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Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong River close to the Thai border. Home to iconic Buddhist sites and a rich cultural heritage, it served as the administrative capital during French rule.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Lao kip (LAK)
Language
Lao
Timezone
+07 (UTC+7)
Local time now
02:07:24

Hotels in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly establishments to mid-range hotels. Options in the city include AV Hotel, Khamkhoun Hotel, Phetmanyxay, Chaleunxay Hotel, and Xaysomboun, providing choices across different areas of the capital. See all hotels →

AV Hotel
222 m from centre
Khamkhoun Hotel
287 m from centre
Phetmanyxay
290 m from centre

Airports in Vientiane

Vientiane is served by airport facilities including ດ່ານຊາຍແດນສາກົນສະໜາມບິນວັດໄຕ and Khoksa Airfield. These transport hubs provide key connections for visitors and residents traveling to and from Laos's capital city. See all airports →

ດ່ານຊາຍແດນສາກົນສະໜາມບິນວັດໄຕ
5.8 km from centre
Khoksa Airfield
33.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Major rental agencies such as Avis and VPS operate in the capital, alongside local providers like ອັກຄະເດດ, ສົມຜ່ອງ, and ສົມຈັນ ອ່ອນສະຫງ່າ. See all car hire →

Avis
888 m from centre
ອັກຄະເດດ
2.2 km from centre
VPS
3.4 km from centre
ສົມຜ່ອງ
4.8 km from centre

Things to Do in Vientiane

Vientiane offers visitors a mix of spiritual and cultural attractions. From the sacred City Pillar Shrine to historic temples like Wat Thad Foun and Wat Theb Nimit, and iconic monuments such as Patuxai, there are numerous places to explore the heart of Laos's capital. See all things to do →

ຕຳນັກຜ້າໄໝລາວບູຮານ
398 m from centre
City Pillar Shrine
660 m from centre
ຮູບປັ້ນເຈົ້າອານຸວົງ
661 m from centre
ວັດເທບນີມິດ (ວັດທາດຝຸ່ນ)
720 m from centre
ປະຕູໄຊ
914 m from centre
Night food market
975 m from centre

Restaurants in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a variety of dining experiences reflecting the city's culinary heritage. Whether you're seeking authentic Lao cuisine at ຮ້ານອາຫານຄົວລາວ, Vietnamese dishes at Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine, or other local favorites like ຮ້ານອາຫານ ຈະເລີນໄວ, Mon, and The Sun, the city's restaurant scene provides options for every palate. See all restaurants →

ຮ້ານອາຫານ ຈະເລີນໄວ
105 m from centre
Phở & Bún Chả Hà Nội Vietnamese Cuisine
vietnamese · 107 m from centre
The Sun
lao;vietnamese · 301 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several options for swimming and water activities. Venues like Villa Sisavad Guesthouse and Le Patitoh provide facilities for visitors looking to enjoy a refreshing swim in the city. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a selection of spas where visitors can unwind and experience traditional wellness treatments. Options like Happy Home and Adina provide relaxation services in the heart of the capital. See all spas →

Happy Home
3.2 km from centre
Adina
3.6 km from centre

Nightlife in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a vibrant nightlife with venues ranging from live music restaurants like GO-DUNK to dedicated nightclubs such as Mithapab Nightclub and Dihao. Whether you're looking for Lunar 36's atmosphere, cabaret entertainment at Anou Cabaret, or karaoke nights, the city has entertainment options for evening visitors. See all nightlife →

GO-DUNK Restaurant and Live Music Nightclub
626 m from centre
Anou Cabaret
1.0 km from centre
Lunar 36
1.1 km from centre

Bars in Vientiane

Vientiane offers a diverse bar scene for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for a casual drink at The Travel Drink, craft beers at League of Brewers Café and Lounge Bar, or a sophisticated evening at Moonlight Lounge, you'll find plenty of options throughout the city. See all bars →

Queen Bee Bar&Grill
453 m from centre
Moonlight Lounge
523 m from centre
The Travel Drink
565 m from centre

Cafes in Vientiane

Vientiane's cafe scene offers a variety of options for coffee lovers, from modern espresso bars like Naked Espresso and Black Yell Coffee to local favorites such as Hichillico and Kaogee Cafe. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot to work or a place to relax with locals, Vientiane's cafes provide welcoming environments throughout the city. See all cafes →

Naked Espresso
lao · 274 m from centre
Hichillico
coffee_shop · 275 m from centre
Black Yell Coffee
lao;coffee_shop · 391 m from centre

Shopping in Vientiane

Vientiane offers diverse shopping experiences, from modern malls like Talat Sao Mall and Thatluang Plaza to traditional markets. Whether you're looking for contemporary retail or local crafts, the city's shopping venues provide a mix of Laotian and international goods. See all shopping →

Talat Sao Mall
101 m from centre
ວຽງຈັນເຊັນເຕີ້
519 m from centre
Mellka Shopping Mall
1.0 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Vientiane

Vientiane offers several parks and natural spaces where visitors can experience the city's green areas and wildlife. From ສວນປະຕູໄຊ to ສວນສາທາລະນະໜອງສະພັງເລນ, these public gardens and parks provide peaceful retreats within the urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

ສວນປະຕູໄຊ
1.2 km from centre
ສວນ 23 ສິງຫາ
1.8 km from centre
ສວນສາທາລະນະໜອງສະພັງເລນ
2.4 km from centre
ເດີ່ນຕີດອກ ປີກໄກ່ ມາໂນລັກ
2.4 km from centre
Mali's house
2.6 km from centre
ສວນສາທາລະນະເສດຖາທິຣາດ
2.6 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Vientiane experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasonal patterns. The city has warm weather year-round, with a monsoon season bringing increased rainfall and a drier season offering more pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration.

Interesting Facts About Vientiane — Weird & Wonderful

  • Pha That Luang, an icon of Buddhism, is located in Vientiane and is one of the most sacred sites in Laos.
  • Vientiane is positioned on the Mekong River, which forms a natural border with Thailand.
  • Haw Phra Kaew, a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, formerly housed the Emerald Buddha, one of Buddhism's most revered images.
  • The city comprises 5 urban districts as part of Vientiane Prefecture and is Laos's largest city.
  • Vientiane served as the administrative capital during the French colonial period in Indochina.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vientiane

What currency is used in Vientiane?

The currency used in Vientiane is the Lao Kip (LAK), the official currency of Laos.

What language is spoken in Vientiane?

Lao is the primary language spoken in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

What is Vientiane's location?

Vientiane is located on the banks of the Mekong River, close to the border with Thailand, making it accessible to visitors from neighboring countries.

What are the must-see Buddhist sites in Vientiane?

Pha That Luang, an icon of Buddhism, and Haw Phra Kaew, a temple that formerly housed the Emerald Buddha, are the most notable Buddhist sites in the city.

How large is Vientiane?

Vientiane is Laos's largest city, comprising 5 urban districts within Vientiane Prefecture.

What is the historical significance of Vientiane?

Vientiane served as the administrative capital during French rule in Indochina, shaping much of its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.

Map of Vientiane

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