The memorial Patuxay Monument, built between 1957 and 1968.

Talat Sao Market is split into two distinct sections: The air-conditioned shopping mall (the only one in Laos) is the best place to find electronics, sports equipment and jewellery.

That Luang Stupa built as early as the third century to house a breastbone of the Lord Buddha brought to Laos by an Indian missionary.

Vientiane is an excellent destination for those interested in picking up elaborate handicrafts.

Wat Hai Sok's soaring five-tiered roof, topped with elegant golden spires, can be seen all the way from Thanon Setthathirat.

Wat Ong Teu was built in the early 16th century by King Setthathirath. It was destroyed during the war with the Siamese and was rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Wat Prakeo was originally constructed in 1565 as the Lao royal family’s personal chapel, and as a home for the Emerald Buddha after it was snatched from northern Siam (Thailand).

Wat Si Saket located in Vientiane is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images and rows with hundreds of seated Buddhas.

Vientiane overview

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has an ancient French trading post, and much of the city’s historical center has retained much of its colorful original colonial architecture while blending in with the peaceful life of the locals. Everything in Vientiane seems still keep its own origin.

Best time to travel to Vientiane

The best time to visit Vientiane is during the cool and dry season from November to February when the average temperature of 28 degrees with almost no rain.

Laos New Year celebrations are one of the most well-known occasions, lasting from April 14th to 16th, when you can partake in the locals’ water-splashing activities, but this time of year is also the hottest when daytime temperatures reach around 33°C

How travel to Vientiane?

By plane
Vientiane’s Wattay international airport (VTE) is only about 6 kilometers from the city center, so taking a private transfer/taxi is simple and inexpensive, or you can experience it by tuk tuk should for this route. It takes a 1hr flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, a 1hr 15min flight from Hanoi, Vietnam, 6hrs 35min flight from Siem Reap, Cambodia (the connecting flight), and a 1hr 10min flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

By train from Bangkok
Take the daily overnight sleeper train from Bangkok directly to the Thanaleng Train Station in Laos, then catch a local bus or tuk-tuk to central Vientiane, or take any of the Bangkok-Nong Khai trains and make your own way by bus or taxi between Nong Khai and Vientiane.

By Bus
For international buses to Vientiane: •  from Luang Prabang, Laos, it takes about 10hrs and about 22 USD
                                                          •  from Bangkok, Thailand, it takes about 12hrs and about 30USD
                                                          •  from Kunming, China, it takes about 32hrs and about 90 USD.
                                                          •  from Vinh, Vietnam, it takes about 16hrs and about 20 USD
                                                          •  from Hanoi, Vietnam,  it takes about 22hrs about 25 USD
                                                          •  from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, it takes about 24hrs about 45 USD
                                                          •  from Siem Reap, Cambodia, it takes about 25hrs about 50 USD

For domestic buses to Vientiane:  •  from Luang Prabang or Xiengkhuang, it takes about 10hrs and about 19 USD
                                                      •  from Pakse, it takes about 10-12hrs and about 15-20 USD
                                                      •  from Savannakhet, it takes about 8-10hrs and about 12-15 USD
                                                      •  from Huay Xai, it takes about 12hrs and about 15-20 USD

Attractions in Vientiane

1. Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa)
2. Haw Phra Kaew
3. Sisaket Temple
4. Lao National Museum
5. Wat Simuang Temple
6. COPE Visitor Centre
7. Patuxay Monument (Victory Arch)
8. Hor Trai (Tri Pitaka Library)
9. Wat Si Saket
10. Xieng Khouan Buddha Park
11. Vientiane riverfront
12. Sunset by the Mekong River
13. That Dam (Black Stupa)

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Please contact us about Vientiane or any questions for expert planning advice for your memorial trip to Laos & Southeast Asia.