Vientiane
Southeast Asia · Laos
Did you know?
- Bun That Luang is celebrated in November.
- French colonial architecture forms part of the cityscape.
- Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket are prominent temple sights.
See also
Overview
Vientiane offers Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and a riverside promenade. Explore Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket, then spend the evening at the night markets or riverfront.
Languages: Lao
Why go?
Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, offers a slower pace than Bangkok or Hanoi, with stunning temples like Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket, French-colonial architecture, and a riverside promenade perfect for sunset Beerlao. It's a comfortable transit point for exploring Laos or a recuperative stop, with vibrant night markets and a surprisingly cosmopolitan dining scene.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Vientiane's Wattay Airport (VTE) is 3 km west of the centre, with flights from regional hubs. The Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao Station) serves domestic and Thai destinations; buses to Vang Vieng cost around 35,000 kip. Trains from China and Thailand arrive at Khamsavath station. Visa on arrival is available at the airport and Friendship Bridge border crossing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Getting around is easy with tuk-tuks (negotiate before boarding; short rides ~20,000 kip), city buses (5,000 kip), and bicycle rentals (10,000-20,000 kip/day). The centre is walkable, but watch for missing sewer covers. Taxis from the airport cost about 50,000 kip. Motorbike rentals are available for about 50,000-100,000 kip/day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The best time is the dry season from November to February, with highs ~30°C and low rain. The hot season (March-May) can reach 40°C, while the wet season (May-October) brings frequent downpours and occasional Mekong flooding. November's Bun That Luang festival is a highlight.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- buy
ANZV
Allows withdrawals of up to 2,000,000 kip per transaction with a 40,000-kip transaction fee. Supports both Visa and Maestro. There are 2 branches in Vientiane. The first is at the main ANZV office mid-way down Lane Xang. There are now also various ANZV ATMs, for example on the corner of Fa Ngum Rd and Rue Chao Anou and at various minimarts, like the City minimart and at some M Point marts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
BCEL
Foreign exchange counters at various locations. This bank charges no commission, gives better conversion rates and has longer opening hours than most local banks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Book Cafe
A small bookstore selling new and used books in English, German, and French, with a selection of nonfiction about Laos and Southeast Asia. Also buys used books if you have some to get rid of. Beware, if you buy a book wrapped in plastic it's likely to be a low-quality pirated version.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
CCC Bar
The second of two gay bars in downtown Vientiane, next to Silapa Restaurant and diagonally across from Vat Inpeng. Friendly atmosphere and staff with good dance beats. Mixed drinks average around 30,000 kip, with happy hour from 19:00-21:00. Second floor has a pool table.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Champa
Vietnamese-owned "super" club. Place to go for loud techno music.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Champakham Massage & Spa
Here you can enjoy traditional Lao massage in private cabins. Friendly owner & staff. If you choose full body massage you'll get your feet washed before starting. If you wish to take a shower after your (oil) massage, you're welcome to do so. Spa services include body scrub, bathtub.. Good value for money (example: full body massage for 60K Kip [around US$7], full body scrub starting at 80K Kip [around US$10]). Wifi available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Chinese Market
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
City Minimart
Maybe the shop with the most extensive range of merchandise in the town, and somewhat cheaper than the shops in the centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
SIM cards (Unitel, Lao Telecom) are easy to buy at the airport or shops. Many guesthouses and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. 4G coverage is good in the city.
Culture
Temple etiquette: dress modestly, remove shoes before entering. Homosexuality is legal but same-sex relationships with locals may face scrutiny.
Health
Medical clinics include the Australian Embassy Clinic (US$75) and French Embassy Medical Centre (US$36). For serious issues, hospitals in Nong Khai or Udon Thani, Thailand.
Language
Lao is the official language. English is spoken at many tourist establishments. French is also used on street signs.
Local transport
Tuk-tuks are the main mode; agree on price before riding. City buses cover key routes (5,000 kip). Bicycle rentals are cheap and a good way to explore the flat centre. Motorbike rentals require caution.
Money
Currency is Lao kip (LAK). Thai baht and USD are widely accepted. ATMs charge 30,000-40,000 kip per withdrawal, with limits of 1-2 million kip per transaction.
Safety
Bag snatching is a concern; keep bags in sight. Watch for missing sewer covers on pavements, especially at night.
Transport
Tuk-tuks are the main local transport. Bicycle rental is about US$2-6 per day. City buses connect bus terminals for 5,000 kip.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry requirements before booking. Many nationalities get visa on arrival (US$20-40) or e-visa. Overstaying incurs fines.