More than ten years after my first stay in Vientiane , the opportunity arose to return to renew my Thai visa. This time I had six full days ahead of me: much more than enough to see the essentials, which allowed me to explore the city at a leisurely pace and see what had changed since my first visit.
I took the opportunity to revisit the main sites, explore other places, and venture a little further from the city center. This article therefore compiles my visits, my impressions, and useful practical information to help you plan your stay in Vientiane.
Things to do in Vientiane: the must-see attractions
To locate the various interesting sites in the old town of Vientiane, here is a map I made:
Wat Phra Kaeo
I started with the inseparable Wat Phra Keo , located next to the presidential palace. As I already mentioned in my article on this temple 10 years ago, some of you may recognize this name thanks to its famous namesake in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew , home to the Emerald Buddha.
The term "Vat" in Laos is equivalent to "Wat" in Thailand, meaning "temple," and "Phra Keo," its local variant, refers to the famous statue. So, as you might have guessed, the precious relic, now housed within the grounds of the Royal Palace in Bangkok , was indeed once present in this temple in Vientiane. And for quite some time, as it remained there for over two centuries, from the founding of Vientiane until the Siamese domination (to see its entire history, please refer to the Wikipedia page for the Buddha ).
The temple's tumultuous history dates back to 1565 , when the original temple was erected to house this iconic statue. Unfortunately, conflicts with the Siamese led to its destruction twice, in 1778 and 1828. Consequently, its current form is a reconstruction begun in 1936 by the French. Based on original plans drawn up a century earlier during the reign of Anouvong, which were rediscovered by the École française d'Extrême-Orient (French School of Asian Studies), the current architecture reflects the style of 19th-century temples.
After its reconstruction, Wat Phra Keo logically served first as a place of worship before being converted into a museum in the 1970s . Inside, there is a collection of Buddhas, many of which are bronze, and some sacred art objects (photography is prohibited inside, so I can't show you what they look like). Outside, a gallery surrounds the temple, displaying a series of Buddha statues, mostly also bronze, some dating primarily from the 18th century, as well as a 9th-century stone Buddha.
Vat Si Saket
Wat Sisaket is one of the few temples to have survived the Siamese invasion of 1828. Built in 1818 under the direction of King Anouvong, it is the oldest temple in the city. One theory is that it was largely inspired by Thai architecture and was thus spared. Upon arriving at the entrance, you will first discover a lovely garden, flanked by two chedis on either side.
On the left stands a "Ho Tai", a square bookstore of Burmese inspiration. This building, intended to house sacred manuscripts - unfortunately lost during the sacking of the city - has a particularity: it extends both inside and outside the temple enclosure, overflowing onto Lane Xang Avenue.
To the right, the kuti, the monks' residences, stretch out. Their architecture, on stilts and extending in length, reminded me of a surprising mix between Japanese aesthetics and a French farm (don't ask me why...) that I found very photogenic.
Once you enter the cloister surrounding the main building of the temple, you are surrounded by a string of Buddha statues, of different constitutions (terracotta, bronze, wood) and from periods ranging from the 15th to the 19th century.
The most striking feature is the thousands of niches, each housing at least two miniature statues. Although the walls have lost some of their rich floral decoration, a few fragments remain, and a colorful section offers a glimpse of their former splendor.
The central shrine is surrounded by beautifully ornamented openings. Inside, photography is prohibited, but you'll find beautiful frescoes on the walls, as well as a collection of statues at the back, where locals (and Thai visitors, for that matter) still come to pray.
It wasn't too crowded, and I truly enjoyed returning to this temple, which has retained its timeless charm. This visit reminded me why Wat Sisaket remains one of Vientiane's most treasured sites.
Wat Simuong
Less than a kilometer from Vat Sisaket, I headed towards Vat Simuong (sometimes spelled Wat Si Muang), a temple I already knew because of its proximity to the Heuan Lao Guesthouse , where I had stayed during my previous visit to Vientiane.
Although the temple is a more recent construction, it is, along with That Luang, among the most revered religious sites in Vientiane.
The reason is that while the current sanctuary is a reconstruction following its destruction in 1828, there are traces of a temple on this site dating back to 1540, some 20 years before the very founding of Vientiane as a future city. Furthermore, it is located in the heart of the city's historic district.
While walking around outside, I witnessed a scene that is also common in Thailand: a family having their car blessed by a monk!
Yes, that's a common thing around here! Around the main structure, which stretches over 30 meters, I noticed several buildings adorned with a particular imitation of wood, a feature I hadn't noticed the previous time.
Behind the long chapel there is what looks like the remains of an old brick chedi, the only vestige testifying to an older past.
Inside, the temple is unique in that it is divided into two rooms. The first room, richly decorated in red and gold, is often occupied by a monk ready to offer blessings.
The rear hall houses the large main altar, essentially composed of a multitude of Buddha statues. In the center is an imposing, gilded boundary marker, probably of Khmer origin.
This is where you will see all the sacredness of the place, the atmosphere is marked by devotion, with many locals coming to present offerings in the form of fruit platters, floral decorations and candles. I stayed there for a good 10 minutes to observe and take some photos, also enjoying the freshness of the place.
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– I'm not putting it aside, as it doesn't warrant a dedicated paragraph, but note that there are two secondary attractions besides Wat Simuong. First, 150m before the back entrance of the temple (through which I arrived), there is the new sacred pillar of the city (annotated Hor Luk Mueang on Google Maps ), which was not quite finished during my previous visit and completed shortly afterwards in 2013.
This shrine symbolizes the heart of the city, with the pillar inside believed to house the guardian spirits. Shrines like this are generally venerated by the inhabitants who pray for good fortune and health, but they also serve as a guarantee for a prosperous city.
The previous site was lost following the destruction of the city in 1828, but excavations carried out in 2007 uncovered traces of the original site, hence its current location.
– In front of Vat Simuong, you have a small park laid out between two arteries. A bit of greenery is always welcome, but its appeal lies above all in the presence of an imposing bronze statue of the Laotian king Sisavang Vong (1885-1959), the penultimate sovereign of Laos (his successor was overthrown by the communist movement of the Pathet Lao).
As an anecdote, just after my visit to the temple, I tried the local Italian restaurant, "Il tavolo Vientiane", located in a small street opposite the park. After my good meal, when I reached the main street, I recognized the yellow facade (on the side) of the old house located on the edge of the road, realizing that it is the same street where Heuan Lao Guesthouse is located, which is even the neighboring establishment of the restaurant!
Patuxai
The next stop took me to the famous Laotian "Arc de Triomphe," the Patuxai (also spelled Patuxay), which can be translated as "Gate of Victory." As I mentioned in my article dedicated to the Patuxai, the bulk of the construction took place in the 60s (between 1957 and 1968 to be precise), in memory of the victims of the Second World War and the war of independence against France.
At that time, the country was still a (constitutional) monarchy and the monument was referred to as Anousavali (memory). It was never completed, initially due to a lack of materials, but also because of the Vietnam War, of which Laos was one of the biggest collateral victims.
Furthermore, the victory of North Vietnam led to support and a victory for the local Communist Party, the "Pathet Lao", which took power in Laos in 1975, renovating and renaming the monument with its current name to mark their victory.
What I can say is that I immediately notice a change since my last visit. However, I couldn't define at the time what was different. It took me a few minutes to realize that there are no more palm trees and the flowers that decorated the edges of the fountain. The garden surrounding the Patuxai is essentially reduced to a green lawn...
The building itself seems unchanged from the outside, but here too, I will discover a big change when visiting the interior. As I am curious, I wanted to return to the top of this Arc, which is accessible at a charge.
On the first intermediate floor, I notice that the souvenir shop with its raw and gray walls has given way to an exhibition room, with white walls, and above all, a big difference, a room that is now air-conditioned! There are photos and explanatory panels on the chronology and important dates relating to Vientiane and the construction of Patuxai.
Going up another floor, I find myself in a large room, again air-conditioned, displaying a few panels mainly promoting the must-see sites of Laos, notably the UNESCO World Heritage site of the city of Luang Prabang.
Continuing the climb, I rediscover the spiral staircase that gives access to the small observation point with a 360° view of all of Vientiane. If 12 years ago I had met few people there, this time there were quite a few visitors, mostly locals and even a few monks.
Given the significant changes, I have no regrets about coming back to visit and being inside. Even if I don't consider the view "fantastic", it's always interesting to get some height to admire a city. Just to give you an idea of the evolution, here are some photos with on the left, 12 years ago, and how it was the last time I was there.
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang was my last visit of the day, including all the sites presented so far. Considered the most sacred monument in the country (notably because it is believed to contain a hair of Buddha), That Luang , which can be translated as supreme stupa, is located slightly north of the city center.
It is so important that it features on the country's coat of arms and banknotes, becoming the official emblem of Laos in 1991. This stupa (what is called a "chedi" in Thailand) has a square base and a spire that rises to 35 m, all covered in gold paint.
The main structure is surrounded by a cloister which again houses a whole host of Buddha statues and a Khmer stone statue, representing the last great king of Angkor , Jayavarman VII.
Although its history is relatively unknown in detail, excavations carried out in the 30s have brought to light an older structure, assembled with laterite blocks that date back to the 1560th century. Subsequent stupas were built on top of it. What is certain is that shortly after the founding of the city around XNUMX, King Setthathirat had a stupa built on this site.
The latter will be destroyed following the Siamese invasions and rebuilt in its current configuration including a cloister by King Anouvong, to whom we ultimately owe the majority of the "old" buildings visible today. Despite everything, this construction will deteriorate over the years and a first renovation will be carried out by the French in 1901.
A restoration criticized by the locals, reproaching a distance from the original architecture. This is why major works were carried out again by the French at the beginning of the 30s, using the drawings made by the explorer Louis Delaporte in 1866 to give the stupa its original appearance, with a point in the shape of a lotus bud.
The site around That Luang has not really changed since the last time. On the western area by which I arrived, I still notice the presence of the gardens laid out on each side. In front of it still stands proudly a statue of the founder of the city, King Setthathirat, of whom I attended a small impromptu cleaning session on the way out.
In this same western area, you will cross the enormous square, similar to an airstrip (800 m long!) which is used in particular for the important annual ceremony called Boun Namatsakane Pha That Luang , a great festival which lasts for 3 days as the country celebrates all these stupas at the full moon in November.
That Dam, the black chedi
If you happen to be passing through the city center again, you can make a quick stop in front of That Dam , the black chedi. I photographed it in the middle of its roundabout, where it looks a bit like a survivor from old Vientiane.
Its construction date remains uncertain. It's not a must-see like That Luang, but rather a curiosity to see in passing, near Talat Sao, before continuing your walk.
Walks in Vientiane and outings in the surrounding area
Vientiane cannot be called a green city, far from it… In fact, apart from Anouvong Park, which I describe below (and which is also quite recent), there is hardly a single “real” park.
The quotation marks are used to emphasize the meaning of park, which for me is a green space with a minimum of trees and plants, and a minimum of benches or space to be able to enjoy the place.
You will indeed find "parks" in Vientiane, but they are more in name than in reality in terms of appearance and function. One of the city's most well-known examples, located in the heart of the old town, is Namphou Park . It essentially consists of a fountain (iconic, admittedly) surrounded by a lawn.
During my last visit, the site had just regained public access after being operated for a decade by a company that had developed several restaurants and a skate park around the fountain.
Another example of what is considered a "park" is the small patch of greenery at the end of the esplanade where the Patuxai is located, simply called "Patuxay Park," there's just a large tree, a few benches and a fountain and that's all it needs...
I already find that Bangkok lacks parks, and I was left wanting more in Vientiane… In the places I visited, large open spaces often take up more room than shady spots to sit.
One last example, with basically the only other park I came across in the city, is the one with the Fa Ngum statue , on the way west. And even then, I really struggle to consider it a park, as it's more of an open space, much more concrete than greenery.
Chao Anouvong Park and Night Market
So if you are looking for a bit of greenery, apart from leaving the city, which is surrounded by several hills where you will find waterfalls and places to walk (see below), there is essentially Chao Anouvong Park where you can get some shade under the foliage of the trees.
This park was created in 2010 to mark the 450th anniversary of the city's founding. It stretches along the banks of the Mekong River for over a kilometer. However, the green space itself is quite limited, as its entire western end is less than 50 meters wide, and there are more vendors' carts than trees in that area, since the Vientiane Night Market takes place there every evening (between 18 pm and 22 pm).
To visit it, I parked near the new Chinese temple, built on the roadside towards the middle of the park, the Ho Kang Temple , whose construction was completed in 2013. I still went to take a look at the temple in question even though, well, I've seen plenty of Chinese temples (you'll tell me, temples in general too!) but since it's recent, there was no need to admire it from every angle.
By the time I went to the other end, to see the large statue of King Anouvong , which stands in line with the presidential palace (itself at the end of the famous Lane Xang avenue, where the Patuxai is located), I didn't encounter many people, apart from the recurring procession of small motorbikes, the merchants who were already preparing their stalls for the evening market.
A few people were relaxing in the park, I also passed maintenance workers sweeping in a corner, but I couldn't help noticing all the plastics and trash lying around.
While Thailand is not without its flaws in this regard, its parks are still much better maintained and better laid out (but then again, it's not the same standard of living either).
Arriving behind the bronze statue of King Anouvong, I quickly crossed the road to admire the banks, where there are restaurants and markets open in the evening. It was while looking at photos from my previous stay that I realized the change in this area, literally virgin more than 10 years ago (I put the photo on the left for you to compare).
Looking at my photos from 10 years ago, I noticed how quickly trees grow in these regions. I even wrote in my article at the time, and I quote, "The river is bordered by a rather pleasant path, but it is seriously lacking in trees (especially on a day like today, with the heat!)."
You will notice that at that time, I did not even perceive the place as a park, but just an "alley", but that indeed, it gave a very "basic" rendering. Here again, I put a photo for you to compare.
Back in the park, behind the statue, there is a fountain decorated with nagas (the famous snake of Buddhist mythology). In the background you can see the presidential palace, itself in the axis of the large Lane Xang avenue, where the Patuxai is in the middle. Finally, next to it, not very highlighted, there is a small pond with a few water lilies and some facilities for doing exercises.
Buddha Park
The next day, I moved a little further from the city and went 25 km to the East, to the site known as Buddha Park , or locally Xieng Khuan.
Initiated by a shaman and sculptor called Bunleua Sulilat (who is sometimes given the title normally reserved for an important monk: "Luang Pu") in 1958, it is a collection of sculptures made entirely of concrete, representing deities and creatures specific to the Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Given the adventures that this day brought me, I wrote an article dedicated to the Buddha Park which you will find below:
Bonus: Phou Phanang View Points
Because green spaces within the city itself are extremely limited, I took advantage of having a scooter to explore the area around Vientiane. However, given the size of my scooter, I didn't fancy a two-hour drive. With this in mind, and while searching for things to do near the capital, I came across this: Phou Phanang View Points.
I'm including this as a bonus because it's clearly not a must-see, nor what I would call "easy" to access. But if you're not afraid of walking and you're resourceful and curious like me, it's a suggestion for an off-the-beaten-path outing near Vientiane.
Since this post would have been too long and tedious, I've written a full article about this day which I invite you to read if you want to know more about this little walk in nature near Vientiane:
Visiting Vientiane in one or two days
If you have less time than I do, here's how I would divide the visits described in this guide. One day allows you to see the main monuments , provided you start in the morning and arrange transportation for the more distant sites. With two days, you can add Buddha Park without rushing.
Day 1: Temples, Patuxai and the Mekong
- In the morning Start with Vat Phra Kèo and Vat Si Saket, which are directly opposite each other, then continue towards Vat Simuong. This part can be done on foot.
- At noon : take a break near Vat Simuong, for example at Il Tavolo, before heading back towards Patuxai.
- The afternoon Climb to Patuxai and then continue to Pha That Luang. A tuk-tuk or a car booked through an app will save you from spending too much time walking in the heat between these sites.
- At the end of the day : return to the center. You can walk past That Dam if you still want to, then head to Chao Anouvong Park and the banks of the Mekong for sunset and the night market.
If you prefer to take your time, prioritize the three visits I recommend: Vat Si Saket, Patuxai, and Pha That Luang . The other temples can then wait until the next day.
Day 2: Buddha Park and a peaceful end to the day
Allow half a day for Buddha Park , including travel time. It's located outside the city, so arrange your return trip if you're going by tuk-tuk or with a driver. For buses, check with the central bus station about routes and the latest departures.
The afternoon can remain free for visits left undone the day before, a coffee, or a stroll through the city center. There's no need to fill every hour: it's this relaxed pace that I appreciate in Vientiane.
And with three days? You have more time to wander, or consider the trip to Phou Phanang that I described earlier. I would reserve that for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding area, with suitable transportation; it's not an essential part of a first visit.
Where to eat in Vientiane: my recommendations and markets
International cuisine
Beginning with its recent colonial past, Laos has been influenced in its cuisine by several cultures. There are spices, curries and dishes similar to those of Thailand, soups and fermentation techniques specific to Vietnam, or even trade interactions with China which introduced and adapted various noodle dishes.
For my part, of course, it is above all the French influence that I appreciate. The French occupation brought elements such as the consumption of the baguette, with sandwiches that can be found almost everywhere, as well as pastries, and of course, the art of savoring a good coffee. The streets of Vientiane are therefore full of bakeries, cafes or French restaurants scattered throughout the city.
I won't lie to you, I eat very little Lao food when I'm in Laos… it's quite similar to what you find in Thailand (and more specifically in Isan), so I'm more in "break" mode. Besides French cuisine, there are quite a few Japanese and Italian restaurants, some of which were simply delicious.
To easily find the addresses I've tested:
- Tango : a French restaurant in the centre, for a break when you want a change from local cuisine.
- La Terrasse : a bakery-café in the centre, for bread, pastries or a meal.
- The table : an Italian restaurant near Vat Simuong, where I had a good lunch break during my sightseeing.
- PDR – Pizza da Roby : my address for pizzas; I have excellent memories of this restaurant.
As it is also a coffee producing country (especially in the region of the famous Bolovens plateau, further south of the country), Laotians like to drink it and therefore, like its Thai neighbor, you can find coffees everywhere in the streets of Vientiane. On the other hand, having tested several, it is not easy to find one as good as in Thailand.
Local specialties
Just to add to the list, here are some typical Laotian dishes to look out for on menus:
- Laap (or larb) : a meat or fish salad with herbs, lime and spices, usually served with sticky rice. It is also found in Thailand, particularly in Isaan.
- Tam mak hoong : green papaya salad, quite spicy, similar to Thai som tam.
- Khao piak sen : a rice noodle soup, often served with chicken, herbs and fried shallots.
I could also mention Or Lam , a kind of vegetable stew, Mok Pa , fish seasoned with herbs and steamed in a banana leaf, or Ping Kai , grilled chicken marinated in a sauce made with garlic, lemongrass and coriander, served with a hot sauce.
Local markets
The most famous market is " Talat Sao ," which means morning market. It was originally a market in Vientiane dating back to the 60s. Talat Sao was a fairly typical covered market, but because the city was trying to modernize, it was completely demolished in 2015. As a result, the name Talat Sao was "transferred" to a neighboring building constructed around 2010, which sells a wide variety of goods but has nothing to do with the original Talat Sao.
So, apart from the small evening market on Hengboun Street (it doesn't have a specific name and is simply listed as " Night market with food " on Google Maps), I didn't really see any, even though I already mentioned the Vientiane Night Market at the end of Anouvong Park.
I'm taking advantage of this little section to mention the shopping centers of Vientiane, which I was curious enough to have a look at. During my visit, one of them, the Parkson , was still largely empty: only the ground floor and part of the first floor were furnished…
However, while not entirely open, it gave a feeling of modernity, unlike its neighbor, the Vientiane Center , which lacked the same presence. I quickly went upstairs to look for water and headed to the food center, but I needed to exchange money to get coupons, so I couldn't be bothered and finally found one just across the street…
History and background
As with many countries, Vientiane has not always been the capital of Laos. While the kingdom of Lan Xang (whose name translates to "Kingdom of a Million Elephants") was founded by Fa Ngum in the mid-14th century (only 3 years after the founding of Ayutthaya, which would become a great rival), its first capital was Luang Prabang.
It was not until the reign of Setthathirath in the mid-16th century that the capital was transferred to Vientiane. Over the centuries, Vientiane experienced several invasions, notably by the Burmese and the Siamese (Thai). When the Lan Xang kingdom broke up in 1707, Vientiane became a small independent kingdom for a time, encompassing part of present-day Thai Issan.
General Chakri, the future King Rama I and founder of Bangkok, took control of the city in 1778 to make it a dependency of Siam. Following the rebellion of King Anouvong in 1827, the city was razed by the armies of the kingdom of Rattanakosin, the other name for Siam, and annexed to the latter. It remained so until the establishment of the French protectorate in 1893.
This latter period left a significant mark on Vientiane, with remaining colonial buildings visible here and there, but also a French cultural influence, still visible today. The current name of the city is also the transcription given by the French. Vientiane was previously known to the Laotians as "Viang Chan", which can be translated as "fortified city of sandalwood".
Laos gained independence in 1954 and Vientiane remained the country's capital, and since then it has seen continued growth and development, especially since the 2000s. However, despite its status as the capital, Vientiane, with "only" 1 million people, retains a generally peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle that one might find in other major cities in Southeast Asia.
Practical tips for visiting Vientiane
Best time to visit Vientiane:
Since it is a city, you can visit it almost all year round, but it will obviously be more pleasant in the dry season, which runs from November to early May. But if we break down the seasons a bit, here is what to expect:
From November to February (the "cool" and dry season) :
- This time is generally considered the best time to visit Vientiane due to its pleasant climate, with cooler temperatures (although this is relative) and less humidity.
- This is obviously peak tourist season, so expect to see more people and possibly slightly higher accommodation rates.
From March to May (warm season) :
- These months can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
- If you can stand the heat, this is a time when you might find fewer tourists and enjoy more affordable accommodation rates.
From June to October (rainy season) :
- Vientiane receives heavy amounts of rain during these months, although the showers can be short but intense.
- If you don't mind the occasional rain, this time can offer lush, green scenery all around.
- Accommodation rates are usually lower during this season, and you can also enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Transportation in Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane and reach the center
By air , Wattay International Airport is located approximately 5 km west of the city centre. You can reach your accommodation from the airport by taxi, with a transfer arranged by the hotel, or by booking a car through an app.
When traveling by train , be careful to identify your station correctly: there are two that should not be confused.
- Vientiane StationThe station on the Laos-China line serves, among other destinations, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. It is located on the outskirts, near Xaythany, and requires a transfer to the city center.
- Khamsavath This is the station used for trains coming from Thailand, particularly from Nong Khai and Bangkok. Again, plan your journey to your hotel: you can't reach the city center on foot.
By bus , the terminal depends on your origin and the bus company. The central bus station, near Talat Sao, does not handle all long-distance arrivals. Check the arrival point when booking, rather than assuming you will be dropped off in the old town.
During my stay, I spotted a ticket office for departures to Thailand at the corner of Nongbone Street and Khouvien Boulevard ( here's the location on Google Maps ). For the current departure times and location, it's best to confirm locally.
Getting around Vientiane
To get around town, you'll have the traditional "Sam Lo," the local tuk-tuks. During my visit, I also saw their modern versions everywhere: orange electric tuk-tuks. Since I traveled by scooter, I can't give you personal feedback on their fares: agree on a price before setting off.
If you prefer to book from your phone, LOCA offers car rides, and KOKKOK Move lets you book transportation and choose from drivers' offers. I didn't try them during my stay; they could be useful for trips to train stations, the airport, or distant monuments.
Speaking of scooters, I detail my rental and the adventures of my day at Buddha Park in this other article . Several rental companies asked me to leave my passport as a deposit. I finally found a small rental shop that accepted a copy and a 500,000 kip deposit: this was the solution when I was there, and the condition isn't the same everywhere.
Ultimately, if you enjoy walking, a good portion of the sights can be explored on foot. That's what I did during my first visit to Vientiane over ten years ago. Wat Phra Keo, Wat Si Saket, and the banks of the Mekong are perfect for a stroll. To venture as far as Patuxai and especially That Luang, expect more walking and less shade; transportation between sites might be more pleasant when it's hot.
Where to stay in Vientiane
For a first visit, staying in the city center makes it easy to reach restaurants, the Mekong River, and some of the temples on foot. Here are the details of the two hotels I tried during my last trip.
I have already mentioned the small guesthouse I tested 10 years ago, the Heuan Lao Guesthouse , with the little gentleman and his cats, and while it remains a valid cheap option, due to its slightly out-of-the-way location and its not always impeccable cleanliness, I will instead direct you towards the last two that I have tested.
Since I was staying for a week, rather than staying in just one hotel and because I was hesitating between the two when I was finalizing my choice, I simply said to myself, why not try them both! I just preferred the 2nd because it was cheaper, by splitting two nights at the first and the rest (4 nights) at the second.
Phongsavath Boutique Hotel
Approximate budget: around €32 per night.
Located on a small street very close to several restaurants, the welcome was courteous, the room, although a little old-fashioned (I'm not a fan of wood in rooms) was spacious and functional.
Moonlight Champa
Approximate budget: around €20 per night.
Located in a small, rather quiet street, opposite a luxury hotel, the welcome was warm and even personalized (a sign placed at the entrance), the room rather narrow but remaining comfortable, with a small, clean bathroom.
To sum up, the first hotel was a bit more "classy", spacious, with a breakfast that was admittedly quite basic but sufficient, but consequently, more expensive than the Moonlight.
As for the latter, the room was quite small, but the welcome was warmer, the price lower, and breakfast wasn't included. The prices above give a general idea; the links allow you to check the rates for your dates.
To find many more options, you can give the blog a boost by booking your hosting through the search tool below:
My opinion on Vientiane
Vientiane won't appeal to everyone; I know many find it too "boring" because it gives off a feeling of "there's not much to do," especially since, unfortunately for it, everything is quite modern in the attractions because almost everything has been rebuilt…
Although it is the largest city in the country, it has a rather peaceful feel, especially if you are usually more of an urban person and used to big, dynamic metropolises. For me, who has lived in a bustling city like Bangkok for 15 years, the difference is obvious.
However, there are still a few attractions worth a visit. One day is enough for the main monuments, two if you include the Buddha Park, and three gives you more time to wander or explore beyond the city. Whether it's your final destination or a stopover between northern and southern Laos, Vientiane deserves a place on your itinerary.
This is a city that should appeal to those who are fleeing the large Asian megacities, which are sometimes confusing, too vibrant and noisy (or those who simply don't like big cities).
Vientiane is almost like a large village, or failing that, a small provincial town, a balance between a sufficient choice of cafes, restaurants, hotels or even massages, enough to keep you busy with attractions of national importance, but an overall aspect remaining calm and composed so as not to lose your bearings.
And it's best to take advantage of it because it's still a capital city, so you can feel a desire to develop, and while it's still far from a Kuala Lumpur or Singapore , the new buildings and shopping centers show that the city is changing. I just hope it will retain that peaceful side that is also part of its charm.
