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Presidential Palace, Laos - Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace, Laos - Complete Travel Guide

Vientiane lacks international flights—you'll connect through Bangkok, Hanoi, or other regional hubs at Wattay International Airport, just 3km from downtown. The overland route from Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge works better. You can catch buses from Bangkok or Udon Thani. From Vietnam, expect a full day crossing scenic mountain country by bus. Most travelers prefer the bus journeys to flying if time allows.

Top Things to Do in Presidential Palace

Pha That Luang Temple Complex

That Luang This golden stupa represents Laos' most important religious monument and appears on the national seal. The afternoon sun makes the gilded surface impressive. The complex includes several temples with insight into Lao Buddhism and architecture. You'll have it mostly to yourself outside major holidays.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 10,000 kip ($1). Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photos. No advance booking needed - just show up and pay at the gate.

Patuxai Victory Monument

Patuxai Monument Vientiane's concrete Arc de Triomphe offers good city views from the top. The architecture mixes Lao and French influences effectively. The surrounding park works well for evening walks. Interior murals show Lao history and deserve a quick look.

Booking Tip: Small entrance fee of 3,000 kip (about 30 cents). Open daily until 6 PM. The elevator sometimes works, but don't count on it - be prepared to climb stairs.

Mekong Riverfront Evening Walk

Mekong Riverside The riverside promenade works best at sunset when food stalls open and local families gather. You'll find the city's best street food here—grilled fish to sticky rice desserts. The sunset toward Thailand is beautiful. The atmosphere stays relaxed.

Booking Tip: Completely free to wander. Food stalls typically open around 5 PM and stay busy until 10 PM. Bring small bills - most vendors don't have change for large notes.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Buddha Park This sculpture park 25km outside the city features dozens of concrete Buddhist and Hindu statues in various states of decay. An eccentric monk-artist created the bizarre and compelling collection. The giant reclining Buddha and three-story pumpkin structure are worth seeing.

Booking Tip: Entry is 15,000 kip plus 3,000 kip camera fee. Tuk-tuk round trip costs about $15-20. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat - there's minimal shade.

Traditional Lao Cooking Class

Cooking Classes Local operators offer hands-on classes featuring laab, som tam, and sticky rice preparation. You'll start with market tours to select ingredients, then learn traditional methods. Classes stay small and personal. Family homes or small restaurants host most sessions.

Booking Tip: Classes run $25-40 per person and usually last 4-5 hours including market visit and meal. Book a day ahead through your hotel or online. Morning classes are generally better as markets are fresher.

Getting There

Vientiane fits into a walkable area, though midday heat changes minds quickly. Tuk-tuks cost $2-5 for central trips and drivers quote honest fares—a pleasant change from neighboring countries. Skip the motorbike taxis. For Buddha Park and longer trips, negotiate a full-day tuk-tuk rate around $20-25 or rent a scooter. Traffic here is mellow.

Getting Around

French colonial influence mixed with traditional Lao temples creates something familiar yet foreign along the Mekong River. The Presidential Palace anchors tree-lined boulevards that feel more provincial than capital city. The pace is slow. This appeals to travelers tired of Southeast Asian chaos elsewhere.

Where to Stay

City Center near Presidential Palace
Mekong Riverfront
Chao Anouvong Park area
Setthathirath Road historic district
That Dam area
Dongpalane Temple vicinity

Food & Dining

French techniques work well with traditional Lao ingredients—you'll find excellent Vietnamese pho next to laab and tam mak hoong (papaya salad). The riverfront night market has the best street food variety. Restaurants along Setthathirath Road serve French pastries and Indian curry. Lao beer is good and cheap, the coffee culture impressive thanks to French colonial legacy and local beans.

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

November through February brings comfortable weather with warm days, cool evenings, and little rain. March and April get hot. May through October delivers afternoon downpours and humidity, but rain comes in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Wet season means fewer crowds. Cool season coincides with Buddhist festivals—more cultural interest, more temple crowds.

Insider Tips

Many restaurants and shops close 12-2 PM for extended lunch breaks. Plan accordingly. Don't wander around looking for food.
The Presidential Palace area works best in early morning when government workers arrive and gardeners tend the grounds. Timing matters here.
Lao people dress more conservatively than in Thailand or Vietnam. Cover shoulders and knees. This shows respect, especially around government buildings.

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Presidential Palace

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Presidential Palace

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Presidential Palace

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Presidential Palace

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