Although still a small city, the capital attracts many tourists. The city contains many temples and Buddhist monuments. A popular attraction for foreign visitors is Pha That Luang, an important national cultural monument of Laos and one of its best known stupas. It was originally built in 1566 by King Setthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 metres tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.

• Haw Phra Kaew, former temple, now museum and small shops
• Lao National Museum
• Talat Sao Morning market
• That Dam, large stupa
• Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, Buddhist monastery
• Wat Sri Chomphu Ong Tue, Buddhist temple
• Wat Si Saket, Buddhist wat
• Wat Sok Pa Luang, Buddhist temple
• Settha Palace Hotel, established 1932
• The Sanjiang Market^[17]

The great Laotian epic, the Phra Lak Phra Lam, claims that Prince Thattaradtha founded the city when he left the legendary Lao kingdom of Muong Inthapatha Maha Nakhone because he was denied the throne in favor of his younger brother. Thattaradtha founded a city called Maha Thani Si Phan Phao on the western banks of the Mekong River; this city was said to have later become today's Udon Thani, Thailand. One day, a seven-headed Naga told Thattaradtha to start a new city on the east bank of the river opposite Maha Thani Si Phan Phao. The prince called this city Chanthabuly Si Sattanakhanahud; which was said to be the predecessor of modern Vientiane.

When someday comes you'll need to get in.

When someday comes you'll need to be able to get around.