Vientiane
Overview
Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, sits on the banks of the Mekong River, offering a unique blend of cultural and historical sites. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Vientiane provides a peaceful escape from the hustle of larger cities. Visitors can explore the majestic Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa regarded as the most important national monument in Laos. The Patuxai Victory Monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, offers panoramic views of the city from its upper levels. Additionally, the serene Wat Si Saket, with its thousands of small Buddha statues, is a place of tranquility and reflection.
Getting around Vientiane is easy, with tuk-tuks and bicycles available for navigating the city. The local night market along the riverfront offers a variety of local crafts and food stalls, perfect for sampling traditional Lao cuisine. For those interested in history, the Lao National Museum provides insights into the countrys past, including its colonial era.
Getting around Vientiane is easy, with tuk-tuks and bicycles available for navigating the city. The local night market along the riverfront offers a variety of local crafts and food stalls, perfect for sampling traditional Lao cuisine. For those interested in history, the Lao National Museum provides insights into the countrys past, including its colonial era.

Laos
Destination Type
City
Currency
Lao Kip
Languages
Lao
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Recommended Duration
2-3 days
Elevation
174 meters
Popularity Score
6/10
Apps and Services to Check Out Before You Go
SurfShark VPN
Stay safe online and continue accessing all your services just like back home.
Safety and Security
Travel Advisory
Be cautious of petty crime.
Drinkable Tap Water? 💧
No
Safety Info
Generally safe, exercise caution.
Remember to get your travel insurance! Our recommended insurer is SafetyWing
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Budget and Cost of Living
Accommodation (Per Night)
Budget
$10-$20
Mid-Range
30-60 USD
Luxury
$100-$200
Eating Out
Budget Meal
$5-$10
Mid-Range Meal
10-20 USD
Luxury Dining
$30-$50
Activities
Budget Activities
5-10 USD
Mid-Range Activities
10-20 USD
Luxury Activities
$50-$100
Money Saving Tips
Use local buses, eat street food, stay in guesthouses.
Top Things to Do in Vientiane 2025
If you’re searching for what to do in Vientiane during 2025 then look no further. Here are unique experiences and local events in Vientiane that are going on in 2025. These include cultural events, sports, music, festivals and much more. We also have the info on the attractions that showcase the best of Laos.
Tours & Activities
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Upcoming Events
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Attractions
Pha That Luang
Buddhist StupaA gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane, Laos.
Wat Si Saket
Buddhist TempleOldest surviving temple in Vientiane with thousands of Buddha statues.
Patuxai
MonumentA war monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe.
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