Vientiane Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital of Laos
About Vientiane
Not too long ago, Vientiane was often described as sleepy and charming. However, the combination of exploding population—Vientiane has over doubled in size since 2000, reaching some 750,000 people in the 2020 census—and the frenetic Chinese-led investment boom and bust has led to considerable growing pains, with strip malls, traffic jams and abandoned construction sites throughout the city, and the French colonial villas of the old town now stand cheek to jowl with various concrete monstrosities, tied together with spiderwebs of power cables. Nevertheless, the city has retained some charms, like plenty of gold-encrusted temples, a remarkably cosmopolitan dining scene and a pleasant riverside promenade by the Mekong River. So after you've done the round of temples, the best thing to do he
Top Attractions in Vientiane
Explore the best things to see and do in Vientiane:
- ★Black Stupa
- ★Buddha Park
- ★Champakham Massage & Spa
- ★Chinese Temple
- ★COPE Visitor Centre
- ★French Cultural Centre
- ★Hire a bicycle from Lao Bike
- ★Hophakaew Museum
Where to Eat in Vientiane
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Along the river
- 🍴Balkan House
- 🍴Ban Anou Night Market
- 🍴Ban Lao Beer Garden
- 🍴Banneton Café
- 🍴Benoni Cafe
Where to Stay in Vientiane
- 🏨Alina Hotel
- 🏨Asian Pavilion Hotel
- 🏨Baan Champa Lao Heritage Hotel
- 🏨Beau Rivage Mekong Hotel
- 🏨Benacam Guest House
- 🏨Chanthapanya Hotel
Vientiane Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: