Things to Do in Vientiane

About Vientiane

Vientiane sits on the Mekong, moves slower than any Southeast Asian capital you've visited, and refuses to apologize for it. Golden temple spires catch early light. French colonial buildings line the boulevards—most need paint. Monks in saffron robes walk the morning streets for alms, passing bakeries that sell proper baguettes alongside sticky rice. The city smells like frangipani and coffee. Markets sell handwoven textiles and laap, the local minced meat salad that locals eat daily. Cafés crowd the sidewalks. People drink strong Lao coffee and watch motorbikes pass. Ancient stupas rise above it all, somehow fitting between the markets and the colonial architecture. Time works differently here. The city won't grab you by the collar—it waits for you to notice things. Walk the dusty lanes long enough and you'll see what makes this place work.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the flat, compact city center. Tuk-tuks cost 20,000-40,000 kip for short distances. Download the Loca app for reliable taxi service, or negotiate fixed prices beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Money: Carry cash in small denominations—many places don't accept cards. ATMs dispense kip but often run out of money. US dollars are widely accepted. Expect to pay 2,000-3,000 kip per ATM withdrawal fee.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes and cover shoulders/knees when entering temples. Don't touch monks or hand items directly to them. Avoid pointing feet toward Buddha statues. Public displays of affection are inappropriate—keep interactions modest and respectful.

Food Safety: Stick to busy street stalls with high turnover and avoid raw vegetables unless at upscale restaurants. Drink bottled water and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked. Try khao piak sen and laap at morning markets for authentic, safe experiences.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Vientiane is during the cool, dry season from November to February, when temperatures range from 15-28°C (59-82°F) with minimal rainfall under 10mm monthly. This peak season sees 40-60% higher accommodation prices but offers perfect weather for temple hopping and outdoor exploration. March to May brings scorching heat up to 38°C (100°F) with increasing humidity, though prices drop 25-35% and crowds thin significantly. The rainy season from June to October delivers 200-400mm monthly rainfall, with September being wettest, but also the greenest landscapes and lowest prices at 30-50% below peak rates. Key festivals include Boun That Luang (November full moon) featuring golden stupa celebrations, Pi Mai Lao New Year (April 13-15) with nationwide water festivities, and Boun Awk Phansa (October full moon) marking the end of Buddhist Lent with spectacular boat races. Budget travelers should target shoulder months like March and October for moderate weather and pricing. Photographers will love the lush rainy season despite frequent afternoon downpours. Business travelers prefer the reliable dry season for consistent schedules and comfortable temperatures.