Is Vientiane Worth Visiting? 13 Key Things To Know Before You Go
Reasons Why Vientiane IS Worth Visiting
Are you wondering if Vientiane is worth visiting on your Laos adventure? I’ve asked myself the same question before spending a full month travelling throughout Laos, including its often-overlooked capital.
The short answer? Yes, Vientiane is absolutely worth visiting – though perhaps not for an extended stay.
While other Laotian destinations like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and the 4000 Islands offer more dramatic natural beauty and activities, that doesn’t mean you should automatically bypass the capital.
I remember wandering through Vientiane’s tree-lined boulevards, admiring the surprising blend of French colonial architecture, and indulging in the incredible food scene – experiences that alone justified my visit.
If you’re planning a trip through Laos with limited time or have heard mixed reviews about Vientiane, don’t worry. This post will help you make the most of your time in the capital without feeling like you’ve wasted precious days of your itinerary.
Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, I’ll show you exactly what makes Vientiane worth at least a short stay and how to experience its unique charm efficiently.
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Essential Things To Know Before Visiting Vientiane
Vientiane Is NOT Buzzing With Life
Before visiting Vientiane, I was expecting a big bustling capital similar to Hanoi or Bangkok, but this is not what I got.
When we walked through the streets, it had a quiet, almost deserted feel. Not many locals were around, and it lacked atmosphere. However, this was only in certain parts.
Areas near the Presidential Palace and the Ho Phrakeo Museum were usually busy with both travellers and locals.
Getting A Visa
When we arrived, we got our Visa on arrival at the Krong Stung Treng Cambodian border.
However, it’s important to note that a visa on arrival is not possible at all entry points to Laos. Depending on your nationality, you may have to pay more or less. Make sure you bring a headshot photo in your wallet.
When we visited, we paid $40.00 for the visa. Some border checkpoints will take your photo for you, but it will incur additional fees.
If applying online, make sure you apply well in advance of your departure date and not a couple of days before.
Sim Card Or ESIM?
When we visited Laos, we got a regular insertable SIM card that was both decent and inexpensive.
It was a bit of a hassle, though, as we spent half an hour in the shop setting it up, which slowed down our travel plans.
What I wish we had done instead was get an eSIM. Since travelling in Vietnam, I’ve been using Airalo and found it to be brilliant. I paid €20.00 for 10 GB that lasted for one month. There are other shorter and longer options available,e so you can choose what works best for you.
You can purchase an eSIM below, and the setup only takes a few minutes.
When To Visit Vientiane?
When we visited Vientiane in June, many travel guides claim this isn’t an ideal time to visit.
While we experienced some rain, it wasn’t enough to discourage travel during this month. In fact, it worked to our advantage – we enjoyed mostly decent weather with significantly fewer tourists around.
For optimal temperatures, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November through February.
Do note that the cost will be higher at this time for both tours and accommodation, so you can choose what your priorities are.
What Is Vientiane Famous For?
Vientiane is a somewhat forgotten city that many travellers skip when they visit Laos.
Interestingly, it’s the capital city which makes this harder to understand. Yet, when I visited, I found there to be enough things to do to keep you occupied for a couple of days or more.
Sure, it doesn’t have the insane landscape of Vang Vieng or the magical temples of Luang Prabang, but it does have a great night market. The food was incredible. You can also shop for clothes or electrical items there.
Other famous things to see include the Victory Monument, which is akin to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Additionally, Wat Sisaket and Ho Phrakeo Museum were impressive when I visited.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Vientiane?
There are some attractions worth seeing and others you can skip.
I made an in-depth post listing the Best Things To Do in Vientiane to help you plan your trip and manage your time constraints for Laos.
Don’t miss Wat Sisaket, Nam Phou Park, Patuxay Park & Victory Monument as well as Pha That Luang.
Where Is Vientiane?
Vientiane can be found in the central western part of the country.
It is right on the Thailand border, and we actually saw border control from across the river.
Where To Stay in Vientiane?
You can’t go wrong staying close to the riverbank.
There are many bars and restaurants here, as well as being close to the night market. When it’s bustling, it’s a great place to be. The atmosphere is vibrant, and you can sit with others and enjoy some amazing Laotian food.
That being said, when we visited, we stayed at the Mali Namphu Boutique Hotel.
The pool and bedroom were great for the cost. We had breakfast included, and it was only a few minutes’ walk to the night market and other main attractions in the city centre.
History Of Vientiane
Vientiane, the relaxed capital of Laos, is full of quiet history.
It was once the seat of the Lane Xang Kingdom before falling under Siamese control, then later becoming part of French Indochina. You can still see faded colonial buildings and Buddhist temples side by side.
Today, China’s presence is growing fast, with modern railways and new developments reshaping parts of the city. But the pace remains slow.
Locals sip beerlao by the Mekong. Monks stroll past golden stupas.
This is not a high-energy capital. It is peaceful, reflective, and rich with stories waiting to be uncovered on every street.
Tours To Consider In Vientiane
Below are some highly rated tours that include some of Vientiane’s most popular attractions and things you cannot miss.
Vientiane City Highlights Tour with Buddha Park & Lunch
Vientiane: Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay
Vientiane: Private Full-day Must-See Sights & Sunset Tour
Is Vientiane A Safe City?
I can say that travelling as a couple in Vientiane, we never felt at risk from other people.
In terms of transport, we generally used tuk-tuks to get around as well as minivans, and we had no issues to report. That being said, in recent years, there have been reports of people getting sick as well as the horror of sadly passing away after drinking unsafe alcoholic beverages in Laos.
So I always urge caution when drinking cocktails and other beverages which don’t come from an unopened bottle.
Additionally, if you are doing tours which involve ziplining, kayaking, or bungee jumping, there have been reports of accidents in the past, especially in Laos with these adventure activities.
I am not saying don’t go on the tour, but if it doesn’t feel safe, trust your gut.
Make sure you take out good travel insurance.
Getting Around Vientiane
When we were in Vientiane, we found the city surprisingly walkable.
Along the Mekong River, there’s a wide promenade perfect for long walks, especially at sunset. The streets are calm compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, making it easy to explore on foot.
That said, tuk-tuks are everywhere and are a great way to get around quickly and cheaply. We used them a few times, especially when moving between sights. One of the most convenient rides we took was from Patuxay Park down to the river.
You can get apps like Grab (found in other parts of Asia), but in Vientiane, it does not operate. Consider Loca or InDrive as good alternatives.
It was fast, easy to arrange, and a fun way to see the city.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
You can read about WHY travel insurance is a must from our experience in Kazakhstan.
Make sure you pack sufficiently for a trip to Southeast Asia. I made a perfect packing list for Southeast Asia, so check that out before you go to Vientiane.
Final Thoughts – Is Vientiane Worth Visiting?
For me, Vientiane was worth a couple of days spent there as we made our way through Laos’ more attractive and adventurous cities.
All things considered, Vientiane has several impressive attractions, with the most notable being Wat Sisaket, Victory Monument, and Pha That Luang.
We took the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai before crossing the Thai border, and I recommend you do the same for an incredible experience.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
How Many Days In Vientiane Is Enough?
We spent two days exploring Vientiane and saw most of the main attractions. If we had stayed a couple more days, we could have visited a few less prominent sites. Nonetheless, I feel two days is sufficient to make Vientiane worth a visit, allowing you to dedicate more time to places like Vang Vieng or the 4000 Islands.
Should I Go To Vientiane Or Luang Prabang?
If you had to choose only one, I suggest visiting Luang Prabang. It is more scenic, peaceful, and has better things to do, in my opinion. While Vientiane is the capital of Laos, it really only needs a couple of days to explore. Having visited all the main cities, I feel that if I had to skip one place, Vientiane would be the best choice.
Is There Anything To See In Vientiane?
Yes, there are numerous attractions that make Vientiane worth visiting. My favourites were Wat Sisaket, Victory Monument, the Presidential Palace, and the night market. There are plenty more enjoyable activities available, even if you want to stay for a week. However, I don’t think you’ll need that much time to see the main attractions.
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