Vientiane

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About Vientiane

Located in western Laos, on the Mekong River, Vientiane is the capital and largest city in the country. Despite its small size, Vientiane offers tourists many sites of interest like temples, Buddhist monuments (among which Pha That Luang), museums, markets, and last but not least the magnificent Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan, located 25km southeast from Vientiane).

Tribe's guides to Laos

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Asia: the rewarding journey

by Sylvain Heber-suffrin

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World Tour Guide
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The long way round asia

by Jantine De jong

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Life's too boring not to try

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Chopsticks, rice and motorbikes

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The Tribe's opinion

It is the capital of Laos and it is not really remarkable compare to the other capital of South east Asia… I would say that one day is plenty to see what there is to see!

By Sylvain Heber-Suffrin, in Asia: the rewarding journey

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated in the Mekong river. Compared to other big Asian cities, Vientiane is really quiet and relaxed.

By Emilie Renoux, in Along the mekong

It might be the capital of Laos, but Vientiane feels like a small town. No high-rise, no crazy traffic. It's a slow paced town, with not much to see or do (but maybe I had my 1.5 month travel dip?). There is a Mekong Festival though, every year during the weekend around March 13th. It's a lovely festival for the French expats in town. Nice French foods, music and atmosphere. Friday night is the best night to go.

By Jantine de Jong, in The long way round asia

Beside from taking a little wander theres not much to do in Vientiane. You'll find plety of good restaurants on the main road. But a day should be enough.

By Fabian Claudy, in Life's too boring not to try

Vientiane being the capital of Laos, it is relatively small with a population of no larger than 1 million. Most of the tourist sites can be covered on foot or bicycle. To name some interesting attractions within the city are That Luang, Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Kaew and Patouxai. Not to forget the Buddha Park, Xieng Khuan which are situated about 24km from city and 4km from the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Plan for 2 to 3 days here before heading out to other cities/town in Laos.

By Sze Wan Lim, in Essence of rural and spiritual asia