One Day In Vientiane: A 24 Hour Itinerary For Laos’ Capital

My Guide To 1 Day In Vientiane

One day in Vientiane is enough, and that surprised me.

I went in expecting to hate it. Everyone told me to skip Laos’ capital entirely and just bus straight through to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. I nearly did the same.

I’m glad I didn’t.

I stayed two nights, which gave me one full day to explore. That was plenty. The temples were the reason. Wat Sisaket in the early morning light, the golden stupa at Pha That Luang standing on its own against a huge open sky. I sat there for maybe twenty minutes doing nothing, just looking at it. That’s rare for me on the road.

Here’s the pain point I know you’re wrestling with. Should you skip Vientiane completely and save your days for Vang Vieng’s karst mountains or Luang Prabang’s old town?

If you’ve got loads of time, yes, skip it. There are more dramatic places in Laos, and no point pretending otherwise.

But if you’re tight on time, like most people passing through, no. Don’t skip it. One well-planned day gets you the temples, the food, the riverside sunset and a slower pace than anywhere else in Southeast Asia. It’s a nice reset before or after somewhere busier.

Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, a single day here works. It’s walkable, it’s cheap, and nobody’s rushing you. I’ll walk you through exactly what to see, when to visit and where to stay so you can make the most of your one day.

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Morning

Visit Patuxay Monument

Wait a moment. Is this France? 

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Nope, this is the Patuxay monument, also known as the Victory Gate, in Vientiane.

It was built between 1957 and 1968 and instantly brought me back to Paris, similar to the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. 

The Patuxay monument was built in honour of those who fought for independence from France. The monument is an iconic and recognisable landmark in Vientiane that serves as a tribute to the country’s newfound freedom and sovereignty.

At the top of the seven floors of the monument, visitors can climb up and get rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city. The four arches of the monument are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, while the interior features a large hall with a beautiful ceiling mural depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.

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On weekends and holidays, the area around it is very busy with activities as families and friends come to relax, have picnics, and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Once you are satisfied with your visit to Patuxay Monument, you can go to the other end of Patuxay Park and see the World Peace Gong. The World Peace Gong in Vientiane is a symbol of togetherness for the people of the world. It was gifted to Laos by the Indonesian government in 2013 and has since become a popular landmark in the city. We took a moment to reflect on the region’s history and admired the gong’s design. 

A 30-minute walk north will take us to Pha That Luang.

• Cost: Park entry is free, climbing fee 60,000 KIP ($2.70/€2.36/£2.02) per person
• Opening Times: 08.30 AM – 05.00 PM
• Address: XJC9+6FR, P.D.R, Vientiane, Laos

Explore Pha That Luang 

Pha That Luang is the one thing I would not skip when visiting Vientiane.

You can get a tuk-tuk here to save you time for a little money. Pha That Luang is a symbol of Lao culture and identity and is one of the most important national monuments in the country.

The temple’s central stupa is said to contain a relic of the Buddha, and it is considered a sacred site for Buddhists throughout the world. The temple complex is surrounded by a large, walled courtyard and contains several smaller temples and shrines in addition to the main stupa.

The main stupa itself is covered in gold leaf and stands over 140 feet tall, making it one of the most impressive structures in the city.

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When I visited, I walked around the base of the stupa and admired the detailed carvings and decorations. I

didn’t join a tour as I preferred to travel on my own terms, but I can imagine it is useful when travelling in larger groups.

It is also an important site for national festivals and events, including the annual That Luang Festival, which takes place in November and attracts thousands of visitors from across the country.

• Cost: 30,000 KIP ($1.35/€1.18/£1.01) per person
• Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 05.00 PM
• Location: That Luang, Xaysettha 10009, Laos

🇱🇦 Book This Tour To See The Best Of Vientiane In One Day 🇱🇦

Explore Wat Si Saket

Wat Si Saket was one of my favourite places in Vientiane.

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It is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane, dating back to 1818, and was built by King Anouvong.

The temple is known for its cloister wall, which contains thousands of tiny Buddha images. 

These images are created with wood and/or bronze and are set into niches on the wall. The temple’s inner sanctum houses a larger Buddha image made of gold and bronze. What I loved about them was the red and orange pillars outside holding the construction up. The colour scheme reminded me of Haw Phra Bang in Luang Prabang.

If you enjoy visiting temples in Laos, then check out my post on the best temples in Luang Prabang.

Wat Si Saket is also an important cultural and historical site.

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It is believed to have been spared from destruction during the Siamese occupation of Vientiane in the early to mid 19th century because of its unique design and because it was used to store gunpowder.

Today, gunpowder is used for the Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival), which takes place just before the rainy season.

It serves as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Laos. Remember to cover your shoulders and knees before entering any temples in Vientiane.

• Cost: 30,000 KIP ($1.35/€1.18/£1.01) per person
• Opening Times: 08.00 AM – 05.00 PM
• Location: XJ76+6HV, Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos

Next, you can go for lunch.

Afternoon

I recommend eating at Dada Cafe & Restaurant.

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It’s a short 8-minute walk from Wat Si Saket, and I had the pork fried rice with vegetables.

The atmosphere here was nice, and the food was tasty but spicy. You can get sandwiches, burgers and Lao food for under 120,000 KIP ($5.40/€4.72/£4.04) per person.

• Cost: 120,000 KIP ($5.40/€4.72/£4.04) per person
• Opening Hours: 07.00 AM – 11.00 PM
• Location: XJ85+9J Vientiane, Laos

Visit Haw Phra Kaew

Another stunning temple in Vientiane is Haw Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

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We need to thank King Setthathirath, who moved the capital here in 1565.

Today, the former temple is a museum. While not every museum in Vientiane is open to foreigners, this one is. The structure was initially constructed in that year for the purpose of accommodating the venerated Emerald Buddha. Multiple reconstructions have been undertaken since then.

At present, the interior is utilised as a museum that showcases exquisite religious art and also features a convenient small shop.

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When I visited, I enjoyed the garden and grounds, which were expertly maintained. The grass was cut and green with flowers on both sides leading to the temple. Surrounding the temple are Buddha statues and gravestones, so walking around here was a peaceful experience.

I saw the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and I was fascinated to learn it came from here.

The best time to visit is when the sun is setting. We visited around 04.00 PM, and there were a handful of people around. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed inside the museum.

Do not miss the Presidential Palace located right beside the museum. Take a look from the gate as I did, and snap a picture because it is a beautiful building.

After the museum closes, walk 7 minutes to Vientiane Night Market.

• Cost: 30,000 KIP ($1.35/€1.18/£1.01) per person
• Opening Hours: 10.00 AM – 05.00 PM
• Location: XJ66+QG5, Vientiane, Laos

Evening

Vientiane Night Market

A nice place to finish out the day is at the Vientiane Night Market.

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We experienced the most beautiful sunset along the Mekong Riverside at Vientiane Night Market, and it was a great way to bring our day in Vientiane to a close. 

There was an amusement park which looked like it was preparing to open up while we were there, and the riverside had a carnival atmosphere which was pleasant.

I was surprised to see so many people here shopping for clothes, electronics, and other items.

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If you walk west for about 5 minutes from the market, you’ll find the late-night street food market, which is always packed with people. I always go for BBQ chicken, seafood and sushi. If you need to restock on clothes or gadgets, this is the place for you.

Just make sure you bring cash with you.

• Cost: From 35,000 KIP ($1.58/€1.38/£1.18) per meal
• Opening Hours: 06.00 PM – 10.00 PM
• Location: Vientiane, Laos

Suggestions For Extending Your Trip To Vientiane

If you feel like 24 hours is too short and you want to add more days to your Vientiane itinerary, check out these attractions:

That Dam Stupa

A 16th-century Stupa can be found in Vientiane, and it is known as That Dam Stupa.

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Located about 500 metres from the Presidential Palace, this Stupa has an interesting past.  Local Laotian mythology proclaims a Naga (7-headed water serpent) protected the stupa when it was layered in gold.

During the Siamese-Laotian war in the late 1820s, the gold was taken to neighbouring Siam, leaving the stupa naked and black. When I visited this Stupa, it looked like it could crumble at any moment. I loved it for this reason.

You won’t need much time here, a few moments to read the signpost and appreciate how old it is.

To this day, the stupa remains a significant and distinctive symbol of the region’s culture and history.

• Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: 24 Hours
• Location: 140 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos

COPE Visitor Centre

I did not visit the COPE Visitor Centre, but I wish I had.

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It is only a 20-minute walk from Ho Phrakeo Museum, so you could potentially squeeze it in one day, but it will be hard.

Here you will find a museum dedicated to those who were attacked in the bombing raids. The goal is to help people with physical rehabilitation services in Laos. To be honest, I did not know this place existed when I was in Vientiane, which was a shame.

President Obama visited the museum on his trip to Laos in 2016.

• Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: 08.30 AM – 05.00 PM
• Location: Boulevard Khou Vieng, Vientiane, Laos

Where To Stay In Vientiane

I recommend staying close to the historic centre.

That way, you can easily walk to most sites during your one-day trip to Vientiane. You may need to take the odd tuk-tuk, but overall, this is the best place to stay.

I stayed at the Mali Namphu Hotel, and it was far better than expected. The room was very nice, a little small but comfortable. The pool was great, and the breakfast was enough to keep me going. The reviews are strong, and it is a great mid-range option. We paid $40.01/€35.00/£29.91 for two nights.

Some other good options for each budget include:
Budget

• Mixay Paradise Hotel
• Vientiane SP Hotel
• Lucie Hotel

Mid Range

• BlueHome Vientiane
• Vientiane Garden Villa Hotel
• Lucky City Hotel

Luxury

• Souphattra Heritage Vientiane
• Latsavong Wanda Vista Vientiane
• Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane by IHG

Getting Around Vientiane

You can mostly walk around Vientiane if you are only there for one day. Sometimes, though, you may need to take a tuk-tuk.

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Why? Because it is hot, and you might be tired from travelling in Laos. With trains, minivans, and planes being common, short tuk-tuk rides can be a lifesaver.

You can expect to pay 10,000–100,000 KIP ($0.45–$4.50/€0.39–€3.94/£0.34–£3.37) per ride for short trips within the city.

They are affordable and often quicker than walking. You can also rent a bike. But I would not recommend this. The roads are mostly flat, so it is easy to cycle around, but it can be very congested. Make sure to lock your bike if you choose to move that way.

I walked 99% of the time in Laos because I love exploring that way.

I know that if I had taken a tuk-tuk more often, I could have squeezed in a few more places, but even then, it would have been hard to see them and enjoy them.

Is Vientiane Worth 24 Hours?

You can easily spend one day in Vientiane and have a great time.

It’s not as exciting as Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang, but it’s still worth a visit in my opinion. The city has beautiful French buildings, quiet temples, and a peaceful riverside atmosphere.

You’ll see Laos’s culture and history here. Something that many travellers rarely experience when they come to Southeast Asia and opt for more popular countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. You likely won’t need more than one day to see all the best bits.

It’s a great place to relax before moving on to the next part of Laos, whether it’s north or south, as we did.

Read my Southeast Asia packing list to help plan your trip.

Thanks for reading,

James

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FAQs

Is Vientiane A Walkable City?

Yes, Vientiane is a walkable city. If you stay close to the historic centre, you will be able to reach most of the main sights on foot. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Patuxay Monument to the Statue of King Anouvong on the riverbank. You will not need transport services in Vientiane for the most part.

How Long Should You Spend In Vientiane?

There is no set number of days needed to explore Vientiane, as it depends on the individual’s interests and travel schedule. Many people skip the city, and many people visit for 1 or 2 days at most. However, a 24-hour itinerary is provided in this travel blog for those who have limited time in the city. 

What Is The Old Name Of Vientiane?

The city was originally known as Chanthabouly, a name that has since been replaced. The name Chanthabouly comes from the ancient Khmu language, spoken by one of the ethnic groups in Laos. The name is believed to have originated from the words “chantha”, meaning “moon”, and “bouly”, meaning “creeping plant”. The name was later changed to Vientiane, which means “city of sandalwood”.

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