See what the experts are saying about Vientiane. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
With a population of only half a million people, Vientiane is a relatively compact capital, so most districts that are of interest to visitors are fairly close to each other and easily accessible by foot or bicycle. For longer journeys tuk-tu... Continue reading »
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History
Southeast Asia's quiet backwater capital, Vientiane, unfolds over pot-holed roads, emerging through a haze of construction dust and flaming sunsets over the Mekong. To the careful observer, reminders of Vientiane's complicated and colorful hi... Continue reading »
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Where to stay
Though Vientiane is a small city, there is accommodation on offer to match any visitor's requirements, from luxury hotels with comfortable suites, leisure facilities and opulent surroundings to small, family run guest-houses with rooms at bud... Continue reading »
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Eat drink
Lao people love eating out. Whether slurping a bowl of hot noodle soup for breakfast, popping out for spring rolls for lunch or settling into a substantial evening meal, eating and drinking is a social occasion. Visitors to Vientiane can enjo... Continue reading »
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Entertainment
While entertainment options in Vientiane can be somewhat limited, if you like drinking, dancing, karaoke or live music, you are in for a good time. The bad news is that there is a government-imposed curfew of 11.30pm; the good news is that ma... Continue reading »
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Tours
Despite its status as a capital city, the sleepy metropolis of Vientiane feels more like a small town, and most points of interest are easily accessed by foot--especially as the city is almost completely flat. Alternatively, there are many pl... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Getting There: By Air: The Wattay International Airport (VTE) is located just outside the city of Vientiane and is one of Laos's few international airports. Major airlines serving this airport include: Lao Airlines: (+66 26 640 6612/... Continue reading »
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Fun facts
Vientiane Country: Laos Vientiane by the Numbers: Population: 730,000 Average Annual Rainfall: 67 inches Average January Temperature: 75 degrees F Average July Temperature: 84 degrees F Quick Facts: Major Industries: Tourism, Agricultur... Continue reading »
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Introduction
Vientiane (wee-en-chan) is one of the few world capitals that lack the look and feel of what most Westerners would consider a "city," much less a capital. Quiet, provincial, sleepy: These are terms that come to mind on seeing Vientiane for th... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Getting There By Plane -- Vientiane is Laos's major international hub for air travel. If you're arriving via Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, a taxi to town will cost 50,000 kip (US$5/£2.75). By Bus -- The Northern Bus Station... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- Vientiane's Amex representative is Diethelm Travel, Namphu Square, Setthathirat Road (tel. 021/213-833; www.diethelmtravel.com). Currency Exchange -- Banque Pour Le Commerce Extérieur Lao (BCEL) is on Pangkham Street do... Continue reading »
Vientiane Travel Experiences
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Vientiane
“This is the ghettoest airport I’ve ever seen!” Thus spake Henry, world-weary 13 year old, as we cruise to a stop, the only plane at Pa... Continue reading »
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Stop over in Nong Khai
After Sue's village we returned to Nong Khai for a stop over night before heading into Laos.Nong Khai is a small town of a couple of hund... Continue reading »
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change in plans
Today. . . I had all intentions of staying in Nong Khai. I have a lot to write about, but I am not really sure how long I should us... Continue reading »
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Cooling down in the Capital, Vientiane
On to the capital of Laos, Vientiane! We opted for the mini bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, as we chose poorly with the V.I.P bus last... Continue reading »
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Genteel Vientiane
We arrived in Vientiane at 5.30am, got a tuk tuk or jumbo as the super tuk tuks are known to the city centre and searched for accomm... Continue reading »
Popular Vientiane Hotels
more Vientiane hotels »Popular Vientiane Things to Do
more Vientiane things to do »Popular Vientiane Restaurants
- Na Dao
- Eateries along the river bank
- Balkan House, Yugoslav restaurant
- Les Caves des Chateaux
- Nazim Restaurant
