlefields, ancient pottery pieces of Khmer, and many more. Learning history has never become so interesting.
Shopping at Night Market in Vientiane
People say that the market is the highway of merchandise of all kinds and all ranges. For this reason, you should once pay a visit to Laos markets, they provide many products and diverse in many ways, such as fresh meat, fruit, ready meals, clothes, handicrafts, food, drinks, and so on, which are made in Laos.
Night markets in Vientiane
You can pay a visit to these markets: Vientiane Night Market, Carol Cassidy Lao Textile, Talat Sao Morning Market, Vangtong Evening Market, and so on.
Visiting Phou Khao Khouay National Park
The Park is located in the northeast, which is only 40 km away from Vientiane. This 2000 km2 Park is residents of diverse kinds of flowers, plants, animals, waterfalls, and astounding sites. You can emerge in the cool water of Tad Leuk and Tad Xay waterfall in one day trip. Other than that, how about taking a boat ride on the river and enjoying the seductive view from the resting station on the river bank?
4. THINGS TO BUY IN VIENTIANE
The capital extracts all the country's best domestics, which gives tourists the best conditions to spend on such amazing items, you can purchase this thing:
Waving silk (textile): This is made by hand from home or workshop, it has high-quality material and is adorned with colorful attractive patterns.
Sinh and Salong: Sinh is the costume of Laotian women, and consists of 3 parts, the houa sinh (waistband), pheun sinh (body, main part), and the tdin sinh (hem). Salong is for Laotian men, and includes big dyed pants and a T-shirt.
Buy silk Sinh and Salong in Vientiane
Carvings: they carve buddhas, animal shapes, and special textures onto a wooden bar, which looks pretty cool.
Ceramic: which had professionally developed throughout history, people made the products by hand and added graceful textures throughout the good's body.
Jewelry: often made of silver and gold, typical of Laos design and excellent pattern carved.
Coffee: which has a tasty flavor that is distinguished from other countries’s coffee.
5. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Just mind a bit to you behave and follow these basic rules of Laos:
- Dress neatly, and wear pants that can cover your knees.
- Keep silent and show your respect when entering religious places.
- Put your palms together and place them lower than your chin, then bow and say “SA-BAI-DEE” , which means hello.
- Take off your shoes when entering in Laotian home.
- Don’t pay too much attention and do body contact in public.
- Don’t give money or gifts to kids.
- Don’t point directly or shout at Laotian, it is rather rude.
Hope this article can help you work something out on your Laos tours. Enjoy your time out there. Contact Asia Links Travel now to plan your trip!
Ms. Thu Uyen
(Personal Travel Consultant)
We listen to your needs, design it to your specifications, and build it to your dreams!
Satisfaction Guarantee
Your smile is our goal. Travel worry-free with your personal consultant!
All Handcrafted
We don't believe in one-fit-all tours. Our local experts tailor a trip to fit you perfectly.
Trusted Reviews
98% Customer satisfaction rating, 5 stars from TripAdvisor reviews.
Excellent Support
24/7 online support. We are always there for you from the first quote til the end of your trip.
Explore all things to do in Vientiane 2024
15 Days Vietnam & Laos Tour
Experience a 15-day journey to explore Vietnam and Laos with its majestic natural landscapes, unique culture and impressive historical sites.
Laos Discovery 7 Days
Unleash Laos' beauty in 7 days! Kayak Vang Vieng, explore Luang Prabang temples, cruise Pak Ou Caves & swim Kuang Si Falls. Unforgettable adventure awaits.
Laos Experience
7 Days in Laos: Adventure awaits! Kayak Vang Vieng, explore Plain of Jars, & relax at Kuang Si Falls. Temples, caves & breathtaking beauty. See it all!
Laos Discovery 9 Days
Adventure to Laos: 9 days in paradise! Explore Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, & hidden Khmu villages. Kayak Pakse, hike Bolaven Plateau, & see majestic Wat Phou. Unforgettable Laos awaits!
Laos Adventure 9 Days
Explore Laos caves, waterfalls & hidden villages with this 9-Day Adventure! Hike, bike & boat through Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang & beyond.
10 Days Best of Laos
Explore the best of Laos in 10 days full of magical! From cruise tours to cultural exploration, everything is awaiting your arrival. Check now!
Explore the Capital of Vientiane 3 Days
Immerse the beauty of Vang Vieng with seasoned English guides & explore historic sites in Laos full of interest! Hop on now!
Classic Laos 5 Days
Explore Laos' highlights: Luang Prabang temples, Kuang Si waterfalls & Pak Ou cave secrets. 5-day adventure to Vientiane & more! Unwind, discover & be amazed.
Vang Vieng Exploration 4 Days
Don't waste your life waiting for the right time, Vang Vieng Exploration is ready to serve you with the best services and the most wonderful experience ever! Contact now!
8 Days Southern Laos Discovery
8 days to explore the best places in Laos, why not? You will have the chance to join the Laos community and discover pure nature! Check now!f
Vientiane Explorations 3 Days
Join Vientiane Exploration 3 Days with us. From unhurried tuk-tuk to the slow Mekong river, the city is total tranquility and best of all, fits all budgets!
6 Days from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Take a journey on the captivating 6-day from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and discover a whole new culture, it promises a great time. Contact us for booking!
8 Days Laos On Your Way
You want to explore charming cities, ancient monuments, and sail along the Nam Ou River? "8 Days on Your Way" has it all! Please contact us for advance booking!
Optimize Your Trip with Our Local Experts
Land Tours, Halong Bay & Mekong River Cruise,… Mix & Match as You Need.
Help Me Plan My Trip
Times & Distances
Vientiane offers a blend of history, culture & adventure. Explore Buddha Park sculptures, discover hidden gems in vibrant night markets or Phou Khao Khouay National Park. This guide unlocks Vientiane secrets, must-see temples to unique souvenirs!
Travel Tips Before You Go
Top Things to Do in Indochina for Women Travelers
Easy Steps to Get Laos Visa on Arrival
