Things to Do in Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, ປະເທດລາວ

Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan stands as one of Vientiane's most significant and historically important Buddhist temples, serving as a cornerstone of Lao religious and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Laos's capital city, this 16th-century temple complex is renowned for housing the bronze Ong Teu Buddha statue, which gives the temple its name and represents one of the most revered religious artifacts in the country. The temple serves as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism and plays a central role in the nation's religious ceremonies and festivals. Vientiane itself offers visitors a unique blend of French colonial architecture, traditional Lao culture, and modern Southeast Asian city life along the banks of the Mekong River. The city provides an authentic and less touristy experience compared to other regional capitals, with tree-lined boulevards, bustling morning markets, and numerous temples that showcase the country's deep Buddhist traditions. Visitors can explore the city's rich history, sample exceptional Lao cuisine, and experience the laid-back atmosphere that characterizes this charming capital.

Top Things to Do in Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan

Temple Tour of Vientiane

Explore Vientiane's most sacred temples including Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, Wat Si Saket, and Pha That Luang. These temples showcase centuries of Lao Buddhist architecture, religious art, and cultural significance. The tour provides insight into local religious practices and the role of Buddhism in Lao society.

Booking Tip: Half-day temple tours cost $20-40 per person. Early morning visits (7-9 AM) offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Look for guides who speak English well and have knowledge of Buddhist history and local customs.

Mekong River Sunset Cruise

Take a leisurely boat ride along the Mekong River to witness spectacular sunsets over the Thai-Lao border. The cruise offers panoramic views of both countries' landscapes and provides a peaceful end to a day of sightseeing. Many tours include traditional Lao snacks and beverages.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises cost $15-30 per person and typically last 1.5-2 hours. Book tours that depart 1-2 hours before sunset for the best experience. Choose operators with safety equipment and comfortable seating.

Traditional Lao Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Lao dishes including laap, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice. Classes typically include market visits to select fresh ingredients and hands-on cooking instruction. This experience provides deep insights into Lao culinary traditions and local ingredients.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from $25-50 per person for half-day experiences. Morning classes often include market tours, while afternoon classes focus on cooking. Look for small group sizes (6-8 people) for personalized attention.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) Day Trip

Visit this unique sculpture park featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues created by a mystical monk-artist. The park offers surreal photo opportunities and represents an unusual blend of religious iconography. The giant reclining Buddha and three-story structure with heaven, earth, and hell levels are highlights.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3 plus transportation ($10-20 round trip by tuk-tuk). Visit in late afternoon for better lighting and cooler temperatures. Combine with nearby attractions for better value on transportation costs.

Vientiane City Walking Tour

Explore the capital's French colonial architecture, local markets, and historical sites on foot. The tour covers Patuxai Monument, Nam Phou Fountain, and the Morning Market while providing insights into Lao history and daily life. Walking tours offer intimate encounters with local culture and hidden gems.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost $15-35 per person for 3-4 hours. Early morning or late afternoon tours avoid midday heat. Choose guides familiar with both historical facts and contemporary Lao culture for the most enriching experience.

Getting There

Wattay International Airport serves Vientiane with connections to major Southeast Asian cities including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur. The airport is located 8 kilometers from the city center, with taxis and tuk-tuks available for transport. Overland options include buses from Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, trains from Bangkok to Nong Khai followed by a border crossing, and direct buses from Vietnam. Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or through e-visa applications prior to travel.

Getting Around

Vientiane is easily navigable by tuk-tuk, which is the most popular form of transportation for tourists, with fares ranging from $1-5 depending on distance. Motorbike taxis offer quick and inexpensive transport for short distances, while bicycle rentals ($2-5 per day) provide an eco-friendly way to explore the compact city center. For longer distances or day trips, car rentals with drivers are available for $30-50 per day. The city center is walkable, and many attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other along the Mekong River waterfront.

Where to Stay

City Center near Nam Phou Fountain

Mekong Riverfront area

Around Wat Si Saket temple district

Near Morning Market (Talat Sao)

French Quarter with colonial buildings

Airport road area for budget options

Food & Dining

Vientiane's dining scene offers excellent traditional Lao cuisine alongside French-influenced dishes reflecting the country's colonial heritage. Street food stalls and local markets serve authentic laap, pho, and fresh spring rolls at budget-friendly prices, while riverside restaurants provide romantic settings for trying Mekong fish specialties. The city features numerous French bakeries and cafes serving croissants, baguettes, and coffee, alongside upscale restaurants offering fusion cuisine. Night markets along the Mekong provide atmospheric dining experiences with local beer and traditional music, while the Morning Market area offers the best selection of local snacks and fresh fruit smoothies.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Vientiane is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures range from 15-25°C and humidity is lower. This period offers comfortable weather for temple visits and outdoor activities, though it's also peak tourist season. March to May brings hot, dry weather with temperatures reaching 35°C, making early morning and late afternoon the best times for sightseeing. The rainy season from June to October features afternoon showers and high humidity but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices, making it suitable for budget travelers who don't mind occasional rain.

Insider Tips

Visit Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan early morning around 6-7 AM to witness monks' morning prayers and avoid crowds while experiencing authentic religious ceremonies

Dress modestly when visiting temples with covered shoulders and long pants; remove shoes before entering temple buildings and never point feet toward Buddha statues

Learn basic Lao greetings like 'sabaidee' (hello) and 'khop chai' (thank you) as locals greatly appreciate foreigners making an effort to speak their language

Things to Do in Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan