Vientiane Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Vientiane

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One Riviera Hotel and Residences

Thadeua Road Phoxay Village | Vientiane, 01030, LA

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Lao Lake House

Ang Nam Houm | Vientiane, 01140, LA

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Villa de Mekong

7 Watchan Village No.068 | Vientiane, 01000, LA

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Heavenchy Hotel

Chao Anou Road Vientiane 121 | Vientiane, 00000, LA

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Vanida Hotel

No.034 Unit 04 Rue Samsenthai Ban Kaoyot Village Sisattanack(near Wat Si Muang Or Phiawat High School) | Vientiane, 01000, LA

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Ali Xayathit Apartment & Hotel

Alley 8 Ban Sidamdouan Chanthabouly District Vientiane Lao | Vientiane, 01000, LA

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Khamsay Hotel - Outdoor Pool National University Branch

2jcm8g 永珍 | Vientiane, LA

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Bayern Guesthouse

Anou Road | Vientiane, LA

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Lao and French and English

Local currency

LAK (LAK)

Local time

11:06 (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

Jan

90

Dry, cool, pleasant
Feb

85

Dry, warm, pleasant
Mar

70

Hot, dry, dusty
Apr

60

Very hot, dry
May

55

Hot, humid, pre-monsoon
Jun

50

Warm, humid, rainy
Jul

45

Warm, very rainy
Aug

45

Warm, very rainy
Sept

50

Warm, rainy
Oct

65

Warm, less rain
Nov

80

Dry, pleasant, cooler
Dec

90

Dry, cool, pleasant

90

Jan Dry, cool, pleasant

85

Feb Dry, warm, pleasant

70

Mar Hot, dry, dusty

60

Apr Very hot, dry

55

May Hot, humid, pre-monsoon

50

Jun Warm, humid, rainy

45

Jul Warm, very rainy

45

Aug Warm, very rainy

50

Sept Warm, rainy

65

Oct Warm, less rain

80

Nov Dry, pleasant, cooler

90

Dec 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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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Vientiane — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the serene charm and rich heritage of Laos' capital.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Vientiane, offering a comprehensive overview of its most iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and local experiences. From ancient temples to vibrant markets and poignant history, it promises an engaging introduction to the laid-back capital of Laos.

3 Days 15 Stops

See the full plan