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Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River close to the border with Thailand. This vibrant city blends French colonial heritage with Buddhist culture, offering visitors a unique Southeast Asian experience.

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Lao kip (LAK)
Language
Lao
Timezone
+07 (UTC+7)
Local time now
04:19:17

Hotels in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a range of hotel accommodations for visitors, from budget-friendly options to mid-range establishments. Popular hotels in the city include AV Hotel, Khamkhoun Hotel, Phetmanyxay, Chaleunxay Hotel, and Xaysomboun, providing various choices for travellers exploring the capital. 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 major air facilities that connect the capital to regional and international destinations. Key airports in the area include Khoksa Airfield and the international airport facilities that handle passenger and cargo operations. 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 city and surrounding regions. Major providers like Avis operate alongside local rental services such as VPS and ສົມຜ່ອງ, giving you flexible choices for short-term and long-term vehicle rentals. 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 a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From sacred temples and iconic statues to vibrant night markets, the city's landmarks and experiences reflect its unique heritage and local traditions. 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 restaurants ranging from traditional Lao cuisine to Vietnamese specialties. Popular establishments include Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine, The Sun, and local favorites like ຮ້ານອາຫານຄົວລາວ and Mon, providing visitors with authentic flavors and local dining experiences. 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 water recreation. Visitors can find facilities at guesthouses and hospitality venues like Villa Sisavad Guesthouse and Le Patitoh, which provide pool amenities for guests. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a range of spa facilities where visitors can unwind and experience traditional wellness treatments. Establishments like Happy Home and Adina provide visitors with opportunities to relax and rejuvenate during their stay in the capital. See all spas →

Happy Home
3.2 km from centre
Adina
3.6 km from centre

Nightlife in Vientiane

Vientiane's nightlife offers a mix of live music venues, nightclubs, and karaoke bars for evening entertainment. Venues like GO-DUNK Restaurant and Live Music Nightclub, Lunar 36, Mithapab Nightclub, Anou Cabaret, and Dihao provide diverse options for visitors looking to experience the city after dark. 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 variety of venues for evening drinks and entertainment. From casual spots like The Travel Drink and League of Brewers Café and Lounge Bar to established favorites such as Queen Bee Bar&Grill, Moonlight Lounge, and Wine 95, the capital has options for different tastes and atmospheres. 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 a mix of local and international-style coffee shops. From specialty espresso bars like Naked Espresso and Black Yell Coffee to fruit shake destinations such as Delight House of Fruit Shakes, there are plenty of cafes to explore in the capital. 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 browse Talat Sao Mall, Mellka Shopping Mall, Thatluang Plaza, and other retail venues throughout the capital. 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 the area's greenery and outdoor environment. Parks like Saphang Lenh Public Park and ສວນ 23 ສິງຫາ provide peaceful settings within the city, while nature enthusiasts can visit local attractions including ສວນປະຕູໄຊ and other natural areas throughout the capital. 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 typical of Southeast Asia. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the region receiving significant rainfall during the monsoon period and warmer, drier conditions during other months.

Interesting Facts About Vientiane — Weird & Wonderful

  • Pha That Luang, an iconic symbol of Buddhism, is located in Vientiane and serves as a major spiritual landmark.
  • Haw Phra Kaew temple in Vientiane formerly housed the sacred Emerald Buddha.
  • Vientiane served as the administrative capital during French colonial rule in Laos.
  • The city comprises 5 urban districts within Vientiane Prefecture and is positioned strategically on the Mekong River near Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vientiane

What is the population of Vientiane?

According to the 2023 census, Vientiane had a population of 840,000, making it the largest city in Laos.

What is the main religion in Vientiane?

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vientiane, with important temples including Pha That Luang and Haw Phra Kaew throughout the city.

Where is Vientiane located?

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is located on the banks of the Mekong River, close to the border with Thailand.

What is Pha That Luang?

Pha That Luang is an iconic Buddhist monument located in Vientiane and is considered a symbol of Buddhism in Laos.

What historical significance does Vientiane hold?

Vientiane served as the administrative capital of Laos during French colonial rule.

Map of Vientiane

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