Vientiane: The Complete Guide for Independent Travelers – Attractions, Transport, How to Get There and Where to Stay

Vientiane: Why Go and What's Here

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the largest city in the country. It's located in the central part near the border with Thailand on the banks of the Mekong River (Vientiane on the map of Laos). The city's population is around 775,000 people, and with the suburbs – over 800,000.

People rarely come to Vientiane specifically for a vacation; more often it's just used as a transit city. You can spend a day or two here, which is enough to see all its attractions, but it's not worth staying longer.

The country's main international airport is here, the railway line from Bangkok arrives here, and there are plenty of bus routes from cities in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It's especially convenient to use Vientiane as a land entry point from Thailand, and from here head off to explore other places in the country.

And the capital of Laos is also handy for extending your visa-free stay in Thailand or for getting visas to Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries at the embassies located here. However, for this, look into the current visa and entry nuances, because what works in theory doesn't always work in practice. Repeat stamps can easily cause restrictions on your next trip, and visa applications can be denied. If you don't know how all this is done, it's better to contact special or travel agencies on the ground in Pattaya, Nha Trang, Da Nang – they organize everything and promise almost a guarantee of getting a stamp or visa. If you want to do it all yourself, be sure to check out our guide on applying for a tourist visa to Thailand on your own.

In any case, if you're coming here for a visa, don't expect to get it in one or two days, as processing can drag on for a week or more. In such cases, there's no point in just sitting in Vientiane – instead, you can take a trip to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Pakse, etc.

Vientiane's Infrastructure: Travel Agencies, Shopping, Food and Money

Vientiane doesn't really give the impression of a capital city if you compare it to others in Southeast Asia. The city is quite small and looks more like a provincial town in Thailand, and it's still developing. Nevertheless, the city's infrastructure is well developed here, and you could say the tourist infrastructure is excellent.

Travel Agencies and Tickets: Where to Buy Tours and Transport

In the center, you'll find travel agencies on almost every street, selling bus, train (to Thailand), and plane tickets, as well as bicycle and motorbike rentals. Conveniently, you can buy any ticket to cities in Laos and neighboring countries with delivery right to your hotel, and it's even cheaper than getting to the bus station or train station yourself. There's a very useful tourist information center with free maps and brochures (info center on the map).

At travel agencies, you can buy ready-made excursion tours to attractions in Vientiane Province and even multi-day tours to the most remote corners of the country. Conveniently, all these same services are sold at hotels too, but it's still worth checking a few places and comparing prices, as they can vary greatly for the same ticket or tour.

Shopping in Vientiane: Markets and Shopping Malls

Shopping in Vientiane is poorly developed. There's almost no modern retail in large shopping malls here, and prices are even higher than in neighboring countries, though of course it all depends on where you shop and your haggling skills. In fact, there are only two shopping centers in the center: Talat Sao Shopping Mall and the new modern Naga Mall (WTC World Trade Center). There are a few more malls on the outskirts of the city, but they're not interesting for tourists. Mostly, clothing trade happens at markets, and you can do small grocery shopping at one of the numerous minimarts like M-point, Mini Big C, and others. For inexpensive souvenirs, handicrafts, gray electronics, and knockoffs, head to the two-story Morning Market, but you'll need to haggle well. Also be sure to visit the shopping areas at the two night markets on the promenade: there are lots of souvenirs and consumer goods there, but again, you need to haggle, and then the prices will be very low.

Where to Eat in Vientiane: Cafes, Restaurants, Street Food

You can eat well in Vientiane at one of the many tourist cafes and restaurants (more expensive) around Nam Phu Fountain, or head to the promenade to one of the evening restaurants or food courts with a view of the Mekong River and Thailand on the other bank. You can find European cuisine places, pizzerias, and even a Russian cuisine restaurant "PRIVET," but it's far out on the outskirts of the capital. However, there are no international chain restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, etc. here.

To eat cheaply, find one of the inexpensive local cafes in the center, use local street fast food, or buy ready-made food at supermarkets like M-point or Mini Big C. You can heat up purchased semi-finished products or ready meals right in these stores and eat them there at special tables.

For exotic food and insects, head to the Morning Market or the street market near the Talat Sao bus station. But don't expect insects on every corner – you'll have to look for them, because today they're exotic even for locals, and not cheap. And be sure to have a cup of local natural coffee at the Morning Market from 10,000 kip (0.44 USD) – it's simply amazing.

Money and Currency Exchange: Where to Exchange and What Rate

Currency exchange offices, ATMs, and banks are found all over the city, but if you need to exchange a large amount at a good rate, it's best to head to the city's main street, Lane Xang Avenue, where between Talat Sao Mall and the Victory Monument there are a huge number of exchange offices, banks, and ATMs. Here you can exchange any international currency at the best rate in the country, but of course, US dollars and Thai baht are preferred. Rates differ between banks and exchange offices, and the best is offered at small private places in the alleys. Moreover, the rate shown on the signs isn't always current – you need to check it directly with the money changers, and you can haggle when exchanging large amounts over $100.

If you're not yet familiar with Laos currency and what's used here, read our guide on money in Laos.

Market exchange rate (Laotian kip) for today (18/10/2026)

• 100 000 кип (LAK) = 366,69 rubles (RUB)
• 1 US dollar (USD) = 22 534,20 LAK
• 100 rubles (RUB) = 27 270,80 LAK
• 1 euro (EUR) = 25 318,30 LAK

Real currency exchange rate *

• 1 US dollar (USD) ≈ 22 083,52 - 22 489,13 LAK
• 1 euro (EUR) ≈ 24 811,93 - 25 267,66 LAK

* - The real exchange rate is calculated taking into account the fees charged by exchange offices and banks for the exchange. It can also be higher than the calculated one, but if you are offered an exchange rate lower than this, it's a reason to think about finding another place to exchange.

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Internet and Mobile: Where to Buy a SIM Card

There are three mobile operators in Laos:

• Unitel (Star Telecom) – the best choice
• Lao Telecom (M-Phone) – the state operator of the country, good coverage
• ETL (Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao) – the state operator of the country, coverage considered slightly worse

You can buy a SIM card from any of these operators at the airport, at the land border crossing (from private sellers at a markup), or at official stores with passport registration (cheapest).

If your phone supports eSIM or you have an adapter for a regular smartphone to use eSIM, you can buy a SIM online on these operators' websites or on aggregator sites. We recommend choosing the local eSIM Unitel on Trip.com, it's the most advantageous option. If you need a more universal option for several countries, you can choose a tourist Global eSIM. Check and compare options here:

• Trip.com (accepts Russian cards and SBP)
• E-sim Airalo (global SIMs)
• E-sim Yesim (3EUR discount with promo code travelpayouts24)

Hotels in Vientiane: Where to Stay and How Much It Costs

There are at least two hundred hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Vientiane of all categories and prices: there are five-star hotels from $100 per double, and hostels cheaper than $5 per bed. Many places include breakfast in the room price, and this applies even to the cheapest options. Usually it's a simple continental breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, jam and butter, coffee or tea – but overall it's a good option to start the day and save time looking for a place to eat in the morning.

Hotels are scattered all over Vientiane, but it's best to stay right in the center within walking distance of the bus station, Talat Sao Mall, and Nam Phu Fountain (fountain on the map). That way you'll be near the tourist infrastructure and the few central attractions. If needed, from the city bus terminus at Talat Sao you can get to other bus stations, the airport, train stations, Buddha Park, and the golden That Luang Stupa.

Find and book accommodation in Vientiane on these sites or through the search form:

• 🛌 Search hotels in Vientiane on Trip.com (👍 accepts MIR cards and SBP)
• 🛌 Search hotels in Vientiane on Yandex.Travel
• 🛌 Search hotels on Ostrovok.ru

When to Go to Vientiane: Weather and Seasons

You can visit Vientiane at any time of year, but keep in mind that visiting during the rainy season (low season) can be somewhat spoiled by prolonged rains:

• High season, also the dry season, lasts from October to April. These are the driest months and the best time to visit the capital. They're also the coolest months of the year. Though "cool" is, of course, relative: it's just that during this time it's not as mercilessly hot as in the low season. The driest months are December and February.
• Low season, also the rainy season, runs from May to September. You can still go to Vientiane during this time, but you might hit prolonged rains. Plus it's very hot during this time, with temperatures often rising to 40 degrees.

Tourist Seasons in Vientiane by Month: When It's Best to Go

Current Weather in Vientiane and the Forecast for the Near Future:

* - прогноз указан по местному времени. Данные получены с https://openweathermap.org. Если отображаются устаревшие даты, обновите страницу с помощью F5+Ctrl.

How to Get to Vientiane: Plane, Train, Bus

Vientiane is the main entry point into the country for tourists. Although you can get to Laos by land from Cambodia and Vietnam, most people arrive via Vientiane's international airport or by land from Thailand by train or bus. The land border crossing from Thailand goes over the Friendship Bridge between the countries across the Mekong River, and is just 20 kilometers from the city center. Below are the details of each method:

By Plane: Vientiane Airport and How to Get to the Center

Vientiane's international airport, Wattay (IATA code - VTE), only receives flights from neighboring Southeast Asian countries; you can only get here from Russia and other CIS countries with layovers. Prices are quite high, so tourists most often fly to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi, and from there travel by land or buy a separate ticket with local budget airlines. Another option is to fly to the Thai border town of Udon Thani and from there cross the border by bus. If you don't want to deal with these complications, here are the best deals for flights to Vientiane:

ЦЕНА	ПЕРЕСАДКИ	АВИАКОМПАНИЯ	ДАТА ВЫЛЕТА	ДАТА ВОЗВРАЩЕНИЯ
Купить от 67365 ₽	1 пересадка		20.10.2026	23.10.2026
Купить от 56586 ₽	1 пересадка		27.11.2026	16.12.2026
Купить от 59092 ₽	2 пересадки		08.12.2026	18.12.2026
Купить от 54514 ₽	1 пересадка		27.01.2027	10.02.2027
Купить от 56048 ₽	1 пересадка		01.02.2027	16.02.2027
Купить от 64222 ₽	1 пересадка		28.03.2027	04.04.2027

How to Get from the Airport

Vientiane's airport is five kilometers from the center (airport on the map), and from there you can get:

• Taxi. Official airport taxi at a fixed rate costs 60,000–80,000 kip (3.11 USD) to the city center, payment at the taxi counter in the terminal. Many hotels offer transfer by moto-taxi for 30,000 kip (1.33 USD) and by car for 50,000 (2.22 USD).
• Tuk-tuk. A ride will cost 50,000–80,000 kip (2.88 USD), but for this you'll have to walk through the airport parking lot and then to the main road, since tuk-tuks are not allowed to enter the airport territory.
• City bus. City bus No. 44 (Airport Shuttle) is the most budget option for solo travelers. You can get to the center on it for 40,000 kip (1.78 USD) for adults and 20,000 kip for children, runs every 30–40 minutes from 08:00 to 19:30. It goes to the center to the Talat Sao station (Talat Sao on the map), and along the way can drop you off anywhere on request. You can download the route map: open map in new window / download map

By Train: From Bangkok, Udon Thani, and Around Laos

In recent years, rail connections in Vientiane have improved significantly, and there are now two separate railway stations serving different directions. This is important to consider when planning your trip, as the stations are in different parts of the city and are not yet connected by rail:

• Khamsavath Station (Khamsavath Railway Station) – a new station opened in 2024, serving the direction to Thailand. Direct trains from Bangkok from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station and Nong Khai arrive here. The station is located about 8 km from the city center (Khamsavath on the map).
• LCR Station (Vientiane Station) – the station of the Lao-China high-speed railway, opened in December 2021. High-speed trains to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and onward to China depart from here. The station is located about 15 km from the city center in the Dong Noun area (LCR station on the map).

Note that the previously popular route with a transfer in Nong Khai and a shuttle train ride across the Friendship Bridge to Thanaleng Station is no longer relevant for most travelers, as direct Bangkok–Vientiane (Khamsavath) trains have appeared. However, this route can still be used if you want to make a stop in Udon Thani or Nong Khai.

• By Train from Thailand

  From Bangkok to Vientiane, you can now get there by direct train, which arrives at Khamsavath Station. Train No. 133 departs from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bangkok) daily at 21:25 and arrives in Vientiane (Khamsavath) at 09:05 the next morning. Travel time is about 11 hours 40 minutes. This is a night train, which is very convenient – you board in the evening and are there in the morning.

  Ticket prices:

  • Third class seating – from 280 baht (8.42 USD).
  • Second class seating – about 580 baht (17.44 USD).
  • Sleeper berth (second class) – from 780 baht (23.45 USD).

  But here's the bad news!!! Tickets for this train for decent seats in 1st and 2nd class sell out well in advance. Even tickets for third class seating without air conditioning need to be bought in advance, preferably a week ahead, not like on other Thai trains where you can buy them at the ticket office before departure. We've covered how and where to buy tickets, how to use them, routes, car classes – all this is in our guide to trains in Thailand, you'll find all the answers there.

  You can also get there from Udon Thani or Nong Khai – train No. 133 passes through these stations. From Udon Thani the train departs at 07:09 and arrives in Khamsavath at 09:05 (about 2 hours). From Nong Khai the train departs at 08:35.

  How to get from Khamsavath Station to the city center:

  • City bus No. 12 – the most budget option. The bus runs from Khamsavath Station to the central bus station Talat Sao (Central Bus Station). Fare is 20,000 kip (0.89 USD). Travel time is about 30–35 minutes. Buses depart at 09:30, 09:40, 18:30, and 18:45 (schedule may change).
  • Tuk-tuk or taxi – you can hire one at the station exit. Price is negotiable, usually from 100,000 to 200,000 kip (6.66 USD) to the city center.
  • Taxi apps – LOCA, KOKKOK Move, or Xanh SM (see more in the "Taxi" section below).

• By Train from Laos and China (Lao-China Railway)

  The Lao-China Railway (LCR) high-speed railway connects Vientiane with Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and onward to China. Trains depart from LCR Station, also called Vientiane Station. It's located 15 km from the city center in the Dong Noun area (LCR station on the map) – don't confuse it with Khamsavath!

  This mode of transport is significantly faster than buses: the trip to Vang Vieng takes only 50–60 minutes (versus 2–3 hours by bus), and to Luang Prabang – about 2 hours (versus 9–10 hours by bus).

  Ticket prices:

  • Vientiane – Vang Vieng: second class – about 324,000 kip (14.38 USD), first class – about 510,000 kip (22.63 USD), business class – about 960,000 kip (42.6 USD).
  • Vientiane – Luang Prabang: second class – about 360,000–570,000 kip (17.75 USD), first class – about 560,000–1,063,000 kip (35.5 USD).

  How to get to LCR Station from the city center:

  • City bus No. 28 – runs from the central bus station Talat Sao to LCR Station. Fare is 25,000 kip (1.11 USD). Buses run several times a day, first departure around 06:50.
  • Tuk-tuk – from 100,000 to 200,000 kip (6.66 USD) from the city center.
  • Taxi – from 200,000 kip (8.88 USD), can be ordered via the LOCA app.

  We recommend arriving at LCR Station at least an hour before train departure. Security here is organized like at an airport: all bags go through scanners, and passports must be shown several times before boarding – even for domestic routes within Laos (Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang).

By Bus: From Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

By bus, you can get to Vientiane from all major cities in Laos, as well as from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. They arrive and depart from three stations:

• Central Talat Sao Station. Serves suburban buses, minivans to Vientiane, buses to Udon Thani and Nong Khai in Thailand. It's also the terminus for city buses. Located right in the city center (Talat Sao on the map).
• Southern Bus Terminal (also Dong Dok). Serves routes to the south to Pakse, Savannakhet, 4000 Islands, etc.; to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (Cambodia); Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, Vinh (Vietnam). You can get here from Talat Sao by city buses No. 23, No. 29, and shuttle tuk-tuks for 4,000 kip (bus station on the map).
• Northern Bus Terminal. Serves routes to the north to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Udomxai, Luang Namtha, Phonsavan, Phongsali, and others, as well as buses to China. You can get here from Talat Sao by bus No. 08 for 5,000 kip (0.22 USD), runs every 30 minutes from 05:40 to 18:00 (bus station on the map).

If you need to leave Vientiane, it makes sense to buy tickets not at the bus stations but at travel agencies and hotels in the city or online. In that case, the ticket will include delivery from your hotel to the bus station, and some tourist buses depart right from the city center. Moreover, tickets at travel agencies cost slightly more than at the bus station. For example, when we were leaving here, the bus to Da Nang at the bus station cost 200,000 kip, and in the city we bought it for 210,000, and that price included delivery from the hotel. In that case, you'd spend more just traveling to the station to buy a ticket in advance and then going back there again for the actual departure. It's better to buy tickets in advance, at least a day before departure.

And now a bit about bus schedules. They tend to change, so the information is given as a guide as of 2026:

• From Bangkok. From the northern Mor Chit bus station, departure at 20:00, return at 18:00. Travel time 12–15 hours, from 900 baht (27.06 USD). There are also tourist minivans from the Khao San area.
• From Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Pai. We couldn't find these routes in the schedule at any of the local bus stations, but tickets for them are widely sold at local travel agencies and hotels. These are ready-made transfers with a change in Udon Thani to another bus. They depart at 16:30 and arrive the next morning.
• From Vang Vieng. Buses and minivans depart throughout the day at least every 30 minutes. Travel time 2–3 hours, from 110,000 kip (4.88 USD).
• From Luang Prabang. At least 8 times a day on schedule, including overnight sleeper buses, travel time 9–10 hours, from 140,000 kip (6.21 USD).
• From Da Nang and Hue. Once a day at 18:00, return at the same time. Travel time almost 24 hours, cost about 900,000 dong (34.76 USD, )see Vietnam currency and exchange rate).
• From Hanoi and Vinh. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 18:00, return at the same time. Travel time almost 24 hours, cost from 800,000 dong (30.9 USD).

And here's the schedule of buses from other transport from Vientiane that can be booked online:

Transport in Vientiane: Rentals, Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, Buses

Central Vientiane is small, and most attractions and important tourist spots are within walking distance. You might need transport if you need to get to one of the bus stations, reach the border crossing to Thailand (Friendship Bridge), get to the railway station, or visit Buddha Park. For this, you can use rented transport, tuk-tuks, or city buses.

Transport Rentals

Here you can rent a bicycle or a motorbike. Bicycles are offered at many rental places on the street or at hotels, you won't have to look far. A day's rental costs from 10,000–20,000 kip (0.67 USD). Traffic in the city isn't very dense and is quite slow, but there are no bike lanes or bike parking.

Motorbike rentals are rare, you'll have to look for them or ask at your hotel and they'll point you to the nearest place. A day's rental (not 24 hours) costs from 80,000 kip (3.55 USD). To ride a motorbike, in theory you need an international license with category "A," but in practice they don't ask for a license when renting, and police rarely stop tourists on the road. Nevertheless, we don't recommend risking it, since Vientiane is where you're most likely to run into traffic police. See more all about motorbike rentals in Laos and what license you need.

An alternative to renting a motorbike can be an electric scooter; no license is needed for them. But you can only travel within the city on them; the charge won't be enough for a long trip. You can rent them from 20,000 kip per day (0.89 USD).

You can also rent a car in Vientiane and at the airport. Prices are still quite high, but you can save if you rent for several days. An international license is required for rental (see more all about driver's licenses abroad). You can rent a car on economybookings.com or other aggregator sites that compare prices from different rental companies:

Taxi

Car taxis are still not very common and expensive. But over the years, things are changing, and cars are gradually replacing tuk-tuks and becoming cheaper. For now, it makes sense to use taxis mainly for trips to the airport or the border crossing; otherwise, tuk-tuks are cheaper and easier.

Taxis don't have meters; you need to agree on the price before the trip. Usually, drivers won't even move for less than 40,000 kip, and for a trip within the center they ask at least 50,000–70,000 kip, but you need to haggle. To the airport or Friendship Bridge, you can get there for 60,000–80,000 kip (3.11 USD), to the border crossing to Thailand for 100,000 kip.

Taxi apps. In Laos, there are official taxi-hailing apps, which are much more convenient and safer than flagging a car on the street. According to the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the following services are officially registered:

• LOCA (Lao Taxi & Super App) – the most popular and widespread app. Works in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse, and Savannakhet. Allows you to order a car in advance or in real time, shows a fixed trip price, accepts cash and major international cards.
• KOKKOK Move – the second most popular app, mainly focused on Vientiane. Here you can order both regular cars and electric tuk-tuks. The service's feature is that the passenger suggests a price themselves, and nearby drivers accept or reject the order.
• Xanh SM (Green SM) – an app for ordering electric cars. Works in major cities in Laos, including Vientiane. Convenient for comparing prices with LOCA.

We recommend installing the LOCA app before arriving in Laos, as it's the most reliable and widespread service. All apps are available on Google Play and the App Store.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks replace car taxis in Vientiane. You can hire one both for a short trip and by the hour for sightseeing. A trip within the city center should cost from 30,000 to 60,000 kip (2 USD); to the bus station 50,000–80,000 kip (2.88 USD); hire for half a day about 200,000–300,000 kip (11.09 USD). Keep in mind that tuk-tuk drivers who hang around popular tourist spots and offer tourists ready-made routes for half or a full day ask almost twice as much as if you just find a driver on the street. But on the other hand, those waiting near tourist spots at least speak a little English.

Buses

This is the only city in the country with public transport. There are more than a dozen routes, and new ones are gradually being added. Current routes on the map, schedules, and stops are conveniently viewed on the website lao.busnavi.asia – this is an unofficial but very useful resource for planning trips on public transport. Or better yet, download this map of Vientiane city bus routes to your smartphone: open map in new window / download map.

The main point of arrival and departure in the city center is Khua Din Bus Station, also known as Talat Sao bus station, also known as CBS – Capital Bus Station (Talat Sao on the map). It's kind of a terminus, and if you don't know where to catch the bus you need, it's best to head straight here. There's also a map with routes on the building wall if you couldn't figure out which bus you need in advance.

The fare depends on the route number and distance, and ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 kip. Paid on the bus to the conductor, sometimes to the driver. On route No. 14, which goes to/from the border crossing with Thailand at the Friendship Bridge, you can pay in kip, dollars ($1), or Thai baht (32 baht). There are bus stops for boarding and alighting, but they're not mandatory, and drivers can easily skip them if you don't press the bell. To get on the bus, you need to hail or wave to the driver, otherwise they'll drive past.

Here are the most useful routes for tourists:

• No. 14. From Talat Sao to the border crossing (Friendship Bridge with Thailand) and to Buddha Park. Costs 17,000–20,000 kip (0.8 USD), runs every 15–30 minutes from 05:35 to 19:25.
• No. 44. From Talat Sao to the airport. Costs 40,000 kip (1.78 USD) for adults, runs every 30–40 minutes from 08:00 to 19:30.
• No. 08. From Talat Sao to the Northern Bus Terminal. Costs 5,000 kip (0.22 USD), runs every 30 minutes from 05:40 to 18:00.
• No. 29. From Talat Sao to the Southern Bus Terminal. Costs 4,000 kip (0.18 USD), runs every 15–20 minutes from 06:00 to 18:33.

BRT – New Bus Rapid Transit in Vientiane

Since 2026, Vientiane has launched a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system – rapid bus service with dedicated lanes. This is the first such project in Laos, and it noticeably simplifies getting around the city, especially for tourists who want to quickly get from one area to another.

The main route connects the National University of Laos in the Dongdok area with Talat Sao bus station (Morning Market) in the city center. The line is 13.9 km long with 19 stops, including important tourist spots such as the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, the Public Security Museum, Patuxai, and That Luang Stupa. In April 2026, the route was extended: buses now also stop at Chao Fa Ngum Park on the Mekong River bank.

• Fare: from 7,000 kip (0.31 USD) per trip within one zone.
• Hours: daily from 06:00 to 22:00.
• Frequency: during peak hours (06:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00) buses run every 6–7 minutes, at other times – every 10–15 minutes.
• Main stops for tourists: Talat Sao (Morning Market), Patuxai, That Luang, Public Security Museum, Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, Chao Fa Ngum Park.
• Tip: use the BRT to move quickly between central attractions – it's cheaper and faster than a tuk-tuk, especially during rush hour when the city streets are busy.

Vientiane Attractions: What to See in 1–2 Days

Vientiane has several dozen temples, a few museums, a night market, a couple of historical architectural attractions, and Buddha Park with statues. All of this can be seen in one day with rented transport, or at most two days if you use city buses or tuk-tuks.

Even though the capital is considered a temple city, there are really only three genuinely interesting temples here: the city's oldest temple, Wat Si Saket; the most revered, Wat Si Muang; and the temple and golden stupa of That Luang (Pha That Luang). It so happened that most local temples were destroyed by Siamese troops in the 19th century, so everything you can see today has been restored or rebuilt. If you want to see truly beautiful temples with history, head straight to Luang Prabang.

However, Vientiane is one of the most convenient starting points for traveling to other attractions in the country. From here, ready-made group and individual tours are offered to almost every corner of the country, and often they're cheaper than organizing the trip yourself. Such tours are offered at hotels and travel agencies, of which there are many in the center. All you have to do is visit them and compare prices.

To get more information about the country and decide where to go, we recommend visiting the tourist information center on Lane Xang Avenue (info center on the map). There you can get advice, pick up free maps and whole guidebooks about the country and provinces. The center is open from 07:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, seven days a week.

If you want some entertainment, in Vientiane you can do yoga, go bowling, visit a massage salon or sauna, get spa treatments. But there are no large-scale attractions like zoos, water parks, or amusement parks here. In the evening, you can stroll along the promenade, where two night markets operate, or sit in a cafe or restaurant in the center near the fountain. There are nightclubs and bars with girls and boys, but be careful, since by local laws sex outside marriage is punishable by large fines.

And now here's a list and description of Vientiane's attractions with opening hours, prices, and how to get to them:

• That Luang Temple and Stupa (Pha That Luang)

  

  The large golden stupa of That Luang (Pha That Luang) is the most photographed place in Vientiane and the main symbol of the city and the country as a whole. Its image can be seen on souvenirs and postcards, and it's definitely the No. 1 popular attraction to see in Vientiane. The stupa is surrounded by a large concrete structure like a fence, and entry to the inner courtyard is paid for tourists. The museum here is, of course, symbolic, since its main exhibit is the stupa itself. You can't go inside the stupa, only view it from outside. If you don't want to pay the entrance fee, you can also view it from outside without going into the courtyard, since from the side it looks even more majestic. More about That Luang Temple and Stupa.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00, daily. You can view the temples and stupa from outside without entering the courtyard at any time.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 30,000 kip (1.33 USD, )see Laos currency and exchange rate) for foreigners.

  🚶 How to Get There: the stupa is 3 kilometers from the city center (stupa on the map). In theory you could walk here, but it's easier to take bus No. 10 (ITECC-Talat Sao) from the central bus station and terminus Talat Sao, runs every 40 minutes from 09:20 to 16:45 (last bus back), 4,000 kip. Alternatively, you can walk from the stupa through the park to the Army and Police Museum and take buses No. 23 or No. 29 from there for 4,000 kip.

  Buddha Park (Buddha Park)

  

  Buddha Park in Vientiane (Buddha Park, also Xieng Khuan, meaning "Spirit City") consists of several dozen statues of Buddhist and Hindu religions. There are statues of deities and scenes from important historical religious events, and the park itself is decorated with flower beds and equipped with walking paths. It's considered one of the must-see places in Vientiane, but at the same time don't expect too much: yes, it's spectacular, but without a tour or proper knowledge you won't understand anything here, you'll just be able to take a dozen photos. Visiting will take at most 30 minutes. More about Buddha Park.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00, daily.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 60,000 kip (2.66 USD) for foreigners, cash only.

  🚶 How to Get There: the park is 25 kilometers from Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River, which forms the border between Laos and Thailand (park on the map). You can get here by tuk-tuk hired as a taxi for 150,000 kip round trip or by city bus No. 14. The bus departs from Talat Sao bus station in the city center every 15–30 minutes, fare 17,000–20,000 kip.

  Wat Si Muang Temple (Wat Si Muang)

  

  This temple isn't as popular or well-known among tourists as, say, the huge golden That Luang Stupa, but for locals it's one of the holiest places in the city. The thing is, on its grounds is the city pillar shrine. Buddhists believe that the city's guardian spirit lives in it. It's said that this pillar is over 1,000 years old. More about Wat Si Muang Temple.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 06:00 – 20:00, daily.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free, donations welcome. An offering set costs 20,000 kip.

  🚶 How to Get There: the temple is in the city center (temple on the map), easy to walk to from most hotels or take any bus to the Khua Din Bus Station terminus (Talat Sao bus station), and from there 15 minutes on foot. The city pillar shrine is not on the temple grounds but next to it (shrine on the map).

  Hor Prakheo Temple and Museum (Hor Prakheo)

  

  The Hor Prakheo Museum (also Haw Pha Kaeo) was formerly the main royal temple, and now it's a museum housing a collection of Buddhist art. It's mainly various Buddha statues and other religious items whose purpose is hard to understand without relevant knowledge. There are no explanatory signs. Photography inside is prohibited.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00, daily.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 30,000 kip (1.33 USD) for foreigners.

  🚶 How to Get There: located in the city center (temple on the map) within walking distance of the Khua Din Bus Station terminus (Talat Sao bus station).

  Wat Si Saket Temple (Wat Si Saket)

  

  Wat Si Saket is considered the oldest temple in Vientiane. It was built in 1819-1824, and by the standards of Buddhist temples in neighboring Asian countries, it's very young. But the thing is, in 1827, during the Siamese (Thai) invasion, the city and all its temples, with rare exceptions, were burned.

  Now it's known as the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, since it houses a huge number (they claim all 10,000) of various Buddha statues. It consists of two parts: the temple courtyard, which is accessible free of charge; and the museum for a fee, where the statues are kept. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00, daily.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 30,000 kip (1.33 USD) for foreigners.

  🚶 How to Get There: located in the city center (temple on the map) within walking distance of the Khua Din Bus Station terminus (Talat Sao bus station).

  Patuxai Victory Monument in Vientiane (Patuxai)

  

  This is one of the most iconic architectural and historical sites in Vientiane. Officially, the arch is called the Victory Monument, and is also known as the Victory Gate. It's a copy of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France. Built in 1957-1969 with funds and cement allocated by the US for building a new airport, but it's still considered an unfinished construction project. At the top there's an observation deck with a great view of the city. More about Patuxai Victory Monument.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00, daily.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: entry inside is free, but access to the observation deck is 30,000 kip (1.33 USD).

  🚶 How to Get There: located in the city center, you can walk from most places and from Talat Sao bus station (arch on the map).

  Nam Phu Fountain (Nam Phou Fountain)

  

  The Nam Phu Fountain itself is unremarkable, but it's the main landmark for tourists and effectively the tourist center of the city. Around the fountain there are many sterile tourist cafes and restaurants, there are bars, and musicians perform on stage in the evenings. If you're alone and don't know where to go in the evening in Vientiane, head straight here, and you'll surely meet other tourists just like you. And from here you can start your fun.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: starts working with the onset of darkness at 18-19 hours.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free.

  🚶 How to Get There: located in the center (fountain on the map).

  Night Market (Night Market)

  

  In the park along the promenade, as darkness falls, the night street market (Night Market) starts operating. It's a goods market with clothes, souvenirs, electronics, all at very low prices. For example, mass-produced souvenirs like magnets, wallets, coconut crafts, etc. cost two to three times less here than at evening markets or shops in tourist towns. Prices for clothes and shoes are also very low, but you need to haggle and carefully check the quality. But even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth visiting the market as an attraction with a special atmosphere, and trying the local street fast food.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: the market starts working with the onset of darkness at 17:00–18:00 and runs until 22:00–23:00.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free.

  🚶 How to Get There: Located in the park along the promenade (night market on the map).

  Night Bazaar on the Promenade (Night Bazar)

  

  This is another area for evening walks in Vientiane. The night bazaar stretches along the promenade parallel to the night market across the road from it, but is strikingly different. It's more well-appointed and civilized, with trade in pavilions rather than from stalls and tents. The promenade area is decorated with fountains, beautiful lighting, and there's even a children's entertainment park with simple rides. Prices here are a bit higher, but there are restaurants with good sanitation and river views, and a decent street food court.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: the market starts working with the onset of darkness at 17:00–18:00 and runs until 22:00–23:00.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free.

  🚶 How to Get There: Located in the park along the promenade (night bazaar on the map).

  Police Museum (Police Museum)

  

  The Police Museum, or People's Public Security Museum, is a fairly large museum dedicated to public order and safety activities, including fire safety. It might have been unremarkable, but for tourists of the older generation from the former Soviet republics, it's simply a gem. The museum displays a lot of exhibits from the USSR, donated or supplied to the fraternal socialist republic. Be sure to stop by here if you can.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 08:00–11:30 and 13:30–16:00 Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday – closed.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free.

  🚶 How to Get There: located three kilometers from the center (museum on the map). You can get here by buses No. 23, No. 29 for 4,000 kip. It's best to combine the visit with a trip to That Luang Stupa and the Army Museum, which are within walking distance.

  Army Museum (Lao People's Army Museum)

  

  Another museum where you can reminisce about the former might of the Soviet Union and the strong friendship between the two countries. At the time of our visit (in 2019), the museum building was closed for renovation, and there's no information about it reopening. But you can quite freely explore the outdoor exhibition of large military equipment. Of course, most of it is supplied from the USSR, and many still bear the labels "Made in the USSR." And to the credit of the Lao people, the exhibits are in perfect condition, unlike some similar Russian museums.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: museum building is under renovation, you can view the large military equipment area from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 16:00. Monday – closed.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: viewing the area is free, museum entry 10,000 kip.

  🚶 How to Get There: located three and a half kilometers from the center (museum on the map), you can get there by buses No. 23, No. 29 for 4,000 kip. It's best to visit it at the same time as the Police Museum and That Luang Stupa, which you can walk to from here.

  Lao National Museum (Lao National Museum)

  

  This museum has been under renovation for several years now, and it has moved from the old building to a new one, and is still closed (as of 2019). Inside, there will be an exhibition telling the country's history from ancient times; about its natural resources and culture. For now, you can instead visit the nearby Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, who led Laos from 1975 to 1992.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: museum under renovation.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 10,000 kip (0.44 USD).

  🚶 How to Get There: located quite far from the city center (museum on the map), you can get there by buses No. 23, No. 29 for 4,000 kip.

  Textile Museum (Lao Textile Museum)

  

  The Textile Museum is deservedly considered the most interesting museum in Vientiane, and you could even say in the whole country. First of all, it tells about the traditional craft of making and painting fabrics, but besides that, cooking classes, traditional music lessons, and a fabric workshop are held here.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00, daily. Workshops are held several times a week on schedule, you can check the time in the museum's FB group (Meta Platforms Inc. activities are banned in the Russian Federation).

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: 30,000 kip (1.33 USD).

  🚶 How to Get There: located three kilometers from the center (museum on the map), you'll have to get there by tuk-tuk for 30,000–50,000 kip, or rented transport.

  Black Stupa (That Dam)

  

  The Black Stupa (That Dam) is one of Vientiane's historical attractions, but unfortunately it's unknown when it appeared. It's built of old brick and was once fully plastered and covered in gold. But now the plaster has partially fallen off and blackened, and the exposed surfaces are covered with grass, giving the stupa the noble look of an ancient ruin. Locals believe that a seven-headed Naga (serpent) lived in the stupa, protecting the city, but it left this place in 1827 during the Siamese army invasion.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Opening Hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price: free.

  🚶 How to Get There: located in the city center (stupa on the map).