Go next

Vang Vieng

town in Laos

103km

18.9333102.45

Luang Prabang

city located in north central Laos

208km

19.8833102.1333

Tha Khaek

city

250km

17.4104.8

Houay Xai

city

345km

20.28333333100.41666667
Sights (6)

Wat Si Saket

wat

260m

17.96305556102.61166667

That Dam

The mythical abode of a seven-headed dragon that protects Vientiane. It was renovated in 1995, but still has an attractive patina of age, and is slowly being overgrown again by lush grass vegetation. Take care as there have been dog attacks at night.

467m

17.966102.6111

Lao National Museum

871m

17.96694444102.60722222

Patuxai

architectural structure

967m

17.97055556102.61861111

Pha That Luang

Laotian Buddhist stupa

2.7km

17.97616667102.63425

Buddha Park

An outdoor collection of huge concrete sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities, and real and religious beasts. The reclining Buddha is especially impressive. The Park was built in 1958 by the mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. In 1978 he fled to Thailand, following the communist take-over and went on to create a larger version of the Park (Sala Keoku or Sala Kaew Ku) across the river in Nong Khai, Thailand. There are two travel options. Hire a taxi/tuk tuk from Vientiane, say 100,000 kip. The second, take a public bus. Bus #14 travels from the Khua Din (central Vientiane) station, past the Friendship Bridge, all the way to the Buddha Park for 6,000 kip, one-way. For your return there are always tuk tuks at the Park waiting for customers, or take the bus back. The last bus back to Vientiane departs from the park at 16:45. Entrance 15,000 kip (10,000 kip for Laos citizens).

17km

17.91229102.765397
Nature

we will see

Vientiane

Laos
Someday we will visit Vientiane or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos.

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.

Your notes (private)

What's on your mind? (you can type here notes just for you and they will show on your dashboard)

Information for getting there

When someday comes you'll need to get in.

Information for getting around

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

Your tips and questions

Let us know your best tips about Vientiane.

Climate

Average temperatures

Jan

28.4°C16.4
Precipitation: 7.5 mm

Feb

30.3°C18.5
Precipitation: 13 mm

Mar

33°C21.5
Precipitation: 33.7 mm

Apr

34.3°C23.8
Precipitation: 84.9 mm

May

33°C24.6
Precipitation: 245.8 mm

Jun

31.9°C24.9
Precipitation: 279.8 mm

Jul

31.3°C24.7
Precipitation: 272.3 mm

Aug

30.8°C24.6
Precipitation: 334.6 mm

Sep

30.9°C24.1
Precipitation: 297.3 mm

Oct

30.8°C22.9
Precipitation: 78 mm

Nov

29.8°C19.3
Precipitation: 11.1 mm

Dec

28.1°C16.7
Precipitation: 2.5 mm