What To Do In Vientiane? Top 09 Best Things To Do And See In Vientiane

1. Pay a visit to Pha That Luong

Location: That Luang, Xaysettha, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qwzGpRQvPkdpNK2y7

Entrance ticket: 1 USD

Opening hour: Daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m

Glittering in the heart of Vientiane, located on a high, wide, flat land in the east of the capital Vientiane, That Luang, one of the best things to do and see in Vientiane, is known as a symbol of Buddhism and sovereignty of this country. This is a large-scale pagoda and the most beautiful architecture in Laos. Constructed in 1566, this towering monument embodies the rich cultural heritage and profound faith of the Lao people. Its golden spires pierce the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering in the sunlight. The base, adorned with galleries and intricate sculptures, whispers tales of ancient ceremonies and forgotten kings.

Pha That Luong - symbol of Vientiane

Step into the temple grounds and be enveloped by the serene atmosphere. Monks in saffron robes glide silently past, their chants echoing through the air. As you ascend the grand staircase, the city unfolds before you, a vibrant tapestry of orange rooftops and verdant rice paddies. If you travel to Laos around November, you will be lucky to participate in the biggest festival in Laos. Every year in Pha That Luong, the Bun That Luang festival is held on the full moon day of November every year. You can participate in the Buddha bathing ceremony, rice offering ceremony, sutra preaching ceremony, and candle procession ceremony.

2. Reach the top of the Patuxai Victory Gate

Location: Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UbMCps2ZLNDv6m1B7

Entrance ticket: 0,5 USD

Opening hour: Daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m

Located in the heart of Vientiane, Laos, Patuxai is an imposing dome-shaped monument steeped in both history and grandeur, is the best thing to see in Vientiane. Dubbed the "Gate of Victory", this triumphal sight soars into the sky, its intricate carvings and towering silhouette reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Patuxai Victory Gate in Vientiane

Built between 1957 and 1968, Patuxai's name, a combination of the Lao words meaning "gate" and "victory", commemorates the nation's difficult independence from French colonial rule with 7 floors about 55 meters high with four sides; and each side is 24 meters wide. The complex friezes within it intricately portray tales from Lao mythology and folklore, blending with symbols of conflict and liberation. Ascending the spiral staircase within the monument's central arch rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Vientiane, a fitting tribute to the city's rebirth and a potent symbol of Laos's unwavering pursuit of freedom.

3. Discover the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane

Location: Boulevard Khou Vieng, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R9aYQmGM69vKpBeT6

Entrance ticket: Free

Opening hour: Daily from 8.30 a.m to 4 p.m

COPE Visitor Centre is a moving and informative museum, best things to do in Vientiane, that sheds light on the country's tragic history with unexploded ordnance (UXO) and the life-changing work of the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). Situated within the National Rehabilitation Centre, the exhibits use multimedia displays, personal stories, and historical artifacts to paint a vivid picture of the devastating impact of UXO on Lao communities and the remarkable work of COPE in providing artificial limbs, mobility aids, and rehabilitation services to survivors.

What to do in Vientiane? COPE Visitor Centre

Not only does The COPE Visitor Center show how war affects people, but it also gives hope by highlighting how the center helps rebuild lives and communities. When visiting, you'll have more knowledge and understanding about the ongoing struggles caused by unexploded ordnance in Laos, while also witnessing the strength and optimism portrayed through COPE's mission.

4. Visit the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Location: Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eahjhkinPenxA8YQ6

Entrance ticket: 1 USD

Opening hour: Daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m

What to do in Vientiane? Traveling 25 km southeast of Vientiane, you will encounter a sight unlike any other: Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), one of the best things to see in Vientiane. This outdoor sculpture park, also known as "soul of city", is a whimsical wonderland where more than 200 statues of various shapes and sizes emerge from green meadows. Here, you’ll be overwhelmed because the serene Buddhas don’t meditate under the Bodhi tree, you'll see grinning giants with impossibly long limbs with many different postures. Don't forget to climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the park and the shimmering Mekong River in the distance.

Buddha Park - place must see in Vientiane

More than just quirky, Xieng Khuan also exemplifies the artistic vision of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a Laotian monk and sculptor, who built the park in 1958, blending Buddhist and Hindu mythology with his unique flair, creating a space that arouses curiosity. So don't forget to visit this must see in Vientiane structure, ignore the guidebooks, and let your imagination run wild as you wander through this surreal landscape, where every turnaround opens up another unexpected wonder.

>> Take a look at: How to get Laos Visa?

5. Visit Wat Phra Keo - best thing to do and see in Vientiane

Location: Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/APNLfyoYyM5kyZzCA

Entrance ticket: 1 USD

Opening hours: 8 a.m - 12 a.m and 1 p.m - 4 p.m

Sparkling like a precious gem in the heart of Vientiane, Laos, Wat Phra Keo is a testament to the nation's rich artistic and spiritual heritage. Built by King Setthathirath in 1565, this former royal temple once housed the revered Emerald Buddha, a jade-green statue that now resides in Thailand's Grand Palace. Yet the legacy of Wat Phra Keo remains, woven into the intricate murals that decorate the walls, the golden sparkle of the ornate throne, and the whispers of ancient wisdom that are conveyed through the collection of artifacts.

Wat Phra Keo in Vientiane - best thing to see in Laos

Stepping through the gilded gate, visitors seem lost in a peaceful and beautiful world. Vibrant murals on the walls bring Buddha's life to life, sharing tales of kindness and wisdom. The air hums with the gentle chanting of monks, their voices mingling with the tinkling of prayer beads and the faint scent of incense. Wat Phra Keo is more than just a temple, it is a living testament to the enduring power of belief and the beauty of Lao culture.

6. Experience in Wat Si Saket

Location: Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j17YCDTA8caGDUhn8

Entrance ticket: 1 USD

Opening hour: Daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m

In Vientiane, Laos, amidst the bustling streets and modern cafes, stands Wat Si Saket, a best thing to see in Vientiane, a silent sentinel of the city's past. Built in 1818, it's not just a temple; it's a survivor. Unlike its brethren, Wat Si Saket defied the ravages of time and war, standing tall through the Siamese siege that ravaged Vientiane in 1828. Its ornate five-tiered roof, a testament to the architectural prowess of a bygone era, whispers tales of resilience and faith.

Wat Si Saket in Vientiane, Laos

Wat Si Saket isn't just a historical relic. Step inside its cool, shaded courtyard and be greeted by a sea of serenely smiling Buddhas. Over 10,000 statues, each one unique, line the walls, their weathered faces reflecting centuries of devotion. From intricate gilded figures to simple clay sculptures, they offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Laotian Buddhism. Wat Si Saket is more than just a temple; it's a living museum, a haven of peace, and a reminder of the enduring spirit of Vientiane.

7. Tour the Lao National Museum

Location: Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntDmmPNHjd1xeeEo7

Entrance ticket: 1 USD

Opening hours: 8 a.m - 12 a.m and 1p.m - 4 p.m

One of the other best things to do in Vientiane is discover Lao National Museum, a treasure trove of the country's rich history and culture. Built in 1925 and located on the grounds of a French colonial villa, the museum itself is a captivating sight. Its ochre-colored walls, decorated with intricate details, whisper stories of bygone eras, while the lush greenery of the surrounding gardens adds a touch of serenity.

A corner of Lao Nationl Museum

Stepping inside the museum is like embarking on a captivating journey through time to discover the nation's history The exhibition, meticulously curated, guides visitors through Laos's fascinating past, from the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang to the tumultuous 20th century. Glittering antiquities, including intricately carved Buddha statues, exquisite textiles and wartime relics, paint a vivid picture of the nation's evolution. Interactive displays and information plaques enrich the experience, ensuring that each step through the museum is a step deeper into the soul of Laos.

8. Shopping in Talat Sao Morning Market

Location: Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2nVqrjAEPz9gFbxKA

Entrance ticket: Free

Opening hour: From 6 a.m

What to do in Vientiane? Dive into the bustling heart of Vientiane at Talat Sao Morning Market, a vibrant tapestry woven from local delights and tourist treasures. Imagine rows upon rows of stalls overflowing with silks and souvenirs, their colorful displays competing with the aroma of sizzling street food.

Shopping at Talat Sao Morning Market

Friendly vendors hawk fresh produce, handmade crafts, and glittering silver jewelry, while the air buzzes with a symphony of Lao bargaining and laughter. Here, tradition mingles with modernity as a modern shopping mall adjoins the open-air market, offering everything from electronics to hand-woven textiles. Whether you're seeking a unique souvenir, a delectable snack, or simply a glimpse into Laotian life, Talat Sao Morning Market promises an unforgettable sensory experience.

9. Explore the vibrancy of Vientiane Night Market

Location: Mekong Riverfront, Vientiane, Laos

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSo7YMzrrtRHtkqv9

Entrance ticket: Free

Opening hours: 6 p.m - 10 p.m

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the Mekong River, Vientiane's Night Market wakes up, one of the best things to do in Vientiane. Rows of vibrant stalls stretch along the riverbank, red tiled roofs promise an interesting treasure inside. The air hums a symphony of hot grilled dishes, lilting Lao chatter, and the gentle jingling of bells on vendors' carts.

Explore the Vientiane Night Market

Wander through the stalls, filled with colorful items. Silky handwoven fabrics shimmer in the lantern light, while delicate silver jewelry catches the eye. The scent of lemongrass and chili wafts from the steaming bamboo baskets piled high containing sticky rice and grilled meat. Friendly sellers, their faces full of smiles, invite you to browse their products, their hands pointing towards lacquered bowls, hand-painted silk scarves, and wooden carvings,.. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, a delicious street food feast, or simply a glimpse into the heart of Laos, Vientiane Night Market is an experience not to be missed.

With this suggestion in hand, we hope that you will have the best experience with the top best things to do and see in Vientiane. If you need any further information, don't hesitate to contact Auasia Travel.

Best things to do and see in Vientiane

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