Popular Things to Do In Vientiane Laos You Should Try
Vientiane is the capital of Laos. There is a lot of things to do in Vientiane Laos. Vientiane can be reached by a road from Nong Khai, Thailand or also by airplane into Wattay International Airport is one of the few international airports in Laos.
There are several places that you should visit when you are in Vientiane Laos. As the capital city of Laos, Vientiane is a very relaxed city. You will not find jams, the horn sounds that are intertwined or screams of drivers.
Here is a few things to do while in Vientiane Laos.
Checkout The Pha That Luang
The Pha That Luang is properly should be the first destination on your list. There are gold-coated stupas that no wonder the yellow color really shines, especially when the sun is shining.
Visitors can enter the Pha That Luang area surrounded by walls after paying for tickets. By using a tuk-tuk, you can continue the journey to this magnificent building that is a symbol of the unity of the people of Laos.
Pha That Luang which means ‘Great Sacred Stupa’ was first built in 1566, but because it was destroyed by the invasion of Thailand, it was rebuilt in 1953. Besides this, there are other things to do in Vientiane Laos.
Visit Buddha Park and Sala Keoku Sculpture Park
Vientiane has several parks that are worth visiting. Two of them are the Buddha Park and Sala Keoku Sculpture Park. Buddha Park is locally known as Xieng Khuan.
Xieng Khuan is a park located 28 Km south of the capital city, precisely on the edge of the Mekong River.
This park is a place where you can see a Buddha statue 50 meters high on the river bank. This park is equipped with flower gardens, fountains and colorful lights. The park is also equipped with rides for children and also equipped with a small museum.
You can also visit Sala Keoku Sculpture Park which is located across the Mekong River. Both of these parks were designed by a Thai artist.
The artist complements this park with 200 diverse sized statues. What distinguishes these two parks is the presence of 50 very large Buddha statues in Buddha Park.
Get a Better View From The Large Dome
Besides visiting the Buddha park, you can also visit a large stone dome. Visitors can enter the giant dome. From which you can climb to the top from inside. The steps inside are a bit narrow and require a bit of care, once up top you can climb outside the dome.
You have to be careful when climbing the dome because this dome is not equipped with a guardrail.
You will see the beauty of the Buddha Park and Sala Keoku Sculpture Park from the top of this dome. Besides the park, you can also see the Mekong River.
Visit The Iconic Patuxai
Patuxai is a gate or building inspired by one of the famous tourist attractions in Paris. Patuxai or Victory Gate is a monument located on on Lane Xang Avenue.
This is made almost the same as the architecture of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Although similar to buildings in Paris, the decor details are adjusted to Laotian culture, which is decorated with kinnari (a Laotian mythological creature in the form of a half-bird woman).
Paintings of gods (Wisnu, Brahma, and Indra) are drawn on the inside of the dome. Actually, visitors can go up to the top of the monument to enjoy the view of Vientiane city.
This is a place of worship. You will find various sculptures in all parts of the park. The existence of these statues further beautifies this park.
You can find various merchants here. They sell all things related to Laos, ranging from food to various local crafts and artworks. Most of the products sold here are works by local artists.
Try Cycling Around The City
Another fun way to get around Vientiane is by bicycle. Bicycle rental is available in various places. The rates are cheap, only around 10,000 kip per day.
With the bicycle, we can go along the Mekong river and also visit Buddhist sites in the city. If you rent a bicycle, they ask for a passport, ID card or deposit as guarantee.
There are lots of bicycle rentals there. You don’t need to worry about the price because most bicycle rentals have the same price and rental system. Cycling will give you a different travel experience.
You can choose various types of bikes. You can use a city bike, folding bike, mountain bike and of course a tandem bike. Some rental bikes also provide electric bikes that are intended for those who want to ride with less effort.
You should not ride alone here. It’s good if you have a friend with some friends or guides so you don’t get lost or become the target of theft.
You can visit various places in Vientiane that are rarely visited by others. There are several home restaurants located on narrow streets in this city and bicycles are the right tool to take you there. You can also visit several small art galleries that have extraordinary collections.
Bicycles are one of the main means of transportation in this city. By cycling, you can interact directly with local people.
There are a few simple rules that you must follow when you are cycling in this place.
- Don’t forget to ask for the bicycle lock.
- Do not also put bags or valuables in the front basket of the bicycle just in case not stolen by ignorant hands.
Traffic in Vientiane is relatively quiet, so cycling is one of the best things to do in Vientiane Laos.
Is Vientiane Worth Visiting
Yes, definitely for 2 or 3 nights. Vientiane is a quiet city, if you are expecting a city like Bangkok, then it may not be worth going.
But there is loads of things to do like visiting the Buddha park, loads of temples, markets, hire a bike, visit caves, do the circle bike route its about 18kms.
Is Vientiane Laos Safe
Yes, it’s safe. Just take the normal safety precautions you would anywhere in the world and you’ll be fine!
Remember, Laos is still a developing country therefore people are generally poor or living in poverty and there is a lack of infrastructure which means roads can be dangerous and petty theft does happen.
Where to Stay in Vientiane Laos
Vientiane has a limited variety of guest houses, hostels and hotels. Here are a few places to check out and give you an idea of what is available in Vientiane if you are planning to visit Vientiane Laos.
Remember to check the reviews and book a place that suits you interests while traveling.
Sailomyen Hostel
Rating 9.1, Prices start from $25 for Double room
One of the most luxurious hostels you will find in Vientiane Laos. Rooms are spacious and very comfortable bed. With free Wi-fi They offer also a breakfast and coffee! The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Hive Hostel
Rating 7.7, Prices start one Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
The perfect location. You can easily take the airport shuttle and get off at Wat Mixay (stop #4 from the airport), then it is just a few meters from the hostel.
The hostel is also located not too far from one of the stops for the shuttle bus which goes to the airport. There are plenty of restaurants nearby. There have lockers to store your valuables.”
Hotel Khamvongsa
Rating 8.6, Prices start from $50 for Double room
Perfect location in Vientiane to easily be walking distance from most temples and key sights. Free Wi-Fi.
Also great for restaurants and bars. The staff was very nice and can help assist with bus bookings and other queries. The room was much larger than I was expected and super comfortable.
Wrapping Up
Finally, there is so must to do on Vientiane with some of the landmarks like the Patuxai and with the added bonus of loads of parks, restaurants and bars to keep you busy.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the things to do in Vientiane Laos has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you go too.
