Holiday in Vientiane

What makes Vientiane special as a destination?

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is arguably the most relaxed capital in Southeast Asia — a charming small town on the banks of the Mekong, surprising visitors accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok or Hanoi with its French colonial heritage, golden temples, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here, time moves slower, and that's precisely what makes it appealing. Pha That Luang, the golden stupa from the 16th century, is the national symbol of Laos and shines in warm gold, especially at sunset. Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, houses thousands of tiny Buddha statues in the niches of its walls. The Patuxai, a triumphal arch in the city center, was curiously built from American cement originally intended for airport construction — the Laotians humorously refer to it as the vertical runway. The riverside promenade along the Mekong is the meeting point at sunset when the entire city gathers to stroll, eat, and do aerobics on the embankment. The night market offers Laotian textiles and street food, while the French baguettes in Vientiane are among the best in Southeast Asia — a legacy of the colonial era. Excursions to Buddha Park with its bizarre sculptures or to the Whisky Village Ban Xang Hai complement the program. November to February offers cool, dry weather.