Home › Destinations › Mekong Riverside Park
Mekong Riverside Park, ປະເທດລາວ - Things to Do in Mekong Riverside Park

Things to Do in Mekong Riverside Park

Mekong Riverside Park, ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide

Mekong Riverside Park is located in Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos that sits gracefully along the banks of the mighty Mekong River. This laid-back city offers a unique blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and Southeast Asian culture, making it one of the most relaxed capital cities in the world. The riverside area, including the popular Mekong Riverside Park, serves as the heart of evening social life where locals and tourists gather to watch spectacular sunsets over the river while enjoying street food and cold Beer Lao. Vientiane's compact size and unhurried pace make it perfect for leisurely exploration on foot or by bicycle. The city's tree-lined boulevards reveal hidden temples, bustling morning markets, and cozy cafes serving excellent French-influenced cuisine alongside traditional Lao dishes. Despite being a capital city, Vientiane maintains a small-town feel with friendly locals, affordable prices, and an atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and embrace the Lao concept of 'bor pen nyang' (no worries).

Top Things to Do in Mekong Riverside Park

Sunset viewing at Mekong Riverside

Experience the daily ritual of watching the sun set over the Mekong River from the riverside promenade. The area comes alive in the evening with food stalls, local families, and travelers all gathering to enjoy this spectacular natural show. Street vendors sell grilled meats, sticky rice, and cold drinks while traditional Lao music often fills the air.

Booking Tip: No booking required - simply arrive around 5:30-6:00 PM for the best sunset views. Bring small bills (10,000-20,000 kip notes) for street food purchases, and consider bringing a small mat or towel to sit on the grass.

Temple hopping tour

Explore Vientiane's most significant Buddhist temples including Wat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha images and Wat Ho Phra Keo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha. These temples showcase exquisite Lao architecture and provide insight into the country's deep Buddhist traditions. Many temples also house important historical artifacts and offer peaceful gardens for meditation.

Booking Tip: Most temples charge 5,000-10,000 kip entrance fee and are open 8 AM-5 PM. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temple halls. Consider hiring a local guide for 100,000-150,000 kip for deeper cultural insights.

Morning market exploration

Visit the bustling Talat Sao (Morning Market) and nearby fresh markets to experience authentic Lao daily life. Browse through textiles, handicrafts, electronics, and traditional medicines while sampling exotic fruits and local snacks. The market offers everything from handwoven silk scarves to traditional Lao coffee and provides excellent opportunities for cultural interaction.

Booking Tip: Markets are busiest and best stocked between 7-10 AM. Bargaining is expected - start at about 50% of the asking price. Bring cash in small denominations and try local specialties like khao kriab (coconut rice cakes) for around 5,000 kip each.

Patuxai Monument visit

Climb Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe-inspired war memorial for panoramic city views and explore the surrounding park area. The monument features traditional Lao architectural elements despite its French-inspired design and houses a small museum about Lao history. The top floors offer the best aerial views of the city's layout and the distant Mekong River.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is 3,000 kip with an additional 2,000 kip to climb to the top viewing levels. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. The surrounding park is free and perfect for picnics or people-watching.

Local food tour experience

Sample authentic Lao cuisine including larb (meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice while learning about local ingredients and cooking methods. Many tours include visits to local markets, street food stalls, and family-run restaurants. You'll also learn about the importance of food in Lao culture and social customs around communal dining.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $25-40 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book with reputable operators who focus on hygiene standards and include diverse food stops. Inform guides of any dietary restrictions in advance, and bring antacid tablets if you have a sensitive stomach.

Getting There

Wattay International Airport serves Vientiane with direct flights from Bangkok (1 hour), Hanoi (1.5 hours), and other regional destinations. From Thailand, you can cross the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai by bus, taxi, or train - the journey from Bangkok takes about 12 hours by overnight train to Nong Khai, then 30 minutes across the border. Overland routes from Vietnam and Cambodia are also possible but involve longer journey times and multiple border crossings.

Getting Around

Vientiane is easily walkable within the city center, with most attractions within 2-3 km of each other. Tuk-tuks are abundant and cost 20,000-40,000 kip for short trips, while motorbike taxis charge slightly less. Bicycle rentals are popular (20,000-30,000 kip per day) and the flat terrain makes cycling pleasant. For longer distances, songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run fixed routes for about 5,000 kip per person, and car rentals with drivers can be arranged through hotels for day trips.

Where to Stay

Riverside area near Mekong
City center around Nam Phu Fountain
Near Talat Sao shopping area
Quiet residential Sisattanak district
Budget backpacker area near Wat Sisaket
Upscale Chanthabouly district

Food & Dining

Vientiane's food scene blends traditional Lao cuisine with French colonial influences and international options. Riverside restaurants offer scenic Mekong views alongside fresh fish dishes and Beer Lao, while the morning markets provide authentic street food experiences with som tam, grilled meats, and tropical fruits. French bakeries scattered throughout the city serve excellent croissants and coffee, reflecting the colonial heritage. For upscale dining, several restaurants near Nam Phu Fountain offer refined Lao cuisine in elegant settings, while vegetarian options are increasingly available at Buddhist temple restaurants and modern cafes catering to international visitors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vientiane

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

La Terrasse

4.5 /5
(1251 reviews) 2

Tango Pub Bar Restaurant

4.6 /5
(450 reviews) 2

Cafe Ango

4.7 /5
(314 reviews) 2
cafe

Le Khem Khong

4.8 /5
(211 reviews)
bar

Bistro 22

4.5 /5
(213 reviews) 2

Home Vientiane

4.6 /5
(160 reviews)
cafe park

When to Visit

The cool, dry season from November to March offers the most comfortable weather with temperatures around 20-28°C and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. April and May can be extremely hot (up to 40°C) but offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. The rainy season from June to October brings afternoon showers and high humidity, but also lush green landscapes and the most authentic local experience as tourism drops significantly. Avoid visiting during Lao New Year (mid-April) unless you want to participate in the water festival, as many businesses close and accommodation prices spike.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at gold shops rather than banks for better rates, and always carry small bills as change can be scarce
Learn basic Lao greetings like 'sabaidee' (hello) and 'khob jai' (thank you) as locals greatly appreciate the effort and it often leads to warmer interactions
Visit temples early morning around 6 AM to witness monks collecting alms and experience the spiritual side of daily Lao life without crowds

Explore Activities in Mekong Riverside Park