Things to Do in Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, ປະເທດລາວ - Complete Travel Guide
Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, sits gracefully along the banks of the Mekong River. This charming city blends French colonial architecture with traditional Lao Buddhist temples, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in Southeast Asian culture. Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan stands as one of the city's most significant religious sites, serving as an important center for Buddhist learning and meditation.
The city moves at a relaxed pace compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Lao culture without the overwhelming crowds. From ancient temples and bustling morning markets to French-influenced cafes and riverside promenades, Vientiane provides an intimate glimpse into both traditional and modern Laos. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the country's rich Buddhist heritage, with numerous temples, monasteries, and cultural sites within easy reach.
Top Things to Do in Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan
Temple Hopping Tour
Explore Vientiane's most sacred Buddhist temples including Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, known for its impressive bronze Buddha statue and active monastery. Visit multiple temples to understand the different architectural styles and religious practices that define Lao Buddhism.
Booking Tip: Best visited early morning (6-8 AM) when monks are active and temperatures are cooler. Most temples are free to enter, but donations of 10,000-20,000 LAK are appreciated. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
Mekong River Sunset Experience
Stroll along the Mekong River promenade and witness spectacular sunsets over Thailand's distant shores. The riverside comes alive in the evening with local vendors, street food, and families enjoying the cooler temperatures.
Booking Tip: Best time is 5:30-6:30 PM year-round. Free activity, but budget 50,000-100,000 LAK for snacks and drinks from riverside vendors. Bring insect repellent during rainy season.
Morning Market Food Adventure
Immerse yourself in local life at Talat Sao (Morning Market) and sample authentic Lao street food. Try traditional dishes like larb, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and fresh tropical fruits while observing daily commerce.
Booking Tip: Visit between 6-9 AM for the freshest selection and most active atmosphere. Budget 100,000-150,000 LAK for a full food sampling experience. Bring hand sanitizer and bottled water.
French Colonial Architecture Walk
Discover Vientiane's French colonial heritage through a self-guided walking tour of historic buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and charming cafes. The architecture tells the story of Laos's complex colonial history and cultural fusion.
Booking Tip: Early morning or late afternoon walks are most comfortable. Free self-guided activity, though hiring a local guide costs 200,000-300,000 LAK for deeper historical insights. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Traditional Handicraft Workshop
Learn traditional Lao crafts such as textile weaving, silver jewelry making, or bamboo handicrafts from local artisans. These hands-on experiences provide insight into centuries-old techniques still practiced today.
Booking Tip: Workshops typically cost 150,000-400,000 LAK per person and last 2-4 hours. Book in advance through guesthouses or cultural centers. Morning sessions often have better availability and cooler working conditions.
Getting There
Wattay International Airport (VTE) is located about 4km from downtown Vientiane, with regular flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other regional destinations. Taxis from the airport cost around 60,000-80,000 LAK, while tuk-tuks are slightly cheaper at 40,000-60,000 LAK. Overland travelers can enter via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai, Thailand, with buses running regularly between Bangkok and Vientiane (12-14 hours). The bus journey from Luang Prabang takes 6-8 hours on sometimes challenging mountain roads, while buses from Vietnam typically enter through various border crossings with journey times of 10-15 hours depending on the route.
Getting Around
Vientiane is a compact city best explored by bicycle, which can be rented for 20,000-40,000 LAK per day from most guesthouses and shops. Tuk-tuks are abundant and perfect for short distances, with fares typically 15,000-30,000 LAK within the city center, though always negotiate the price before departure. Motorbike taxis are faster and cheaper for solo travelers at around 10,000-20,000 LAK for short trips. For longer distances or day trips, hire a private car with driver for approximately 400,000-600,000 LAK per day. Walking is pleasant in the cooler morning and evening hours, as the city center is relatively small and most major attractions are within a few kilometers of each other.
Where to Stay
City Center
Mekong Riverside
Chanthabouly District
Sisattanak Area
That Luang Area
Sikhottabong District
Food & Dining
Vientiane's dining scene beautifully reflects its cultural heritage, offering everything from traditional Lao cuisine to French-influenced dishes and international options. Street food is exceptional and affordable, with night markets offering grilled meats, fresh spring rolls, and tropical fruit smoothies for just a few thousand LAK per item. The city boasts numerous French bakeries and cafes serving excellent coffee, croissants, and baguette sandwiches, remnants of the colonial era that have become integral to local food culture. For authentic Lao dining, seek out local restaurants serving sticky rice, laap (meat salad), and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves). Riverside restaurants offer romantic settings for dinner, while the morning markets provide the most authentic local food experiences at incredibly reasonable prices.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Vientiane
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
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 at its lowest. This period offers the most comfortable weather for temple visits, walking tours, and outdoor activities. March to May can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching 35-40°C, making midday activities challenging, though early morning and evening exploration remains pleasant. The rainy season from June to October brings heavy downpours, high humidity, and occasional flooding, but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. During this time, afternoon showers are common but usually brief, and the rain often provides welcome relief from the heat.
Insider Tips
Visit temples early morning (6-7 AM) to observe morning alms-giving ceremonies and avoid crowds
Learn basic Lao greetings like 'sabaidee' (hello) and 'khop chai' (thank you) - locals greatly appreciate the effort
Always remove shoes before entering temple buildings and keep feet pointed away from Buddha statues when sitting