Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of its more famous neighbors like Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng. But this small city on the banks of the Mekong River has its own unique charm, blending French colonial influences with Buddhist culture and a relaxed riverside vibe. If you’re looking for a destination that offers history, culture, and great food without the hustle and bustle of a big city, Vientiane is worth a visit.
We spent two weeks in Laos so check out some of our other blogs about Vang Vieng (coming soon) and Luang Prabang (coming soon)!
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines!
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TLDR 🫣
Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos, blends French colonial elegance with Buddhist heritage, offering a relaxed riverside atmosphere, stunning temples, and a rich cultural experience.
Itinerary
- Wat Sisaket – Oldest temple in Vientiane with thousands of Buddha statues.
- That Dam Stupa – The legendary "Black Stupa" with Naga serpent folklore.
- Patuxay (Victory Monument) – Laos' Arc de Triomphe with city views.
- Lunch at Kung’s Café – Hidden gem with authentic Lao dishes in a cozy setting.
- Wat Si Muang – Sacred temple with a fascinating local legend.
- Ban Anou & Vientiane Night Market – Street food, souvenirs, and a lively evening vibe by the Mekong.
Pro Tips:
- Download Loca – Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab don’t operate in Laos, so Loca is the best option for hassle-free transportation.
- Carry Cash – Many places, including markets and tuk-tuks, don’t accept credit cards, so bring Lao Kip or USD for convenience.
- Dress Modestly for Temples – Wear shoulder-covering tops and knee-length bottoms when visiting religious sites to show respect.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Wandering the Vientiane night market
- Best Eats: Kung’s Café – A hidden gem serving delicious banana flower salad, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes in a cozy garden setting.
- Best "Bang for Your Buck" Hotel: Riverside Hotel, a no-frills, comfortable, and well-located option close to the Mekong River.
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET TO VIENTIANE
We flew into Vientiane from Chiang Rai via Bangkok. While some travelers opt for the slow boat along the Mekong from Thailand, we decided against it—spending multiple days on a boat sounded a bit too exhausting for us. Maybe if we were in our 20’s, we’d consider it, but alas, our creaky 30 year old bones told us a quick plane ride would be better in the long run.
Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Laos. There are two primary options to obtain a tourist visa:
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Canadians can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated entry points in Laos. The visa typically allows for a stay of up to 30 days and costs approximately USD 40, payable in cash. Requirements include a passport valid for at least six months, a completed application form, and passport-sized photos.
2. eVisa (This is what we did): Alternatively, Canadians can apply for a Laos eVisa online prior to their trip. The eVisa permits a single entry for a stay of up to 30 days and is valid for 60 days from the date of approval. The application process is entirely online and requires a valid passport, a recent digital passport-sized photo, and an application fee.
It’s advisable to check the latest visa requirements and fees before planning your trip, as policies can change.
HOW TO GET AROUND VIENTIANE
Vientiane is a small and walkable city, but when the tropical heat gets too intense, tuk-tuks and taxis are easy to find. We found that renting bicycles was a fantastic way to get around, as the streets aren’t too hectic compared to other Southeast Asian capitals. Ride-hailing apps like Loca (the Lao version of Grab) are also a good option if you want a hassle-free way to move between sites.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIENTIANE
We stayed at Riverside Hotel on Rue Nokeokoummane, a comfortable and well-located option close to the Mekong River. The area was great for evening walks along the river, and it was convenient for reaching major attractions, restaurants, and cafes. There are plenty of accommodation choices in Vientiane, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels, but staying near the riverside gives you access to the best of the city.
ITINERARY
1. Wat Sisaket
Our first stop was Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane.
It’s famous for its thousands of Buddha statues lining the cloister walls. The temple’s weathered wooden architecture gives it an ancient, peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to start our exploration of the city’s spiritual side.
2. That Dam Stupa
Next, we visited That Dam, or the “Black Stupa,” a mysterious and ancient Buddhist monument in the middle of a quiet roundabout. Legend has it that a seven-headed Naga serpent once protected the stupa. While it’s not as grand as other temples, it’s a fascinating relic of the city’s past and worth a quick stop.
3. Patuxay – Victory Monument
A short walk from That Dam is Patuxay, Vientiane’s version of the Arc de Triomphe. This monument, built to honor those who fought for Laos’ independence, has a distinctly Laotian twist with intricate carvings and Buddhist motifs. Climbing to the top gave us an incredible panoramic view of the city.
4. Wat Si Muang
Another must-visit temple in Vientiane is Wat Si Muang, known for its deep spiritual significance and unique legends.
Unlike many other temples in Laos, Wat Si Muang is both a place of Buddhist worship and a site of ancient animist beliefs. According to local folklore, a pregnant woman named Si Muang sacrificed herself during the temple’s construction in 1563, and her spirit is believed to protect the city.
Today, Wat Si Muang is one of the most popular temples among locals, who come here to pray for good luck, prosperity, and protection. The temple’s vibrant interior, adorned with golden Buddha statues and intricate murals, makes it a visually stunning place to visit. Whether you’re seeking cultural insights or a moment of peace, Wat Si Muang offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Vientiane.
And across the street, there is another beautiful temple!
I wish I knew more about it but I could not find it on Google Maps!
5. Lunch Break at Kungs Cafe
This was a GEM of a find! A super cute local cafe with homey garden vibes. We highly recommend visiting Kung’s cafe for an authentic Laotion experience.
We ordered a noodle dish, (Phad Lao), their signature pancake (it’s a rice pancake with mango inside), and their coconut coffee all for just ₭78,000 ($4.66 CAD)!
To our surprise, as we walked back to our hotel, we noticed a Starbucks! Who knew Vientiane had a Starbucks?! This mango passionfruit smoothie set us back ~$7 CAD (more than our lunch!) but we had to cool off in the Laotian heat!
6. Ban Anou Night Market & Vientiane Night Market
To end our day, we explored the Ban Anou Night Market and the Vientiane Night Market along the Mekong River. We ordered this Cheese pull coin cake, which is actually a staple in South Korea! This cost only ₭20,000 ($1.20 CAD). The night market was a great place to try Lao street food, from grilled meats to the famous Lao sausage. The atmosphere was lively, with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to handmade crafts.
It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing, but if you’re looking for a MEAL (like something more than street snacks), check out Sticky Fingers. Two burgers with fries and a beer set us back $14 CAD.
TOTAL COST for 1 Full Day in Vientiane (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
SIM: $5
Activities: $0
Accommodations (2 nights): $0 (we used our Expedia points which covered about $61 per night)
Food: $28
Transportation (Loca from the airport to our hotel): $5
Souvenirs: $0
VISAs: $140
TOTAL: $178 (Roughly $45 per person, per night)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Vientiane may not have the energy of Bangkok or the dramatic landscapes of Luang Prabang, but its charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, rich history, and warm hospitality. It’s a city where you can explore at your own pace, enjoy delicious food, and take in a mix of cultural influences. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet engaging destination in Southeast Asia, Vientiane is well worth a visit.
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