Vientiane Destination

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Vientiane Attractions

What to See in Vientiane

For many, Laos is the highlight of their Southeast Asia trip as it has been saved from the mass tourist trail that has led to her neighbours -Thailand and Vietnam. This relatively undeveloped nation is located between rugged mountains and the fertile low lands of the Mekong, and is touched by both European and Asian cultures. The city's man-made structures are as distinctive as the areas of natural splendor. Modernity has yet to infiltrate this sleepy capital, where temples and religious affiliations blend with the rural foundations of the city. The majority of the city's sights are situated within relatively close proximity of each another due to the fact that an urban sprawl has yet to materialize within the city. That Luang A symbol of Laos's nationhood and the country's most sacred Buddhist monument,

Vientiane Activities

What to Do in Vientiane

One of the Laos people's favourite pastimes - as will become apparent when you are there - is sitting and watching the time pass by. The French coined the phrase: ‘The Vietnamese plant the rice, the Cambodians watch it grow and the Laos listen to it grow'. Understandably, this is not in everyone's nature, but a few hours of guzzling Beer Lao on the tranquil shores of the Mekong, is kind of mandatory for any Vientiane visitor.

Alternatively, the numerous educational sites, natural wonders and startling scenery should satisfy. For those who want to work up a sweat by other means than walking, trying taking an arranged hike, bike ride or working your way around one of the picturesque golf courses.

Vientiane Restaurants

Where and What to Eat in Vientiane

Down by the river is pretty much as lively as it gets in Vientiane. Various chilled-out riverside joints serve traditional Thai and Southeast Asian dishes to be enjoyed while overlooking the Mekong. Some restaurants reside on stilts others are sidewalk based, each offering a different experience of the surrounding area. There is a distinct European charm when dining out in Vientiane, where you can watch the locals and tourists go about their business; an experience sometimes lost in the more hectic and polluted cities of Hanoi and Bangkok.Alternatively, the restaurants with river views that overlook the banks of bordering Thailand offer a decidedly unique and relaxed choice for an evening meal - mosquito repellant is a must! The area is also renowned for mouth-watering Indian curry, complete with all the trimmings. Away from the river, dining options are as varied as the eclectic group of travelers that frequent the area.

Vientiane Nightlife

What to Do at Night in Vientiane

"The brothels are cleaner than the hotels, marijuana is cheaper than pipe tobacco, and opium easier to find than a cold glass of beer."
Paul Theroux, writing in 'The Great Railway Bazaar', of Vientiane in the 1970's, got it spot on.

But nowadays the opium dens and brothels that were once omnipresent in the city have been replaced by guesthouses and a handful of friendly and understated nighttime venues, the majority of which turn their lights off by 12 pm.

Of course there are exceptions and word of mouth can keep the booze trail going on until the early hours.

Vientiane Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Vientiane

Laos is an excellent destination for those interested in picking up elaborate handicrafts and Vientiane is the best place to do so. Hill tribe silk, arts, crafts, home-furnishings, jewelry and couture-quality textiles are all readily available within the city.

There are quite a few markets taking place around Vientiane where fresh produce, as well as crafts and ornaments, can be picked up. The city's main shopping streets are Samsenthai and Setthathirat, around the Nam Phu Fountain area and the Morning Market, where you can find the best deals on local silks.