Vientiane doesn’t try to impress you straight away — and that’s exactly its charm. This is one of the calmest capital cities you’ll ever visit. No skyscraper jungle, no chaotic traffic, no constant rush. Instead, Vientiane feels relaxed, almost sleepy, sitting quietly along the Mekong River.
Vientiane is the kind of place where you slow down naturally. You walk more, sit longer, eat without checking the time, and watch sunsets instead of schedules. It’s not a city of “must-see-in-one-hour” highlights, but a place to experience.
History of Vientiane
Vientiane has a long and layered history. It was once the capital of the ancient Lan Xang Kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia. Over the centuries, it was influenced by Thai, Khmer, French, and regional Lao cultures, all of which left visible marks on the city.
During the French colonial period, Vientiane became an administrative center. That’s why you still see wide boulevards, colonial buildings, and a slightly European layout mixed with Buddhist temples. Unlike many other capitals, Vientiane was never rebuilt into a modern megacity — and that’s exactly why it feels so authentic today.
How to Get to Vientiane
Most travelers reach Vientiane from Bangkok.
You can:
• Fly from Bangkok to Vientiane (there are flights, but not many direct ones, so availability varies)
• Take the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai (Thailand), then cross the border by bus or train into Laos
• Travel by bus from Thailand, which is slower but very common
The train-and-border option is actually quite popular and scenic. You cross the Friendship Bridge, handle border formalities, and arrive in Vientiane without much hassle. It feels like a proper overland journey — very Laos-style.
Patuxai – The Arc de Triomphe of Laos
One of the first landmarks you’ll notice is Patuxai, often called the Arc de Triomphe of Laos. It looks familiar, but with Lao details, Buddhist motifs, and local symbolism.
You can walk around it, relax in the surrounding park, or climb to the top for views over the city. It’s not dramatic or crowded — just quietly impressive. A perfect introduction to how Vientiane blends global influence with local identity.
Pha That Luang – The Golden Heart of Laos
Pha That Luang is the most sacred monument in Laos. This massive golden stupa shines brightly in the sun and feels deeply spiritual.
Walking around the complex is calm and respectful. Locals come here to pray, walk, and reflect. It’s not just a tourist stop — it’s a living symbol of Lao identity and Buddhism. Visiting Pha That Luang gives you a real sense of how important spirituality is in daily Lao life.
Café Culture with French Influences
One thing you absolutely should not skip during the day in Vientiane is visiting one of the many cafés with French influences. Thanks to the city’s colonial past, Vientiane has a surprisingly strong café culture. You’ll find small, charming cafés serving good coffee, fresh pastries, and simple cakes.
It’s the perfect moment to slow down even more. You sit outside or in a quiet corner, order a coffee, maybe a piece of cake, and simply watch life pass by. No rush, no noise — just calm streets, warm air, and the smell of fresh coffee. These café breaks feel effortless and fit perfectly into Vientiane’s relaxed rhythm.
Visit a Barber
Here’s a small local tip that’s easy to miss: visit a barber in Vientiane. Local barbershops are everywhere, and for around 2 euros, you can get a haircut — often including a beard trim.
It’s quick, friendly, and very local. You sit down, exchange a few smiles, and walk out feeling refreshed. Small moments like this often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
Night Markets Along the Mekong
As the sun sets, Vientiane comes alive along the river. The night market stretches along the Mekong, filled with stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, handmade items, and local snacks.
This is the perfect place for a relaxed evening stroll. You snack, browse, sit down, and watch the river flow by. No pressure, no crowds pushing — just a gentle evening rhythm. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs without feeling rushed.
Old Town & Street Food in Vientiane
The old town of Vientiane is made for wandering without a plan. Small streets, low buildings, and a relaxed rhythm define this part of the city. Everywhere you walk, you’ll find street food stalls serving simple but flavourful Lao dishes. Plastic stools, small tables, and locals eating side by side — nothing fancy, just honest food.
From noodle soups and grilled chicken to sticky rice and fresh herbs, street food here is affordable, tasty, and deeply local. Eating in the old town feels natural and unforced. You sit down when you’re hungry, eat slowly, and move on when you’re done. That’s Vientiane in a nutshell.
Massages & Relaxation in the City
Vientiane is one of the easiest places to fully relax. Massage salons are everywhere, from the main streets to quiet side alleys. You don’t need to look for a luxury spa — even the simplest places offer surprisingly good massages.
After a long day of walking, a Lao massage feels like part of the routine rather than a special treat. Prices are low, the atmosphere is calm, and no one is in a hurry. This is where you truly start to match the city’s pace.
Rooftop Bars & Sunset Views
In the evening, it’s worth heading up instead of out. Several higher-end hotels in Vientiane have rooftop bars where you can enjoy a drink with a view over the city and the Mekong River.
The skyline is low and wide, and sunsets here are soft and golden. With a cocktail or cold beer in hand, you watch the light fade and the city slowly quiet down. It’s relaxed, elegant, and never overcrowded — a perfect end to the day.
Eating Out – From Street Food to Steak
One of Eilat’s most interesting features is its border crossing into Jordan. From here, it’s relatively easy to cross into Aqaba and continue on to Wadi Rum or Petra.
This makes Eilat a perfect base for combining Israel with Jordan. In just a few days, you can go from coral reefs to desert landscapes and ancient wonders.
