Things to Do in Presidential Palace
Presidential Palace, ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide
Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, is home to the Presidential Palace and serves as the country's political and cultural heart. This laid-back riverside city along the Mekong River offers a unique blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and modern Lao culture. The Presidential Palace, also known as the Presidential Office, stands as an important government building representing the Lao People's Democratic Republic, though it's primarily an administrative center rather than a tourist attraction.
Vientiane's charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined boulevards, and significant Buddhist monuments like Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket. The city provides visitors with an authentic Southeast Asian experience without the crowds found in neighboring capitals. From exploring ancient temples and French colonial buildings to enjoying sunset views along the Mekong, Vientiane offers a peaceful introduction to Lao culture and history.
Top Things to Do in Presidential Palace
Temple Tour
Explore Vientiane's most important Buddhist temples including Pha That Luang, the national symbol of Laos, and Wat Si Saket with its thousands of Buddha statues. These sacred sites showcase traditional Lao architecture and provide insight into the country's spiritual heritage.
Booking Tip: Entry fees range from 5,000-10,000 kip per temple. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) to avoid heat and crowds. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and consider hiring a local guide for 50,000-100,000 kip for cultural context.
Mekong River Sunset Cruise
Take a relaxing boat trip along the mighty Mekong River to watch the sunset over the water. These cruises offer beautiful views of both the Lao and Thai sides of the river while providing a peaceful end to your day.
Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $15-25 per person and typically last 1-2 hours. Book through your hotel or riverside restaurants. Best time is dry season (November-March) when water levels are stable and weather is clear.
Cooking Class Experience
Learn to prepare traditional Lao dishes like laap, som tam, and sticky rice in hands-on cooking classes. These experiences often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and provide insight into Lao culinary culture.
Booking Tip: Classes cost $25-40 per person including ingredients and meals. Morning classes (9 AM start) often include market tours. Look for small group classes (6-8 people max) for more personalized instruction and recipe cards to take home.
Buddha Park Day Trip
Visit Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), a unique sculpture park featuring over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues created by a eccentric monk-artist. The park's surreal concrete sculptures create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography.
Booking Tip: Entry fee is 15,000 kip plus 3,000 kip for cameras. Located 25km from city center, rent a motorbike (60,000-80,000 kip/day) or take a tuk-tuk (200,000 kip round trip). Visit morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Night Market Shopping
Browse the evening night market along the Mekong riverfront for local handicrafts, textiles, and street food. This daily market offers everything from traditional Lao silk scarves to handmade jewelry at bargain prices.
Booking Tip: Market operates daily 5 PM-10 PM with best selection 6-8 PM. Bring small bills (20,000-50,000 kip notes) for easier bargaining. Start negotiations at 50% of asking price, and compare prices between stalls before purchasing.
Getting There
Wattay International Airport (VTE) is located 3km west of downtown Vientiane and receives direct flights from major Southeast Asian cities including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur. Airport taxis cost around 60,000 kip to the city center, while tuk-tuks charge 40,000-50,000 kip. Overland options include buses from Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (1 hour from Nong Khai) and sleeper buses from Vietnam (12-14 hours from Hanoi). The train connection from Bangkok via Nong Khai offers a scenic route with the final stretch crossing the Mekong River by bus.
Getting Around
Vientiane is a compact city best explored on foot, by bicycle, or tuk-tuk. Bicycle rentals cost 20,000-30,000 kip per day and are ideal for the flat terrain and short distances between attractions. Tuk-tuks are readily available for longer distances, with rides within the city center costing 15,000-30,000 kip. Motorbike taxis are common for solo travelers at similar prices. For day trips outside the city, rent a motorbike (60,000-100,000 kip per day) or negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers for half or full-day rates. The city's laid-back traffic and wide boulevards make navigation relatively stress-free compared to other Southeast Asian capitals.
Where to Stay
City Center (around Nam Phu Fountain)
Mekong Riverfront
Chao Anouvong Park area
Setthathirath Road
Fa Ngum Road
Samsenthai Road
Food & Dining
Vientiane's dining scene ranges from street food stalls to upscale restaurants serving both Lao and international cuisine. The night market and morning markets offer authentic local dishes like laap, som tam, and fresh spring rolls at budget prices (10,000-30,000 kip per dish). French colonial influence is evident in the city's bakeries and cafes, particularly along Setthathirath Road. For dinner, riverside restaurants along Fa Ngum Road provide Mekong views with both Lao and Western menus. Don't miss trying traditional Lao coffee, sticky rice, and the national dish laap. Vegetarian options are widely available, and most restaurants cater to international tastes while maintaining authentic local flavors.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Vientiane is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures range from 15-28°C and rainfall is minimal. This period offers comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. March to May is hot and dry with temperatures reaching 35°C, making early morning and evening activities preferable. The rainy season (June-October) brings heavy downpours and high humidity, but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. The That Luang Festival in November and Pi Mai (Lao New Year) in April are culturally significant times to visit, though accommodation prices increase and advance booking is essential.
Insider Tips
The Presidential Palace area is primarily administrative and not open for tours, but the surrounding government quarter features impressive architecture best viewed from the street
Many temples close during lunch hours (11:30 AM-1:30 PM), so plan your temple visits accordingly
Bargaining is expected at markets but not in restaurants or for transportation with meters - always agree on tuk-tuk prices before starting your journey