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

Vientiane: why go and what is here

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the largest city in the country. It is 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 about 775,000, and with the suburbs more than 800,000.

People rarely go to Vientiane specifically for a holiday; most often it is used simply as a transit city. You can stay here for a day or two, which is enough to see all its attractions, but it is not worth lingering longer.

The country's main international airport is here, the railway line from Bangkok arrives here, and many bus routes run here from cities in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It is especially convenient to use Vientiane as a land entry point from Thailand and from here set off to travel to other places in the country.

The capital of Laos is also convenient 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, study the current visa and entry nuances, because what is described in theory does not always work in practice. Repeated stamps can easily get you restricted on your next trip, and a visa can be refused. If you do not know how all this is done, it is better to contact special or travel agencies on the spot 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 everything yourself, be sure to study our guide on applying for a Thai tourist visa on your own.

In any case, if you are coming here for a visa, do not count on getting it in one or two days, since processing can drag on for a week or more. In such cases, there is no point in sitting strictly in Vientiane; instead, you can go to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and so on.

Vientiane infrastructure: travel agencies, shopping, food and money

Vientiane does not feel like a capital at all compared to others in Southeast Asia. The city is quite small and looks more like a provincial town in Thailand, and it is still only developing. Nevertheless, the city infrastructure here is well developed, and one could say the tourist infrastructure is excellently developed.

Travel agencies and tickets: where to buy tours and transport

In the center, travel agencies can be found on almost every street, selling tickets for buses, trains (to Thailand), and planes, as well as bicycle and motorbike rentals. Conveniently, you can buy any ticket to cities in Laos and neighboring countries with delivery right from your hotel, and it is even cheaper than getting to the bus station or train station yourself. There is a very useful tourist information center with free maps and brochures (information 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 in hotels too, but it is still worth going around a few places and comparing prices, as they can differ greatly for the same ticket or excursion.

Shopping in Vientiane: markets and shopping malls

Shopping in Vientiane is poorly developed. There is almost no modern retail in large shopping malls, and prices are even higher than in neighboring countries, although, of course, it all depends on where you buy 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 are not interesting for tourists. Mostly, clothing is sold at markets, and small grocery purchases can be made at one of the many M-point, Mini Big C, and other minimarkets. For inexpensive souvenirs, handicrafts, gray electronics, and fakes, you can head to the two-story Morning Market, but you need to haggle well there. Also be sure to visit the shopping areas at the two night markets on the embankment: lots of souvenirs and consumer goods are sold there, but again, you need to haggle, and then the prices will turn out to 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 the Nam Phu fountain, or head to the embankment 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 is far away on the outskirts of the capital. But there are no international chain restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, etc. here.

To eat cheaply, you can find one of the inexpensive local cafes in the center, use local street fast food, or buy ready-made food at M-point or Mini Big C supermarkets. Purchased semi-finished products or ready meals can be heated right in these stores and eaten there at special tables.

For exotic food and insects, head to the Morning Market or the street market next to the Talat Sao bus station. But do not expect insects to be on every corner; you will have to look for them, since today they are exotic even for locals, and not cheap. And be sure to drink a cup of local natural coffee at the Morning Market from 10,000 kip (0.45 USD); it is simply delightful.

Money and currency exchange: where to exchange and what rate

Currency exchange offices, ATMs, and banks can be found all over the city, but if you need to exchange a large amount at a good rate, it is best to head to the city's main street, Lane Xang Avenue, where on the stretch from the Talat Sao Mall towards the Triumphal Arch 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, preference is given to US dollars and Thai baht. The rate differs between banks and exchange offices, and the best is offered at small private places in the alleys. Moreover, the exchange rate shown on the signs is not always current; you need to check it directly with the money changers, and you can haggle when exchanging large amounts over 100 dollars.

If you are not yet familiar with the currency of Laos and what is used here, read our guide to money in Laos.

Market exchange rate (Laotian kip) for today (28/09/2026)

• 100 000 кип (LAK) = 376,17 rubles (RUB)
• 1 US dollar (USD) = 22 437,90 LAK
• 100 rubles (RUB) = 26 583,80 LAK
• 1 euro (EUR) = 25 546,00 LAK

Real currency exchange rate *

• 1 US dollar (USD) ≈ 21 989,14 - 22 393,02 LAK
• 1 euro (EUR) ≈ 25 035,08 - 25 494,91 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.

Internet and communications – 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 is 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 eSIM, you can buy a SIM card online on these operators' websites or on aggregator websites. We recommend choosing the local Unitel eSIM on Trip.com; this is the most advantageous option. If you need a more universal option for several countries, you can choose a tourist Global eSIM. Look at and compare the options here:

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

Vientiane hotels: 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 dollars for two, and hostels cheaper than 5 dollars per bed. Many places include breakfast in the price of stay, and this applies even to the cheapest options. Usually it is a simple continental breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, jam and butter, coffee or tea, but overall it is a good option to start the day and save time so you do not have to look for a place to eat in the morning.

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

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

• 🛌 Search hotels in Vientiane on Trip.com (👍 Mir cards and SBP work)
• 🛌 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 slightly spoiled by prolonged rain:

• High season, also the dry season, lasts from October to April. These are the driest months and the best time to visit the capital. It is also the coolest time of the year. Although the concept of "cool" is, of course, relative: it is just that at this time it is not as mercilessly hot as in low season. The driest months are December and February.
• Low season, also the rainy season, runs from May to September. You can also go to Vientiane at this time, but you may run into prolonged rain. And it is also very hot at this time; the temperature often rises to 40 degrees.

Tourist seasons in Vientiane by month, when it is best to go

Current weather in Vientiane and the forecast for the near future:

How to get to Vientiane: plane, train, bus

Vientiane is the main entry point to the country for tourists. Although you can get to Laos by land from Cambodia and Vietnam, most often people arrive through Vientiane's international airport or by land from Thailand by train or bus. The land border crossing from Thailand runs over the friendship bridge between the countries across the Mekong River, and is only 20 kilometers from the city center. Below are details on each of the ways:

By plane: Vientiane airport and how to get to the center

Vientiane's Wattay International Airport (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 do not want to deal with these difficulties, here are selections of the most advantageous tickets to Vientiane:

ЦЕНА	МАРШРУТ	ПЕРЕСАДКИ
Купить от 56390 ₽	Москва ⇄ Вьентьян	1
Купить от 60377 ₽	Санкт-Петербург ⇄ Вьентьян	1
Купить от 75356 ₽	Новосибирск ⇄ Вьентьян	2
Купить от 64168 ₽	Красноярск ⇄ Вьентьян	2
Купить от 83632 ₽	Уфа ⇄ Вьентьян	2
Купить от 44854 ₽	Владивосток ⇄ Вьентьян	2
Купить от 82948 ₽	Нижний Новгород ⇄ Вьентьян	2
Купить от 61770 ₽	Иркутск ⇄ Вьентьян	2

How to get from the airport

Vientiane airport is five kilometers from the center (airport on the map); from it you can get:

• Taxi. An official airport taxi at a fixed rate costs 60,000–80,000 kip (3.12 USD) to the city center, paid at the taxi desk in the terminal. Many hotels offer a transfer by motorbike taxi for 30,000 kip (1.34 USD) and by car for 50,000 (2.23 USD).
• Tuk-tuk. A ride will cost 50,000–80,000 kip (2.9 USD), but for this you will have to go 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; they run 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 it can drop you off anywhere on request. You can download the route map: open the map in a new window / download the map

By train: from Bangkok, Udon Thani and around Laos

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

• Khamsavath Railway Station – a new station opened in 2024 that serves 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 Railway high-speed line, 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).

Please 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, since 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. The travel time is about 11 hours 40 minutes. This is a night train, which is very convenient – you board in the evening and are already there in the morning.

  Ticket prices:

  • Third class seat – from 280 baht (8.37 USD).
  • Second class seat – about 580 baht (17.33 USD).
  • Sleeper berth (second class) – from 780 baht (23.31 USD).

  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 at 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). The 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 exit from the station. The price is negotiable, usually from 100,000 to 200,000 kip (6.69 USD) to the city center.
  • Taxi apps – LOCA, KOKKOK Move, or Xanh SM (see more in the "Taxis" section below).

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

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

  This mode of transport is significantly faster than buses: the journey 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 (14.44 USD), first class – about 510,000 kip (22.73 USD), business class – about 960,000 kip (42.78 USD).
  • Vientiane – Luang Prabang: second class – about 360,000–570,000 kip (17.83 USD), first class – about 560,000–1,063,000 kip (35.65 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. The fare is 25,000 kip (1.11 USD). Buses run several times a day, the first trip at about 06:50.
  • Tuk-tuk – from 100,000 to 200,000 kip (6.69 USD) from the city center.
  • Taxi – from 200,000 kip (8.91 USD), can be ordered through 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 your passport 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, from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. They arrive and depart from three stations:

• Central station Talat Sao. Serves suburban buses, minivans to Vientiane, buses to Udon Thani and Nong Khai in Thailand. It is also the final stop for city buses. It is located right in the city center (Talat Sao on the map).
• Southern Bus Terminal (also Dong Dok). Serves directions south to Pakse, Savannakhet, the 4000 Islands, etc.; to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (Cambodia); Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, Vinh (Vietnam). You can get here from Talat Sao on city buses No. 23, No. 29 and regular tuk-tuks for 4,000 kip (bus station on the map).
• Northern Bus Terminal. Serves directions 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 on bus No. 08 for 5,000 kip (0.22 USD); they run 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 the hotel to the bus station, and some tourist buses depart directly from the city center. Moreover, tickets at travel agencies cost slightly more than at the bus station. For example, when we were leaving here, a bus to Da Nang at the bus station cost 200,000 kip, but in the city we bought it for 210,000, and that price included delivery from the hotel. In that situation, you would spend more just getting to the station to buy a ticket in advance and then going there again for departure. It is 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, back at 18:00. Travel time 12–15 hours, from 900 baht (26.9 USD). There are also tourist minivans from the Khaosan area.
• From Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Pai. we could not 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 (4.9 USD).
• From Luang Prabang. At least 8 times a day on schedule, including night sleeper buses, travel time 9–10 hours, from 140,000 kip (6.24 USD).
• From Da Nang and Hue. Once a day at 18:00, back at the same time. Travel time almost 24 hours, cost about 900,000 dong (34.65 USD, see Vietnam currency and exchange rate).
• From Hanoi and Vinh. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 18:00, back at the same time. Travel time almost 24 hours, cost from 800,000 dong (30.8 USD).

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

Transport in Vientiane: rentals, taxis, tuk-tuks, buses

The center of Vientiane is small, and most attractions and important tourist places can be reached on foot. Transport may be needed if you need to get to one of the bus stations, reach the border crossing to Thailand (the friendship bridge), get to the railway station, or visit the Buddha Park. For this you can use a rental vehicle, tuk-tuks, or city buses.

Vehicle rentals

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

Motorbike rentals are rare; you will have to look for them or ask at the hotel where you are staying, and they will point you to the nearest place. A day's rental (not 24 hours) costs from 80,000 kip (3.57 USD). To ride a motorbike, in theory you need an international license with category "A", but in practice they do not ask for a license when renting, and police rarely stop tourists on the road. Nevertheless, we do not recommend risking it, since it is in Vientiane more than anywhere else that there is a high chance of running into traffic police. See more everything about renting motorbikes 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 on them within the city; the charge will not 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. The cost is still quite high, but you can save if you take a car for several days. An international license is required for rental (see more everything about driving licenses abroad). You can rent a car on economybookings.com or other aggregator websites that compare prices from different rental shops:

Taxis

Car taxis are still not common and are expensive. But over the years the situation is changing, and cars are gradually replacing tuk-tuks and becoming cheaper. For now, it makes sense to use a taxi only for a trip to the airport or to the border crossing; in other cases it is cheaper and easier to use tuk-tuks.

Taxis are not equipped with meters; you need to agree on the price before the ride. Usually drivers will not even move for less than 40,000 kip, and for a ride within the center they ask at least 50,000–70,000 kip, but you need to haggle. To the airport or the friendship bridge you can get there for 60,000–80,000 kip (3.12 USD), to the border crossing to Thailand for 100,000 kip.

Taxi apps. Official taxi-hailing apps work in Laos, which is much more convenient and safer than hailing 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 ride price, accepts cash and major international cards.
• KOKKOK Move – the second most popular app, focused mainly on Vientiane. Here you can order both regular cars and electric tuk-tuks. The special feature of the service is that the passenger offers their own price, and nearby drivers accept or decline the order.
• Xanh SM (Green SM) – an app for ordering electric cars. Works in major cities of Laos, including Vientiane. Convenient for comparing prices with LOCA.

We recommend installing the LOCA app before arriving in Laos, as it is 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 them both for a short ride and by the hour for trips to attractions. A ride within the city center should cost from 30,000 to 60,000 kip (2.01 USD); to the bus station 50,000–80,000 kip (2.9 USD); hiring for half a day about 200,000–300,000 kip (11.14 USD). Keep in mind that tuk-tuk drivers who hover around popular tourist spots and offer tourists ready-made routes for half or a full day ask almost twice as much money as if you just find a driver on the street. But on the other hand, those who wait near tourist places at least speak a little English.

Buses

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

The main point of arrival and departure in the city center is Khua Din Bus Station, also known as the Talat Sao bus station, also known as CBS – Capital Bus Station (Talat Sao on the map). It is something like a terminus, and if you do not know where to catch the bus you need, it is best to head here right away. There is also a map with routes on the wall of the building if you could not figure out the right bus in advance.

The fare depends on the route number and the length of the trip, and ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 kip. It is 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, the fare can be paid in kip, dollars (1 dollar), or Thai baht (32 baht). There are bus stops for boarding and alighting, but they are not mandatory, and drivers can easily skip them if you do not press the bell button. To get on the bus, you need to hail or wave to the driver, otherwise it will pass by.

Here are the most useful routes for tourists:

• No. 14. From Talat Sao to the border crossing (friendship bridge with Thailand) and to the Buddha Park. Costs 17,000–20,000 kip (0.8 USD); they run 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; they run 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); they run 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); they run every 15–20 minutes from 06:00 to 18:33.

BRT – the new bus rapid transit in Vientiane

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

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

• Fare: from 7,000 kip (0.31 USD) per ride within one zone.
• Operating 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 for quick movement between central attractions – it is cheaper and faster than a tuk-tuk, especially during rush hour when the city streets are congested.

Vientiane attractions: what to see in 1–2 days

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

Despite the fact that the capital is considered a temple city, there are only three truly interesting temples here: the oldest temple in the city, Wat Si Saket; the most revered, Wat Si Muang; and the temple and golden stupa That Luang (Pha That Luang). It so happened that most of the local temples were destroyed by Siamese troops in the 19th century, and therefore everything you can see today has been restored or rebuilt. If you want to see truly beautiful temples with history, it is better to 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 excursion tours are offered to almost every corner of the country, and they are often cheaper than organizing the trip yourself. Such excursions are offered at hotels and travel agencies, of which there are many in the center. You just have to go around them and compare prices.

To get more information about the country and decide where to go, we advise visiting the tourist information center on Lane Xang Avenue (information center on the map). There you can get advice and take 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, bowling, visit a massage salon or sauna, and have 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 embankment, where two night markets operate, and 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 under local laws sex outside marriage is punishable by large fines.

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

• That Luang Temple and Stupa (Pha That Luang)

  

  The large golden That Luang stupa (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 is certainly the No. 1 popular attraction to see in Vientiane. The stupa is surrounded along its perimeter by a large concrete structure like a fence, and entry into the inner courtyard is paid for tourists. The museum here is, of course, symbolic, since its most important exhibit is the stupa itself. You cannot get inside the stupa; it can only be viewed from the outside. If you do not 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, seven days a week. You can view the temples and stupa from outside without entering the courtyard at any time.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 30,000 kip (1.34 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 can walk here, but it is easier to take bus No. 10 (ITECC-Talat Sao) from the central bus station and terminus Talat Sao; they run every 40 minutes from 09:20 to 16:45 (the last bus back), 4,000 kip. Alternatively, you can walk from the stupa through the park to the army and police museum and from there take buses No. 23 or No. 29 for 4,000 kip.

  Buddha Park

  

  The Buddha Park in Vientiane (Buddha Park, also Xieng Khuan, which means "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 is considered one of the must-see places in Vientiane, but at the same time you should not expect too much: yes, it is spectacular, but without a tour or proper knowledge you will not understand anything here, and will only be able to take a dozen photos. A visit will take at most 30 minutes. More about the Buddha Park.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 60,000 kip (2.67 USD) for foreigners, cash only.

  🚶 How to get there: the park is 25 kilometers from Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River, which runs along 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 the Talat Sao bus station in the city center every 15–30 minutes, the fare is 17,000–20,000 kip.

  Wat Si Muang Temple

  

  This temple is not as popular and well known among tourists as, for example, the huge golden That Luang stupa, but for locals it is one of the holiest places in the city. The thing is that on its territory there is the city pillar shrine. Buddhists believe that the guardian spirit of the city lives in it. It is believed that this pillar is more than 1,000 years old. More about Wat Si Muang temple.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00, seven days a week.

  💵 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); from most hotels it is easy to walk there or take any bus to the Khua Din Bus Station terminus (Talat Sao bus station), and from there it is a 15-minute walk. The city pillar shrine is not on the territory of the temple complex but next to it (shrine on the map).

  Hor Prakheo Temple and Museum

  

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

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 30,000 kip (1.34 USD) for foreigners.

  🚶 How to get there: it is 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 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 is very young. But the thing is that in 1827, during the Siamese (Thai) invasion, the city and all its temples, with rare exceptions, were burned.

  Now it is known as the temple of 10,000 Buddhas, since it houses a huge number (as claimed, all 10,000) of various Buddha statues. It consists of two parts: the temple courtyard, which is free to visit; 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, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 30,000 kip (1.34 USD) for foreigners.

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the city center (temple on the map) within walking distance of the Khua Din Bus Station terminus (Talat Sao bus station).

  Patuxai Victory Arch in Vientiane (Patuxai)

  

  This is one of the most iconic architectural and historical places in Vientiane. Officially the arch is called the Victory Monument, and is also known as the Victory Gate. It is a copy of the Paris Triumphal Arch, and is dedicated to the fighters for independence from France. It was built in 1957–1969 with funds and cement allocated by the USA for the construction of a new airport, but is still considered an unfinished construction project. At the top there is an observation deck with an excellent view of the city. More about the Patuxai victory arch.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: 08:00–17:00, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: entry inside is free, but access to the observation deck is 30,000 kip (1.34 USD).

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the city center; from most places and the Talat Sao bus station you can walk there (arch on the map).

  Nam Phu Fountain

  

  The Nam Phu fountain itself is unremarkable, but it is 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 are alone and do not know where to go in the evening in Vientiane, head straight here, and you will surely meet other tourists just like you. And from here you can start your fun.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: it starts working when darkness falls at 18–19 o'clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the center (fountain on the map).

  Night Market

  

  In the park along the embankment, when darkness falls, the night street market (Night Market) starts working. This is a goods market with clothes, souvenirs, electronics, all at very low prices. For example, consumer souvenirs like fridge magnets, wallets, coconut shell crafts, etc. cost two to three times less here than at evening markets or shops in tourist cities. Prices for clothes and shoes are also very low, but you need to haggle and carefully check the quality. But even if you are not going to buy anything, it is 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 when darkness falls at 17:00–18:00 and works until 22:00–23:00.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the park along the embankment (night market on the map).

  Night Bazaar on the Embankment

  

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

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: the market starts working when darkness falls at 17:00–18:00 and works until 22:00–23:00.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the park along the embankment (night bazaar on the map).

  Police Museum

  

  The Police Museum or People's Public Security Museum is a fairly large museum dedicated to the work of protecting public order and people, including fire safety. It might be unremarkable, but for older tourists from the former Soviet republics it is simply a gem. The museum displays a lot of exhibits from the USSR, donated or supplied to the fraternal socialist republic. Be sure to drop in 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: it is three kilometers from the center (museum on the map). You can get here on buses No. 23, No. 29 for 4,000 kip. It is best to combine the visit with a trip to the That Luang stupa and the army museum, which are within walking distance.

  Army Museum (Lao People's Army Museum)

  

  Another museum where you can recall 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 is no information about it reopening. But you can quite calmly view the outdoor exhibition of large military equipment. Of course, most of it is supplies from the USSR, and many still bear the label "Made in USSR". And to the credit of the Lao people, the exhibits are in perfect condition, unlike some similar Russian museums.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: the 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 is a day off.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: viewing the area is free, entry to the museum is 10,000 kip.

  🚶 How to get there: it is three and a half kilometers from the center (museum on the map); you can get there on buses No. 23, No. 29 for 4,000 kip. It is best to visit it together with the police museum and the That Luang stupa, which you can walk to from here.

  Lao National Museum

  

  This museum has been under renovation for several years now; 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 about the history of the country from ancient times; about its natural wealth and culture. For now, instead, you can visit the neighboring Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, who led Laos from 1975 to 1992.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: the museum is under renovation.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 10,000 kip (0.45 USD).

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

  Lao Textile Museum

  

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

  Practical information

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

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: 30,000 kip (1.34 USD).

  🚶 How to get there: it is three kilometers from the center (museum on the map); you will have to get there by tuk-tuk for 30,000–50,000 kip, or by a rental vehicle.

  Black Stupa (That Dam)

  

  The Black Stupa (That Dam) is one of the historical attractions of Vientiane, but unfortunately it is not known when it appeared. It is built of old brick and was once fully plastered and covered with 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 (snake) lived in the stupa, protecting the city, but it left this place in 1827 during the invasion of the Siamese army.

  Practical information

  🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: it is in the city center (stupa on the map).

🕒 22 September, 2026