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Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, strategically located on the banks of the Mekong River close to the border with Thailand. Home to iconic Buddhist sites and a rich cultural heritage, this vibrant city offers visitors a blend of spiritual landmarks and urban exploration.

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Lao kip (LAK)
Language
Lao
Timezone
+07 (UTC+7)
Local time now
00:13:40

Hotels in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a range of hotel accommodations to suit different travellers. Options in the city include properties such as AV Hotel, Khamkhoun Hotel, Chaleunxay Hotel, and Xaysomboun, providing visitors with choices across various locations. See all hotels →

AV Hotel
222 m from centre
Khamkhoun Hotel
287 m from centre
Phetmanyxay
290 m from centre

Airports in Vientiane

Vientiane is served by airport facilities including Khoksa Airfield. The city's main international gateway connects visitors to destinations across Southeast Asia and beyond. See all airports →

ດ່ານຊາຍແດນສາກົນສະໜາມບິນວັດໄຕ
5.8 km from centre
Khoksa Airfield
33.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the capital and beyond. Major rental companies including Avis operate in the city, alongside local providers such as VPS and ສົມຜ່ອງ, giving you flexibility in choosing your rental vehicle. See all car hire →

Avis
888 m from centre
ອັກຄະເດດ
2.2 km from centre
VPS
3.4 km from centre
ສົມຜ່ອງ
4.8 km from centre

Things to Do in Vientiane

Vientiane offers visitors a blend of cultural landmarks and local experiences. From the sacred City Pillar Shrine and historic Chao Anouvong Statue to vibrant night markets and temples, there's plenty to discover in Laos' capital city. See all things to do →

City Pillar Shrine
660 m from centre
Chao Anouvong Statue
661 m from centre
ວັດເທບນີມິດ (ວັດທາດຝຸ່ນ)
720 m from centre
ປະຕູໄຊ
914 m from centre
Night food market
975 m from centre
COPE Visitor Centre
1.0 km from centre

Restaurants in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a diverse dining scene with both traditional Lao cuisine and international options. From local favorites like ຮ້ານອາຫານຄົວລາວ and Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine to established spots like The Sun and Mon, visitors can experience authentic flavors and contemporary dining throughout the capital. See all restaurants →

ຮ້ານອາຫານ ຈະເລີນໄວ
105 m from centre
Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine
vietnamese · 107 m from centre
The Sun
lao;vietnamese · 301 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several options for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy pool facilities at guesthouses and establishments such as Villa Sisavad Guesthouse and Le Patitoh, which cater to both guests and the local community. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a selection of spas where visitors can unwind and rejuvenate. Whether you're looking for traditional treatments or modern wellness services, establishments like Happy Home and Adina provide options for relaxation in the heart of the city. See all spas →

Happy Home
3.2 km from centre
Adina
3.6 km from centre

Nightlife in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues ranging from live music restaurants to dedicated nightclubs. Experience the energy at spots like GO-DUNK Restaurant and Live Music Nightclub, Anou Cabaret, Lunar 36, Mithapab Nightclub, and Dihao night club and karaoke, each offering their own take on evening entertainment in Laos's capital. See all nightlife →

GO-DUNK Restaurant and Live Music Nightclub
626 m from centre
Anou Cabaret
1.0 km from centre
Lunar 36
1.1 km from centre

Bars in Vientiane

Vientiane's bar scene offers a mix of relaxed venues and social spaces where locals and visitors gather. From Queen Bee Bar&Grill and Moonlight Lounge to The Travel Drink, Wine 95, and League of Brewers Café and Lounge Bar, there are diverse options to enjoy an evening in Laos' capital. See all bars →

Queen Bee Bar&Grill
453 m from centre
Moonlight Lounge
523 m from centre
The Travel Drink
565 m from centre

Cafes in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a growing cafe scene with options ranging from specialty coffee venues to casual fruit shake bars. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or a social hub to relax, cafes like Naked Espresso, Hichillico, Black Yell Coffee, Kaogee Cafe, and Delight House of Fruit Shakes provide local favorites throughout the city. See all cafes →

Naked Espresso
lao · 274 m from centre
Hichillico
coffee_shop · 275 m from centre
Black Yell Coffee
lao;coffee_shop · 391 m from centre

Shopping in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a mix of modern shopping destinations and traditional markets. Visitors can explore contemporary malls like Talat Sao Mall, Thatluang Plaza, and Mellka Shopping Mall alongside local markets for authentic Laotian crafts and goods. See all shopping →

Talat Sao Mall
101 m from centre
ວຽງຈັນເຊັນເຕີ້
519 m from centre
Mellka Shopping Mall
1.0 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several natural spaces for visitors to explore, including parks such as Saphang Lenh Public Park and ສວນ 23 ສິງຫາ. These green areas provide opportunities to experience the natural environment of Laos's capital city. See all nature & wildlife →

ສວນປະຕູໄຊ
1.2 km from centre
ສວນ 23 ສິງຫາ
1.8 km from centre
Saphang Lenh Public Park
2.4 km from centre
ເດີ່ນຕີດອກ ປີກໄກ່ ມາໂນລັກ
2.4 km from centre
Mali's house
2.6 km from centre
Saysettha Public Park
2.6 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Vientiane experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasonal variation. The city sees warm weather year-round, with a monsoon season bringing increased rainfall during certain months and drier conditions in others.

Interesting Facts About Vientiane — Weird & Wonderful

  • Pha That Luang, an iconic symbol of Buddhism, is located in Vientiane and serves as one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
  • Haw Phra Kaew, a notable Buddhist temple in Vientiane, formerly housed the Emerald Buddha.
  • The city comprises 5 urban districts within Vientiane Prefecture.
  • Vientiane served as the administrative capital during French colonial rule in Laos.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vientiane

What is the capital of Laos?

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong River.

What is the population of Vientiane?

Vientiane had a population of 840,000 as of the 2023 census.

Where is Vientiane located?

Vientiane is located on the banks of the Mekong River, close to the border with Thailand, comprising 5 urban districts.

What are the main attractions in Vientiane?

Key attractions include Pha That Luang, an iconic Buddhist site, and Haw Phra Kaew, a notable temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha.

What is the timezone in Vientiane?

Vientiane is in the Asia/Vientiane timezone.

Map of Vientiane

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