By Evelyn Nguyen, Oct 11, 2024
Coming to the capital city of Laos, Vientiane, many tourists tell about the peaceful charm that’s often likened to the gentle glow of the moon, reflecting its poetic name, “City of the Moon”. Because the city feels relaxed and easygoing, much like a cool evening under the moonlight.
So, what can you do here? If you're curious about the best things to do in Vientiane, Laos Travel Packages is here to share some top things to see and do in Vientiane that will help you plan the most of your upcoming visit.
Is Vientiane worth visiting? The answer is a big yes! Vientiane is not as fast-paced as some other capitals in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok, Hanoi, or Phnom Penh, a perfect place to slow down and soak in the culture.
You’ll find iconic landmarks like the golden Pha That Luang, local markets, and even a park filled with bizarre statues. According to numerous Vientiane reviews, the places visitors can explore the most in this city are ancient temples, local food stalls, and the Mekong River. Therefore, it’s often highlighted as one of Southeast Asia's hidden cities, especially for travelers who enjoy discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations.
This iconic golden stupa is the national symbol of Laos and an essential part of Vientiane’s identity dating back to the 16th century. Visitors flock here to witness its golden exterior, which shines brightly under the sun. For anyone looking to check off the top attractions in Vientiane, Pha That Luang is a must-visit.
One of the best times to visit Pha That Luang is during the Boun That Luang Festival, held annually from late October to early November. During this time, the entire complex becomes the center of a massive national celebration with traditional music, dances, and various cultural performances, attracting visitors from all over Laos and beyond.
The iconic Golden Pha That Luang
Patuxai, also known as the Victory Monument, is a must-see landmark in Vientiane. It’s often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but with a distinct Lao touch. You can visit the monument and the surrounding park for free, one of the best free things to do in Vientiane.
Also, you can pay a small fee to go inside the monument. The inner halls are beautifully decorated with traditional Lao patterns on the ceilings, and you can climb to the top for an amazing view of Vientiane.
Right in front of Patuxai, you’ll find a fountain area that’s popular with tourists. The fountains are a perfect spot for a photo-op, especially during the late afternoon when the monument is bathed in golden light. Many travelers stop here to take pictures with the monument as the backdrop, so don’t miss your chance to grab a memorable shot!
Patuxai (Victory Monument)
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) may be one of the most unusual places many tourists ever visited in Vientiane. It’s full of strange and imaginative statues of Buddha, animals, gods, and even demons reaching the number of over 300 statues. You could spend hours here just wandering around and taking pictures.
The park has a quirky, almost mystical vibe, and it’s one of the most unique things to do in Vientiane. You can actually go inside this sculpture, climbing from “hell” all the way to “heaven” for a panoramic view of the park.
Buddha Park’s Unique Statues
Once a royal temple, the Ho Phra Keo Museum is now home to some beautiful Laotian religious artifacts and statues. It was originally built to house the famous Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok. Even though the Emerald Buddha isn’t here anymore, this museum is still a great spot to learn about Laos’ royal history and its connection to Buddhism.
Ho Phra Keo Museum
Sometimes, one of fun things to do in Vientiane Laos is just sit back and relax. Mekong Riverside Park is the perfect place for that. It’s a lovely spot along the river where you can take a peaceful walk, watch the sunset, or enjoy a little street food.
Locals love to come here in the evening to exercise, fly kites, or have picnics, so it’s a great way to experience a bit of everyday life in Vientiane. It’s also one of the best things to do in Vientiane with kids!
Mekong Riverside Park and statue of Anuvong
When night falls, you can head over to the Vientiane Night Market. This market occurs along the river and is packed with stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to handmade crafts and street food. Many tourists come here to do a Vientiane food tour with many dishes such as grilled Mekong catfish, Laotian grilled chicken, Klao niaw,...
The market lights up the night with its bright red tents, and it’s one of the best things to do in vientiane at night. Bargaining is part of the fun, and you can pick up some great souvenirs for your trip. If you’re wondering what to do in Vientiane at night, this is the place to be.
Vientiane Night Market
Wat Si Saket is one of the most beautiful temples in Vientiane and the oldest in the city. What truly sets Wat Si Saket apart, though, is its incredible collection of over 2,000 ancient Buddha statues. These statues, crafted from wood, stone, and bronze, range in size from tiny miniatures to life-sized figures, all housed in the temple’s cloister. Walking through the temple, you’ll feel a real sense of peace surrounded by traditional Lao elements mixed with Thai influences.
Great Buddha Wat Si Saket Complex
The COPE Visitor Center is not your typical tourist attraction, but it’s a very important one. Here, you’ll learn about the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War, which still affects Laos today.
The center does amazing work helping victims of UXO, and it’s a humbling experience to visit. It’s both educational and eye-opening, one of the most meaningful things to do around Vientiane during your trip. Many Vientiane city tour include this destination, contact us to see the detailed itinerary.
The COPE Visitor Center
If you are looking to pick up some local goods in the morning, the Talat Sao Morning Market is where locals go to shop for everything from fresh produce. It’s a bit chaotic but in a fun way, you’ll find plenty of traditional Lao crafts, clothing, and souvenirs here.
The market is divided into 2 distinct parts: the air-conditioned shopping mall, the only one of its kind in Laos, and the original morning market. In the mall, you’ll find electronics, sports equipment, and jewelry.
On the other hand, the morning market is a place of traditional goods. Here, you’ll see rows of vendors selling everything from handmade textiles and souvenirs to fresh fruits, vegetables, and even local snacks.
Talat Sao Morning Market
After a full day of exploring, there’s no better way than with a traditional Laotian massage. Many spas in Vientiane have different types of massages, including traditional Lao massage, aromatherapy, and foot massages. If you want something special, try the herbal massage, where fragrant herbs are used to soothe your body.
When you arrive spa, you'll be welcomed with a friendly smile and a refreshing drink before a relaxing spa experience. If you're traveling with someone, consider a couples massage, which allows you to enjoy the treatment together.
Treat Yourself to a Laotian Massage
These 10 above activities are just a brief of what makes Vientiane so appealing. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Vientiane today and discover all the wonderful best things to do in Vientiane Laos waiting for you. If you need help organizing your itinerary or finding the best places to visit, feel free to reach out to Laos Tour Packages!
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