Pha That Luang Golden Stupa
The gilded stupa that appears on Lao banknotes and the national seal, rising above a quiet cloistered courtyard on the edge of Vientiane. Come in the soft light of late afternoon and walk the whole compound.
Laos
Vientiane & Vang Vieng
Vientiane is the slow, golden capital of Laos: a Mekong riverfront city of gilded stupas, French-era boulevards, sticky rice and sunsets over Thailand, where the pace invites you to linger.
Two hours up the road, Vang Vieng sets turquoise lagoons, caves and river paddles beneath a wall of limestone peaks, with hot air balloons drifting over the valley at dawn. This guide books both properly: the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, the COPE centre and the Buddha Park in the capital, then lagoons, Nam Xay, cave tubing and balloons in Vang Vieng. It pairs them with food tours, guides on getting between the two, and hotels from a restored colonial landmark to riverside resorts.
Don't miss
Pha That Luang Golden Stupa
The gilded stupa that appears on Lao banknotes and the national seal, rising above a quiet cloistered courtyard on the edge of Vientiane. Come in the soft light of late afternoon and walk the whole compound.
COPE Visitor Centre
A free, moving exhibition on the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the prosthetics workshop that helps survivors. Essential context for any visit.
Mekong Riverfront Night Market
A nightly market along the Mekong promenade with handicraft stalls, street snacks and sunset views across to Thailand. The best free evening in the city.
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) Guided Tour
A surreal sculpture garden of giant concrete Buddhas, Hindu deities and a pumpkin-shaped hall, by the Mekong outside Vientiane. Go with a guided city and Buddha Park day tour for the stories behind the statues.
Things to do in Vientiane & Vang Vieng
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Patuxay Victory Monument
Vientiane's triumphal arch, built in the 1960s with Lao motifs and a climbable tower for a rooftop view over the boulevards. Free to admire, with a garden and an evening fountain around it.
Wat Si Saket Temple
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, ringed by cloisters of tiny Buddha images tucked into the walls. A quiet, atmospheric stop in the old centre.
Haw Phra Kaew Temple Museum
A former royal chapel built for the Emerald Buddha, now a museum of Buddhist art with a quiet garden of old sculpture. A short walk from Wat Si Saket.
Lao National Museum
A compact tour of Lao history from dinosaurs and the Plain of Jars to colonial rule and the revolution, in a French-era building on Samsenthai Road.
COPE Visitor Centre
A free, moving exhibition on the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the prosthetics workshop that helps survivors. Essential context for any visit.
1 to 1.5 hoursDetails →
Talat Sao Morning Market
Vientiane's best-known market, with fabric, silver, handicrafts, electronics and food stalls. Browse in the morning for the liveliest atmosphere and the best prices.
1 to 2 hoursDetails →
Mekong Riverfront Night Market
A nightly market along the Mekong promenade with handicraft stalls, street snacks and sunset views across to Thailand. The best free evening in the city.
1.5 to 2 hoursDetails →
Wat Si Muang City Pillar Shrine
Vientiane's guardian shrine, where locals bring flowers, incense and offerings to the city pillar. A lively, authentic place to watch daily devotion.
45 minutesDetails →
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) Guided Tour
A surreal sculpture garden of giant concrete Buddhas, Hindu deities and a pumpkin-shaped hall, by the Mekong outside Vientiane. Go with a guided city and Buddha Park day tour for the stories behind the statues.
Lao Art Museum Admission
A small museum of Lao painting, sculpture and textiles in a restored colonial-era building. Pre-book a simple admission ticket and spend an easy hour with the country's artists.
Vientiane Guided Foodie and Culture Tour with Tastings
A guided walk through markets and eateries with tastings of sticky rice, laap, noodle soup and Lao sweets. The best way to learn the cuisine in a few hours.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Settha Palace Hotel
Central Vientiane (old town)
A restored 1930s French colonial landmark in central Vientiane, with a garden pool, period details and a grand-dame atmosphere. The city's most characterful address.
Check rates →Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Central Vientiane
A full-service international hotel with a large pool, several restaurants and a business-ready lobby. A dependable choice for comfort and convenience.
Check rates →Lao Plaza Hotel
Samsenthai Road, Central Vientiane
A long-established international-standard hotel on Samsenthai Road, close to museums, markets and the old town. Practical, central and well known to locals.
Check rates →Salana Boutique Hotel
Old Town Vientiane
A small, stylish boutique hotel in the old part of Vientiane with courtyard calm, a compact pool and friendly service. A good value step up from a guesthouse.
Check rates →Amari Vientiane
Vientiane
A modern full-service hotel with contemporary rooms, a pool and a polished lobby, suitable for travellers who want brand reliability and good facilities.
Check rates →Amari Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng (Nam Song area)
A resort-style hotel in Vang Vieng with pool, river and cliff views, and polished service. A comfortable base for balloon flights and lagoon days.
Check rates →Riverside Boutique Resort
Vang Vieng riverbank
A well-loved riverside resort with bungalow-style rooms, a pool and direct views of the Nam Song and limestone cliffs. Peaceful and picturesque.
Check rates →Silver Naga Hotel
Vang Vieng town centre
A comfortable mid-range hotel in Vang Vieng with clean rooms, a pool and a good location for restaurants and tour pick-ups. Reliable value.
Check rates →Vansana Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng
A Lao-owned hotel with a pool, restaurant and mountain views, aimed at travellers who want a comfortable base with local character.
Check rates →The Elephant Crossing Hotel
Vang Vieng riverfront
A riverside hotel with terraces overlooking the Nam Song and the cliffs, popular for its restaurant and sunset views. A lively, scenic spot.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Pha That Luang Golden StupaStay
Settha Palace HotelCentral Vientiane (old town)
Do
COPE Visitor CentreStay
Amari Vang ViengVang Vieng (Nam Song area)
Do
Mekong Riverfront Night MarketStay
Lao Plaza HotelSamsenthai Road, Central Vientiane
Vientiane & Vang Vieng guides
Vientiane in Three Days: Temples, Markets and the Mekong
A three-day plan for the Lao capital that sequences the golden stupa, the old-town temples, the museums, a Buddha Park outing and the riverfront at sunset.
Vang Vieng: Lagoons, Caves, Balloons and the Best Adventures
How to choose between the lagoons, Nam Xay viewpoint, cave tubing, kayaking, ziplines, balloons and paramotors in Vang Vieng, and how to combine them over two or three days.
Eating and Drinking in Vientiane: Sticky Rice, Laap and Baguettes
A guide to Lao food in Vientiane, from sticky rice and laap to noodle soup, French-era baguettes, riverside barbecues, coffee and Beerlao.
Best Time to Visit Vientiane and Vang Vieng: Seasons and Festivals
When to go to Vientiane and Vang Vieng: the cool dry season, the hot months, the rainy season, the That Luang Festival and what each season means for lagoons, balloons and temples.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng: Train, Minivan and Day-Trip Options
How to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng by high-speed train, expressway minivan, private transfer or guided day trip, with tips on stations, timing and luggage.
Where to Stay in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: Neighbourhoods and Hotel Picks
Choosing a base in the Lao capital and the limestone town of Vang Vieng, with notes on old-town boutique stays, riverside resorts and international hotels.
