Things to Do in Vientiane Night Market, ປະເທດລາວ

Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos, offers a unique blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and laid-back Mekong River vibes. This sleepy capital city moves at a refreshingly slow pace compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, with tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and golden temples creating an atmosphere that feels more like a large town than a bustling metropolis. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, allowing visitors to easily navigate between ancient wats, colonial buildings, and local markets. The Vientiane Night Market, located along the Mekong River waterfront, serves as the heart of the city's evening social scene and shopping culture. This vibrant marketplace comes alive after sunset, offering everything from traditional Lao textiles and handicrafts to street food and souvenirs. The market provides an authentic glimpse into local life while offering visitors the chance to experience Lao culture through its food, crafts, and warm hospitality in a relaxed riverside setting.

Top Things to Do in Vientiane Night Market

Temple Hopping Tour

Explore Vientiane's most important Buddhist temples including Pha That Luang, the golden national symbol of Laos, and Wat Si Saket with its thousands of Buddha images. These sacred sites showcase stunning Lao architecture and provide insight into the country's deep Buddhist heritage.

Booking Tip: Many temples are free to enter (small donation appreciated), but Pha That Luang charges around $3. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best light and fewer crowds. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.

Mekong River Sunset Cruise

Take a leisurely boat ride along the mighty Mekong River to watch the sunset over Thailand while enjoying cold Beer Lao and traditional snacks. These peaceful cruises offer stunning views of both the Lao and Thai countryside and provide a perfect way to end the day.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $15-25 per person and typically last 2-3 hours. Book through your hotel or riverside restaurants for better prices than tour operators. Best during dry season (November-April) when river levels are stable.

Lao Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Lao dishes like larb, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice in hands-on cooking classes led by local chefs. These classes often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and provide recipes to recreate the dishes at home.

Booking Tip: Classes range from $25-40 per person and last 3-4 hours including market tour. Book 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak season. Look for classes that include multiple dishes and take-home recipe cards.

Buddha Park Day Trip

Visit Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), a unique sculpture garden featuring over 200 concrete Buddhist and Hindu statues created by an eccentric monk-artist. The park's surreal collection includes a giant reclining Buddha and a three-story spherical structure representing heaven, earth, and hell.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3 plus $3 for photos. Located 25km from city center, rent a motorbike ($5-8/day) or take a tuk-tuk ($15-20 round trip). Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and harsh lighting.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop

Participate in workshops to learn traditional Lao crafts such as silk weaving, silver jewelry making, or traditional textile dyeing. These hands-on experiences support local artisans and provide unique insights into centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Workshop prices vary from $20-50 depending on craft and duration. Book through cultural centers or artisan cooperatives for authentic experiences. Allow 2-4 hours and expect to take home your creation as a meaningful souvenir.

Getting There

Wattay International Airport is located just 3km from downtown Vientiane, making it one of the most convenient airports in Southeast Asia. The airport receives direct flights from major regional hubs including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Overland options include crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai, Thailand (connected by train from Bangkok), or taking buses from various Vietnamese and Thai cities. The most popular route is the overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai followed by a short bus ride across the bridge.

Getting Around

Vientiane is compact and easily walkable, with most attractions within a few kilometers of each other. Tuk-tuks are abundant and perfect for short trips, typically charging $1-3 for city center journeys, though always negotiate the price beforehand. Motorbike rentals ($5-8 per day) offer freedom to explore at your own pace, while bicycle rentals ($2-3 per day) are perfect for the flat terrain and relaxed traffic. For longer distances or day trips, hire a car with driver through your hotel or use ride-hailing apps that are becoming increasingly popular.

Where to Stay

Riverside District (Mekong waterfront)

City Center (near Nam Phu Fountain)

Chanthabouly District

Sikhottabong District

Near Morning Market (Talat Sao)

Diplomatic Quarter (Watnak area)

Food & Dining

Vientiane's food scene beautifully blends traditional Lao cuisine with French colonial influences and neighboring Thai and Vietnamese flavors. The night market along the Mekong offers excellent street food including grilled fish, som tam (papaya salad), and khao piak sen (Lao noodle soup) at incredibly affordable prices. For upscale dining, the city boasts excellent French restaurants, riverside establishments serving fresh Mekong fish, and modern Lao fusion cuisine. Don't miss trying Beer Lao with sticky rice and larb at local beer gardens, or visiting the morning market for fresh tropical fruits and traditional breakfast dishes.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Vientiane is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures are comfortable (20-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. March to May can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching 35-40°C, though this period offers fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. The rainy season (June-October) brings heavy afternoon showers and high humidity, but also lush green landscapes and the lowest tourist numbers. The night market operates year-round, but the dry season provides the most pleasant evening shopping and dining experience.

Insider Tips

Bargaining is expected at the night market, but start at about 70% of the asking price rather than going too low initially

Many shops and restaurants close early (around 9-10 PM) as Vientiane keeps early hours, so plan evening activities accordingly

Always carry small bills (20,000 and 50,000 kip notes) as vendors often don't have change for large denominations

Things to Do in Vientiane Night Market