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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 historic city blends French colonial architecture with sacred Buddhist temples, making it a unique destination in Southeast Asia.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Lao kip (LAK)
Language
Lao
Timezone
+07 (UTC+7)
Local time now
09:59:20

Hotels in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a variety of hotel options for visitors to the Laotian capital. From established properties like AV Hotel and Khamkhoun Hotel to other choices such as Chaleunxay Hotel, Phetmanyxay, and Xaysomboun, there are accommodation options available to suit different preferences and budgets. 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 air facilities including Wattay International Airport. Whether you're arriving for business or leisure, these airports provide key connections for visitors traveling to and from Laos's capital city. 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 in the capital, alongside local rental services such as ອັກຄະເດດ, VPS, ສົມຜ່ອງ, and ສົມຈັນ ອ່ອນສະຫງ່າ. 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 blend of spiritual and cultural attractions for visitors to explore. From the sacred City Pillar Shrine and the iconic Chao Anouvong Statue to historic temples like ວັດເທບນີມິດ, as well as the impressive ປະຕູໄຊ monument, the city presents numerous sites of interest. Evening visitors can experience the vibrant Night food market, a lively hub of local cuisine and atmosphere. See all things to do →

ຕຳນັກຜ້າໄໝລາວບູຮານ
398 m from centre
City Pillar Shrine
660 m from centre
ຮູບປັ້ນເຈົ້າອານຸວົງ
661 m from centre
ວັດເທບນີມິດ (ວັດທາດຝຸ່ນ)
720 m from centre
ປະຕູໄຊ
914 m from centre
Night food market
975 m from centre

Restaurants in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Laotian cuisine at establishments like ຮ້ານອາຫານຄົວລາວ to Vietnamese specialties at Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine. Explore local flavors at restaurants including ຮ້ານອາຫານ ຈະເລີນໄວ, The Sun, and Mon. 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 swimming pool facilities at various guesthouses and leisure venues. Options like Villa Sisavad Guesthouse and Le Patitoh provide pool access for visitors and residents seeking to cool off in the tropical climate. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several spa options for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness treatments. Places like Happy Home and Adina provide opportunities to unwind during your stay in the capital. See all spas →

Happy Home
3.2 km from centre
Adina
3.6 km from centre

Nightlife in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a lively nightlife scene with venues ranging from live music restaurants like GO-DUNK Restaurant and Live Music Nightclub to dance clubs and karaoke bars such as Anou Cabaret, Lunar 36, Mithapab Nightclub, and Dihao night club and karaoke. Whether you're seeking live entertainment or dancing into the night, the capital has options to suit different tastes. 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 offers a diverse bar scene with establishments ranging from casual lounges to laid-back gathering spots. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at venues like Moonlight Lounge or Wine 95, or a more social atmosphere at League of Brewers Café and Lounge Bar, the city has options to suit different preferences. 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's cafe scene offers a mix of local and international options for coffee lovers and casual diners. Whether you're after specialty espresso at Naked Espresso, creative coffee at Black Yell Coffee, or refreshing fruit shakes at Delight House of Fruit Shakes, the city has cafes to suit every taste. 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 experiences and traditional markets. Visit major shopping destinations like Talat Sao Mall, ວຽງຈັນເຊັນເຕີ້, Mellka Shopping Mall, and Thatluang Plaza to find everything from local crafts to contemporary products. 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 local environment. From public parks like Saphang Lenh Public Park to ສວນປະຕູໄຊ and ສວນ 23 ສິງຫາ, there are opportunities to experience the city's green spaces and wildlife areas. 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 variations. The city has a warm and humid atmosphere year-round, with a monsoon season bringing heavy rainfall and a drier season offering more comfortable conditions for exploration.

Interesting Facts About Vientiane — Weird & Wonderful

  • Pha That Luang, an icon of Buddhism, is located in Vientiane and stands as one of the most important religious monuments in Laos.
  • Haw Phra Kaew, a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, formerly housed the Emerald Buddha, one of Southeast Asia's most sacred religious artifacts.
  • Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule, leaving a distinctive colonial architectural legacy in the city.
  • The city comprises 5 urban districts within Vientiane Prefecture and is positioned directly on the Mekong River, forming a natural border with Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vientiane

What is the currency used in Vientiane?

The currency used in Vientiane, Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). Most establishments accept cash, though some hotels and larger businesses may accept international credit cards.

What language is spoken in Vientiane?

The primary language spoken in Vientiane is Lao. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger residents, but learning a few basic Lao phrases can be helpful.

What are the main Buddhist sites to visit in Vientiane?

Key Buddhist temples include Pha That Luang, an iconic Buddhist monument, and Haw Phra Kaew, a historic temple that once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha.

Where is Vientiane located?

Vientiane is situated on the banks of the Mekong River in Laos, close to the border with Thailand. The city comprises 5 urban districts within Vientiane Prefecture.

What is the significance of Vientiane in Laos?

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. It served as the administrative capital during French rule and remains the political and cultural heart of the country.

Map of Vientiane

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