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Prayer Bells, Luang Prabang, Laos
Home Destinations South East Asia Laos Vientiane

Vientiane

Built on the banks of the Mekong, Vientiane is a charming capital city filled with decadent French mansions and bustling streets. Brimming with noodle stands and colourful bougainvillea.

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Vientiane is often overlooked by passing travellers but it does have a lot to offer, from the several temples, or wats as they are locally known, Buddha park and the enchanting morning markets, offering treats from all over the country.

With Patuxai, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, Pha That Luang – Laos’s most important monument to Buddhism and Wat Si Muang, there are some genuinely worthwhile sites to visit. That Luang is the most revered of all the religious sites and is the focus of a major festival held each February when the local people dress in their finest clothes and pilgrims come from miles around to worship. Vientiane may not have the vivid colours and offerings of Luang Prabang but it does offer a different perspective of Laos.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Irrawaddy dolphin breaching.
 

Search for Irrawaddy Dolphins

Search the Mekong River for the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins.

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Wat Phu, Laos
 

Wat Phu Temple

Explore the Khmer Hindu temple complex of Wat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Laos.

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Fisherman, Mekong river, Laos
 

Mekong River Communities

Visit local river communities and experience the local way of life on the Mekong.

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Boat Bow, Mekong River, Laos
 

Si Phan Don Islands

Explore the 4,000 Si Phan Don islands and dramatic waterfalls by traditional boat. Emerging out of the Mekong River during the dry months they come alive with rural life.

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Boat Bow, Mekong River, Laos
 

Thailand to Laos by Boat

Journey by river to the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang in Laos – a peaceful two-day Mekong sojourn.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Temple Buildings, Luang Prabang, Laos
 

Luang Prabang Experience

Sip coffee overlooking the Mekong before visiting this UNESCO listed town with its provincial French architecture, temples the vibrant night market.

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Monks in Luang Prabang, Laos
 

Temples of Luang Prabang

Sit quietly in temple grounds after watching monks collect their alms.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Traditional Meal, Laos
 

Local Cuisine

Sample wonderful, local food, or learn to make some traditional Laotian dishes yourself.

Waterfall surrounded by rainforest.
 

A Waterfall Dip

Escape from Luang Prabang for a day and trek on foot or by horseback to Tad Sae waterfalls for a refreshing dip.

Suggested Holiday Idea

vientiane laos night
 

COPE Visitor Centre

Give something back by visiting the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, part of the National Rehabilitation Centre, offering help and support to land mine victims.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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