Vientiane
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Golden national stupa and symbol of Laos
- Tip: Late afternoon
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Closed at lunchtime
📷 Photos
- 2
Victory monument with views from the top floors
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Climb to the top for city views
- Fountain show in the evening
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
- 3
Oldest surviving temple in the city with thousands of Buddha images
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Closed at lunchtime
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
- 4
Former royal temple now housing religious art
3 tips
- Photos allowed outside only
- Small entry fee
- Combine with Wat Si Saket
📷 Photos
- 5
Surreal sculpture park of giant concrete Buddhist and Hindu figures
3 tips
- About 25 km from the centre
- Climb the pumpkin sculpture for views
- Take a tuk-tuk or bus
📷 Photos
- 6
Exhibits on unexploded ordnance and prosthetics in Laos
3 tips
- Free entry
- Watch the documentary
- Allow about one hour
📷 Photos
- 7
History and revolution exhibits of Laos
3 tips
- Small entry fee
- Limited English labels
- Allow one hour
📷 Photos
- 8
Evening market on the Mekong promenade
3 tips
- Opens around dusk
- Bargain gently
- Try street food nearby
📷 Photos
- 9
Central market and shopping mall for textiles and goods
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring small bills
- Fabrics and silver are good buys
📷 Photos
- 10
Revered city pillar shrine where locals make offerings
3 tips
- Observe local ceremonies respectfully
- Free to enter
- Flowers are sold outside
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Vientiane tips
Transportation
- Use ride apps: LOCA and other ride apps offer fixed fares for cars and tuk-tuks, avoiding haggling with street drivers.
- Take the Laos-China Railway: fast trains link Vientiane with Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang; the station is outside the centre, so plan transfers.
- Rent a bicycle: Vientiane is flat and relaxed, making cycling a pleasant way to reach temples and the riverside.
Security
- Watch for bag snatching: keep bags on the side away from traffic, as thieves on motorbikes occasionally grab bags and phones.
- Avoid drugs entirely: penalties for drug offences in Laos are severe, so decline any offers and never carry items for others.
- Take care on roads: traffic can be unpredictable, so wear a helmet if riding and cross streets slowly and steadily.
Saving
- Eat at the night market: the riverside night market and food stalls offer cheap grilled meats, noodles and snacks.
- Try khao jee: French-style baguette sandwiches with pâté and vegetables are a cheap and tasty Vientiane breakfast.
- Pay in kip: carry Lao kip for small purchases, as using dollars or baht often gets you a worse rate.
Weather/Clothing
- Visit in the cool season: November to February is dry and pleasant; bring a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prepare for the hot season: March to May is very hot, so wear breathable clothing, a hat and stay hydrated.
- Pack for the rains: May to October brings heavy showers; a rain jacket and quick-dry sandals make getting around easier.
Cultural
- Dress for temples: cover shoulders and knees at Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket, and remove shoes before entering halls.
- Respect monks: women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them; step aside politely if you pass in the street.
- Greet with a nop: press your palms together and bow slightly to greet people; a smile and sabaidee go a long way.
Local Hacks
- Watch sunset by the Mekong: join locals along the riverside promenade for sunset, outdoor aerobics and views across to Thailand.
- Climb Patuxai: the victory monument's upper levels offer great views over the city's main boulevard.
- Visit COPE: this visitor centre explains the impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos and supports survivors; it is moving and informative.
1-day itineraries in Vientiane
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.