- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $8,700
Vientiane
Laos's capital as well as its largest city, with a population of about 750,000 people, Vientiane is situated on the Mekong River in north-central Laos, near the country's border with Thailand. Vientiane has long been popular with adventure travelers for the access it provides to both northern hill-tribe areas like Luang Namtha and southern destinations like Pakse and the "4,000 Islands" stretch of the Mekong. Today, it is also increasingly being seen as a destination in its own right: a relaxed, verdant city that is home to beautifully preserved temples, a wealth of markets and shops, and luxury accommodation as well.
Browse Vientiane's Talat Sao Market for bargain trinkets and memorable souvenirs; explore the That Luang Stupa, a veritable national treasure of Laos; or stroll along Vientiane's waterfront, dotted with French-era structures.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Family Dinner
In the evening, a prominent local family will host you for a dinner prepared by one of Vientiane's premier chefs. Laotian food is a spicy melange of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, never served without sticky rice and the ubiquitous local chili paste.
Handicrafts & Textiles
Visit some of Vientiane's more interesting private shops, such as Sandra Yuck's Caruso gallery of ebony wooden creations and Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles. Meet wood- and stone-carving experts, who can offer hands-on demonstrations, and stop by the Vientiane Silk Museum, recognized for its fine collection.
Night Market
Visit Vientiane’s night market, located along the Mekong River on Fa Ngum Road. Browse through a number of locally produced handicrafts, clothing and other goods for sale.
Patuxay Monument
Visit Patuxay Monument, considered to be Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, with influence from Lao Buddhist architecture. Designed by Tham Sayasithsena, the monument features four archways facing each cardinal direction, and was erected as a tribute to those who fought for independence from France in the 1950s.
Riverfront Walk
Go for a brief stroll along Vientiane’s river walk to become familiar with central Vientiane, situated on a scenic bend of the Mekong River. The river walk is lined with a number of boutique restaurants and cafes.
Talat Sao Market
Visit Talat Sao Market, a covered two- tory structure selling all sorts of produce and household goods. There is unfortunately a large four-story mall nearby that caters to expatriates and locals alike, but Talat Sao is still authentic and has many delicious food stalls with Lao snacks and jars of snake wine, a local favorite.
That Luang Stupa
Visit the striking golden That Luang Stupa, Vientiane's most revered temple and Laos's national monument, which is attended daily by numerous local pilgrims. Originally built in the 3rd century as an Indic temple, it was converted into a Khmer-style structure in the 13th century. Later European visitors to Laos, including Dutch and French explorers, marveled at this magnificent structure and memorialized it in writing and drawings.
Laos Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Northern
Central
Southern
Vientiane Itineraries
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,700
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,200
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,300
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $3,300
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Price Per Person
- Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,200
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Price Per Person
- Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $7,400
- Duration
- 14 days / 13 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $8,100
Settha Palace Hotel
The historic Settha Palace Hotel is centrally located in Vientiane within walking distance of the Mekong River, Thatluang Stupa, Namphu Fountain, and other cultural highlights. Built in French colonial style circa 1932 and restored and reopened in 1999, the hotel has 22 rooms and three suites, all featuring rosewood four-poster beds and armoires, and WiFi connectivity. For dining, La Belle Epoque offers French cuisine, and the Sidewalk Café is a pleasant open-air venue offering Asian and international dishes. Amenities include...
Lao Poet Hotel
The former home of a famous Lao writer, the Lao Poet Hotel offers a fresh spin on 1930's Indochine design and boasts the only rooftop swimming pool in Vientiane. The property is comprised of 55 guest rooms and suites over eight floors, all featuring glamorous "urban jungle" decor; bursts of purples, greens and blues, and plays on texture with plush bedding and traditional textile rugs. In addition to the rooftop pool, there's the Poet Spa and sauna. For dining, guests can choose between the lobby restaurant or rooftop pool deck, where menus mix Lao dishes with Western favorites. In particular, the rooftop deck is the best place to enjoy a signature cocktail when the sun is setting.
Green Park Boutique Hotel
This stylish boutique hotel is one of the city's finest properties and sits just a short drive outside the centre of Vientiane. Built around a central swimming pool, it is a truly chic and tranquil retreat. Its 34 stylish rooms all come with air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, satellite TV, a minibar, DVD player and radio, with a balcony/terrace overlooking the pool. There is also a restaurant and bar, with breakfast available to take away for those guests leaving early to go touring. As well as the stunning outdoor pool, there is also massage, a spa, jacuzzi and gym.
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Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Laos Silk Weaving Up Close
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Lao people have been weaving these colorful threads for more than 1,000 years with silk made from mulberry leaf-fed silk worms.
Read Article
Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
If you’re talking about fine dining in Luang Prabang, you’re talking about Rosewood Luang Prabang — and most certainly about culinary director Sebastien Rubis.
Read Article
Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Southern Laos offers rarely seen and almost epic tribal adventure. The Brao, Alak, Katu or “Katang” and Ta Oi tribes all offer fascinating cultural insights.
Read Article
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