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Vientiane

Laos

Pace: relaxed Laid-back Historic Spiritual Riverside
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Nov-Feb
Vientiane
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Vientiane

Book direct on our own Vientiane hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Lao and French and English
Local currency
LAK (LAK)
Local time
(GMT+7)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Mekong Riverside
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not expected, appreciated

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Khao Piak Sen Laap Tam Mak Hoong Sai Oua

When to visit Vientiane

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Nov-Feb
  1. Jan
    90

    Dry, cool, pleasant

  2. Feb
    85

    Dry, warm, pleasant

  3. Mar
    70

    Hot, dry, dusty

  4. Apr
    60

    Very hot, dry

  5. May
    55

    Hot, humid, pre-monsoon

  6. Jun
    50

    Warm, humid, rainy

  7. Jul
    45

    Warm, very rainy

  8. Aug
    45

    Warm, very rainy

  9. Sept
    50

    Warm, rainy

  10. Oct
    65

    Warm, less rain

  11. Nov
    80

    Dry, pleasant, cooler

  12. Dec
    90

    Dry, cool, pleasant

Things to do in Vientiane

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

1 place

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Outskirts 3 hrs

Wander among hundreds of surreal Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Mekong Riverside Night Market

Mekong Riverside 2 hrs

Browse local crafts and enjoy street food by the river.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

5 places

Pha That Luang

That Luang 2 hrs

Iconic golden stupa, the national symbol of Laos.

Outdoors Good for children

Patuxai

City Center 1.5 hrs

Climb this Victory Arch for panoramic city views.

Indoors Good for children

Wat Si Saket

City Center 1.5 hrs

Explore Vientiane's oldest temple with thousands of Buddha images.

Indoors Good for children

COPE Visitor Centre

City Center 1.5 hrs

Learn about the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos.

Indoors

Lao National Museum

City Center 2 hrs

Discover Laos' rich history from prehistoric times to the present.

Indoors Good for children

Vientiane itineraries

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Food and drink

2 Days in Vientiane — Food & Wine

Savor the rich flavors and unique beverages of Laos' charming capital.

This 2-day itinerary is crafted for foodies and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Vientiane's diverse culinary landscape. From bustling morning markets and hands-on cooking classes to sophisticated wine bars and fine dining, you'll discover the heart of Lao gastronomy. Perfect for those seeking a delicious blend of culture and taste in a relaxed city setting.

2 Days 8 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Vientiane

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Khao Piak Sen 95 · Outstanding
Laap 87 · Outstanding
Tam Mak Hoong 78 · Very good
Sai Oua 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Pha That Luang 95 · Outstanding
Patuxai 91 · Outstanding
Wat Si Saket 87 · Outstanding
COPE Visitor Centre 83 · Very good
Mekong Riverside Night Market 78 · Very good
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) 74 · Good
Lao National Museum 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Budget 83 · Very good
Culture 76 · Very good
History 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Bargain politely at markets for souvenirs. 95 · Outstanding
Use tuk-tuks or ride-hailing apps for convenient transport. 83 · Very good
Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Vientiane

Straight-line distance from the centre of Vientiane.

Getaways from Vientiane

Places people from Vientiane travel to, from our own travel research.

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