Must-see places in Vientiane
- berfinozelsel
- 3 hours ago
- 13 min read
Vientiane – The Capital and Historic City of Laos
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, directly opposite Nong Khai Province on the Thai border , Vientiane is both the capital and largest city of Laos. It is notable for its architecture deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism. Walking through its streets, elegant Buddhist temples and intricate sculptures juxtapose with colonial structures from the French colonial era. Vientiane gradually became the political and administrative center, following in the footsteps of Luang Prabang, which was formerly the capital.
Vientiane, despite being the capital of Laos, is quite different from the typical big city atmosphere of Southeast Asia. Unlike the busy, crowded, and fast-paced capitals of Bangkok or Hanoi, life here is much slower and more tranquil. The moment you step into Vientiane, you'll feel like you're in a peaceful riverside town, not a metropolis.
I felt the difference immediately the moment I landed at Wattay International Airport. It was clear I had arrived in a less-discovered country with a strong character. There are no large shopping malls, crowds of tourists with luxury suitcases, or taxi drivers constantly calling out to you. Instead, a simpler, more local atmosphere prevails: small shops, practical places to get basic necessities, and an unhurried order.
At the airport, nobody is in a hurry, nobody is pressuring you. The noise and crowds have been replaced by tranquility. This gives the city a different atmosphere from the very first moment.
Although my stay in Vientiane wasn't very long, the city managed to leave a lasting impression on me with its unique atmosphere. While the occasional air pollution was a minor drawback, the overall ambiance largely compensated for it. Walking through the streets, you might encounter a temple with gold embellishments on one corner, a modern café a few steps away, or small restaurants where locals enjoy their meals. This contrast makes exploring Vientiane both surprising and enjoyable.
Things to Do in Vientiane – The Tranquil Capital of Laos
Vientiane, with a population of approximately one million, is the political and cultural center of Laos. Its name, influenced by French, derives from the word Viangchan , meaning "city surrounded by sandalwood." During the French colonial period from 1893 to 1953, Vientiane became one of the region's important economic and administrative centers.
Today, the city stands out with its relaxed café culture, affordable spas, temples dominated by gold tones, and vibrant markets along the Mekong River. The colorful colonial architecture, still preserved especially in the city center, makes exploring on foot a truly enjoyable experience.
In Vientiane, 2-3 days are usually enough to explore the city. This guide will help you make the most of your time in the city when planning your trip.
Things to do in Vientiane
1. Explore Buddha Park
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), located approximately 25 kilometers outside Vientiane, is a fascinating and mystical sculpture park. While some travel blogs mistake it for a temple, it's actually a park containing around 200 different sculptures inspired by Hinduism and Buddhism. Designed by sculptor Bunleua Sulilat, the park has also been nicknamed the "City of Spirits." Although they appear quite old and historical at first glance, all of these works were actually created in the 20th century. One of the most striking structures is the giant demon head sculpture, approximately 3 meters high. The main reason I wanted to come to this park is this "Gate of Hell." Resembling a demon with its mouth open, the structure has three levels. The first level symbolizes the world, with sculptures depicting life on Earth; the lowest level symbolizes hell, the level above it also depicts life on Earth; and when you go up to the next level, you see sculptures symbolizing heaven. Going above heaven, you reach the top of the structure, meaning you reach nirvana and see the Tree of Life. Even just observing the park from here makes you lose yourself in thought. Each sculpture in the park has a story and symbolic meanings in Buddhism and Hinduism; reading about these as you explore allows you to feel the culture of the country.
Entrance fee: 30,000 Lao Kip (2026). I'm sure the price will increase as tourist numbers rise, because this park, which is like an open-air museum, deserves it.
2. See the Great Stupa.
Pha That Luang is a gold-plated stupa located in Vientiane, notable for its height of approximately 44 meters. It is considered the most important religious and national symbol of Laos. The structure was built in 1566 by King Setthathirath. Its high walls give it the appearance of a fortress.
Inside, Buddhist symbols, elegant floral motifs, and various animal figures are prominent. The building, which was severely damaged during the Thai army's invasion in the 1820s, was later restored by the French to its present state.
Entrance fee: 15,000 Lao Kip
3. See the Gate of Victory (Patuxai)
Patuxai is an impressive monument located in Vientiane, often referred to as the "Arc de Triomphe of Laos".
4. Join a Cooking Class
Street food in Laos is both delicious and quite affordable. However, one of the most enjoyable ways to truly understand this cuisine is to attend a cooking class. Courses, especially those held in Vientiane, offer both a cultural and practical experience. They usually begin with a visit to a local market, where you select fresh ingredients for your dishes and get a close look at the basic products of Laotian cuisine. This part transforms the experience from just a cooking class into a true cultural exploration.
Shop at Morning Market
Morning Market (Talat Sao) is one of the most popular and authentic places to shop in Vientiane. It's a large market area where locals can find their daily necessities as well as tourists can find souvenirs. It offers a wide range of products, from traditional Laotian handicrafts and silk fabrics to jewelry and electronics.
The most enjoyable aspect of the market is the opportunity to haggle. Prices, especially for souvenirs and textiles, are often quoted high initially, so bargaining allows you to get more affordable deals. You also get a chance to observe local life while strolling through the market. The goods sold at small stalls, street food, and lively atmosphere allow you to experience Vientiane's daily life up close. Going in the morning is the best time to avoid crowds and shop more comfortably.
Try a Laotian Massage
One of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities you can do in Vientiane is try a traditional Laotian massage. You can find many affordable and high-quality spas and massage parlors throughout the city. Laotian massage, similar to Thai massage, consists of a combination of stretching movements, pressure techniques, and relaxing touches. Aromatherapy massages, foot massages, and therapies using herbal oils are also quite common.
Most of the spa centers in the city are clean, professional, and quite affordable. An average massage session typically ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 Lao Kip , making Vientiane one of the most convenient places to get a massage in Southeast Asia.
Getting a massage after a busy day of traveling will not only help you relax physically but also make your trip more enjoyable. Especially when done in the evening, it can completely relieve the day's fatigue.
Patuxai (Gate of Victory)
Patuxai is one of Vientiane's most important landmarks and an impressive monument representing Laos's struggle for independence. While its architecture shares similarities with the Arc de Triomphe (Paris) and the India Gate (New Delhi), its details possess a character entirely unique to Laos.
Built in the 1960s in memory of Laotian soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during World War II and the struggle for independence, the monument was constructed with funds provided by the United States. Its name is of Sanskrit origin; “patu” means gate or passage, and “xai” means victory.
Although its design is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the structure is enriched with details reflecting Laotian culture. The monument features four corner towers, a central tower symbolizing the five Buddhist principles, and interior decorations including lotus flowers, elephants, nagas (mythological snakes/dragons), and kinnari figures. Entrance to the park where the monument is located is free. However, if you want to climb to the top of the seven-story structure and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, you will have to pay approximately 30,000 Lao Kip .
Visiting hours: 08:00 – 17:00 Park: Open all day.
The fountain shows held in the park in the evenings bring together both locals and tourists, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang is considered Vientiane's most important religious structure and a national symbol of Laos. With its large, gold-plated stupa dominating the city skyline, this structure holds great religious and cultural significance for the Laotian people. It even appears on the kip banknotes and the national coat of arms.
The stupa has very ancient origins. According to legend, in the 3rd century AD, monks from India brought a sacred relic of Buddha here. Later, in the 16th century, King Setthathirath built the present structure on the ruins of an ancient Khmer temple. However, it was largely destroyed during the Siamese invasion of 1828 and rebuilt in the 1930s by the French, adhering to the original plans.
The main stupa, approximately 45 meters high, consists of tiered terraces symbolizing the stages of enlightenment according to Buddhist belief. The lowest level represents the material world, while the highest level signifies spiritual freedom and the attainment of nirvana. The structure boasts impressive architecture, with smaller stupas surrounding it, porticoed walls, and Buddha statues inside.
Pha That Luang is located about 4 kilometers outside the city center and is most easily accessible by taxi. We went there by tuk-tuk in about half an hour. On our way back, we also stopped by the Patuxai monument.
Entrance fee: 30,000 Lao Kip Visiting hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (Closed Mondays)
The complex is also surrounded by two other noteworthy temples:
Wat That Luang Neua
Wat That Luang Tai
Especially around sunset, the stupa glows with a golden hue, creating a truly impressive sight.
COPE Visitor Centre
Laos became the most bombed country in the world during the Vietnam War. This was because a section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, used by North Vietnamese soldiers, passed through Laos. The United States, seeking to stop this route, heavily bombed large areas of the country.
The COPE Visitor Centre, located in Vientiane, is an impressive center that is a must-visit for understanding the recent history of Laos. COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) is an organization that provides prosthetics, orthopedic supports, and wheelchairs to people injured by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. This center both promotes this work and sheds light on the country's war history.
More than 40 years after the war, uncleaned explosives still pose a serious danger. Even today, these munitions continue to cause injuries and deaths, and experts say it could take a century to clear them all.
At the COPE Visitor Center;
Informative exhibits about UXO (unexploded ordnance).
Prosthetic technologies and rehabilitation processes
True stories illustrating the effects of war on people.
It includes quite striking content, such as those mentioned above.
This center is not just a museum, but also offers a powerful, thought-provoking experience. I recommend spending at least 1-2 hours here to better understand Laos' recent history and present day.
Admission: Free. Visiting hours: 08:30 – 16:00
While admission is free, making a donation to support the center's work is highly encouraged.
Temples
Since Laos is largely a Buddhist country, it's quite common to encounter countless temples of varying sizes in the cities. Even while walking through the streets of Vientiane, you might suddenly find yourself in front of a temple.
However, having so many temples in the city can lead to "temple fatigue" in travelers after a while. Therefore, to make the most of your time in Vientiane, focusing on a few of the most impressive and prominent temples would be a much better option.
Wat Sisaket
It is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Vientiane. Its historical significance lies in being the only temple to have survived the Siamese invasion of 1828 without damage. The temple was built between 1819 and 1824 by King Anouvong. It is located on Lan Xang Road, northwest of Haw Phra Kaew.
Wat Sisaket's most distinguishing feature from other temples is its collection of thousands of Buddha statues. The temple's inner sanctuary and surrounding porticoes contain over 10,000 Buddha figures of various sizes and periods, making it one of the most impressive Buddhist structures in Vientiane.
Throughout history, this temple has been not only a religious center but also an important venue for political ceremonies. It is known as one of the places where Laotian nobles swore allegiance to the king.
Visiting hours: 08:00 – 16:00 Lunch break: 1 hour Entrance fee: 30,000 Lao Kip
If you choose this temple as one of your first stops on your trip to Vientiane, you'll be able to see other temples along the way.
That Dam Stupa (Black Stupa)
That Dam is a mysterious and historic structure located at a quiet intersection in the heart of Vientiane. This stupa, whose name means "Black Tower" in Laotian, is notable for its dark brown color, bearing the marks of time. That Dam has a very long history, and the structure bears the scars of the Siamese invasion and the wars in the region. Legend says the stupa was once adorned with gold, but this gold was removed during the invasion.
According to local beliefs, this stupa is not only a historical structure but also holds mystical significance. It is popularly believed that a seven-headed naga (mythological serpent/dragon) lives inside the stupa and protects the city.
That Dam is located at a quiet roundabout between Chantha Khoumane Road and Bartholonie Road, and visiting it is completely free.
It's a nice and peaceful stop for those who want to take a short break and experience a different atmosphere in the city center.
Wat Ong Teu
Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan is one of the important Buddhist temples still actively used in Vientiane. It's a nice stop for those who want to experience the city's calmer, more local atmosphere. The temple complex includes multiple Buddha statues, a traditional drum tower, a stupa, and various smaller worship structures. Compared to other large and touristy temples, it's quieter, so you don't need to mark it on a map; you'll likely come across it during a leisurely stroll.
Admission: Free
Wat Si Muang
Located in Vientiane, this is an important place of worship considered by locals to be one of the city's most sacred temples. Built on the ruins of an ancient Khmer-Hindu temple, it thus bears both Buddhist and historical traces. It has a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere, and is frequently visited by locals for prayer and offerings.
Because it's located very close to the COPE Visitor Centre, you can easily visit both sites on the same day.
Admission: Free
Wat Inpeng
This is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane that is still actively used and stands out particularly for its striking green facade. As it is a temple where locals actively worship, you can closely observe daily religious life here.
It is important to show respect for the temple grounds and to wear appropriate clothing (covering the shoulders and knees) during the visit.
Admission: Free
Ho Phra Keo Museum
Haw Phra Kaew is a historic building in Vientiane that was once an important Buddhist temple but has now been converted into a museum.
The structure was first built in 1565 by King Setthathirath. Its purpose was to house the famous Emerald Buddha statue when the capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom was moved from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
Today, the Emerald Buddha is no longer located in this temple; the statue is currently on display in Bangkok. However, Ho Phra Keo serves as an important museum reflecting Laos' cultural heritage.
Inside the museum:
Bronze and stone Buddha statues
Stone artifacts dating back to the 19th century
Ancient inscriptions and tablets
Various historical objects related to Laotian culture are on display.
Entrance fee: 30,000 Lao Kip Visiting hours: 08:00 – 16:00 Lunch break: 1 hour
Statue of King Anouvong
The King Anouvong Statue is located in Chao Anouvong Park in Vientiane, at the end of the Vientiane Night Market. The statue is positioned facing the Mekong River and towards Thailand. This monument was erected in 2010 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the founding of the city of Vientiane. The statue honors King Anouvong, one of the iconic figures of Laos' struggle for independence.
King Anouvong ruled the Kingdom of Vientiane from 1805 to 1828. However, during that period, Vientiane, along with the Champasak Kingdom and Luang Prabang, was under Siam's control. The king, opposed to Siam rule, made occasional attempts at resistance. For example, his design of Wat Sisaket temple so that visitors would turn their backs to Bangkok is one of these symbolic acts of resistance.
Tensions escalated further during the reign of King Rama III. In 1826, King Anouvong launched a rebellion against Siam; however, due to faulty intelligence, this attempt failed, and he lost both his kingdom and his life.
Even today, centuries later, the people of Laos continue to remember King Anouvong with respect for his courage and struggle for freedom. Especially at sunset, the area where the statue stands on the banks of the Mekong River is quite impressive, both for its scenery and its atmosphere.
Lao National Cultural Hall (Special) Actually, the cultural hall itself isn't very interesting, but I wanted to include it on the list because there are some interesting events here on certain weekends. If you want to see something beyond the temples, you can visit the Lao art museum located in the ancient royal temple Haw Pha Kaew, or explore the country's recent socialist history at the Lao National Museum.
The Lao National Museum , located just north of Nam Phou on Samsenthai Street, is housed in a building that was formerly the residence of the French “résident supérieur” (senior colonial administrator).
Inside the museum, Laos' ancient past is depicted through paintings made in a rather primitive style.
Buddha Park
Buddha Park, also known as Wat Xieng Khuan , is located 25 km southwest of Vientiane and is not actually a temple (Wat). The park contains hundreds of sculptures, mostly Hindu and Buddhist figures. The sculptures are relatively new; they were created in 1958, making it an unusual and interesting place to visit. More like an open-air museum featuring sculptures depicting Buddhism and Hinduism than a classical temple.
The entrance fee is 30,000 kip, and the park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Shopping in Vientiane
Shopping in Vientiane, Laos is both enjoyable and quite affordable. The country is particularly famous for its silk products, making it ideal for those looking to buy handmade fabrics and traditional souvenirs.
Located near the city center, the Morning Market (Talat Sao) is one of the most popular shopping spots. Here you can find a wide variety of products, including bags, clothing, jewelry, and fabrics. Basement floor: Bags and clothing. Upper floors: Jewelry and fabrics. Remember that prices are generally negotiable.
In the evening, the liveliest spot in the city becomes the Vientiane Night Market. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, facing Thailand, this market comes alive after sunset. Here you can both shop and try Laotian street food. Additionally, the area has a vibrant atmosphere thanks to the cafes, restaurants, and events nearby.
The night market is open daily from 6 PM to 10 PM . The small amusement park next to it also makes it a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists, especially in the evenings. Even if you don't shop, a walk along the Mekong River after sunset is one of the most enjoyable activities in Vientiane. You can also visit the Travel Information Center Vientiane to get free maps and brochures and learn more about the city and the country.
The Night Market is located on the banks of the Mekong River, overlooking Thailand, and you can spend your evening shopping or dining there. There's also a small amusement park next to the night market. The night market is open daily from 6 PM to 10 PM.
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