Vientiane general information
Vientiane is now the much talked about place as the current Laos SEA Games are going on from December 9th till 18th so Vientiane is going to be pretty crowded during this period. Located in the Mekong Valley, Vientiane is the largest capitol city of Laos with an estimate population of 750,000 people and is one of the interesting places to visit at the moment as they are the newest players in the tourism industry.
An interesting sign at the airport
Vientiane town is also currently being developed at a fast pace so as you enter Laos via flight, you will land at the Wattay International Airport which is very modern and you would be quite quite impressed. But a quick walk to the domestic terminal will take you back in time. The other popular way of getting to Vientiane would be via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge via road and in future, train. Right now, the train from Bangkok stops at the border town of Nong Kai and you need to take a tuk tuk across to the Laos checkpoint.
Vientiane Stupas in town area
Vientiane was also featured in the New York Times in 2008 as the top place to visit for that year. I had already booked my Vientiane tickets via AirAsia on promotion before the announcement came out. Back then, I paid only about RM600 (US$170) both ways for two persons. If you want a very good deal, visit the AirAsia website for tickets and packages. Also check put AirAsia's Go Holiday Packages to Vientiane as they have some really sweet deals.
Vientiane Presidential Palace
Walking around Vientiane can be pretty easy and relaxing as there are a number of temples and interesting sites within the town area. I spent a good two days on foot exploring the city while the other days were on a rented motorbike to visit the other places of interest. It is cheap and easy to rent a motorbike in Vientiane too.
The writer posing at the police and fire department of Vientiane
Paintings sold near the Mekong river
If you explore around town center, you are sure to come across roadside vendors selling paintings. They are all unframed paintings done by locals and are sold pretty cheap. I mean, when I bought some of them in 2008, they cost only about US$3-$5 for the small and medium sized ones while the larger ones went for around $10 to $15.
Vientiane - Street art being sold by locals
Some of the vendors set up shop late in the morning and looking closely, you would be amazed at some of the work being sold. The paintings are mostly of Buddha and Monks. Some paintings are of local scenery and I would recommend you buy them. A weaved painting holder is also sold for about $2-$3 to hold your rolled paintings so you can easily take them back home.
Vientiane night life where restaurants line the streets at the fountain
Vientiane Monks doing construction work at a temple
Vientiane riverside local restaurants
The mighty Mekong river which borders Thailand seems to be the center of attraction in Vientiane where most of the restaurants, guesthouses and hotels are situated. I would say that this is one of the must visit places while in Vientiane. Experience the local lifestyle of the Lao people by sitting at one of the local coffee shops or riverside restaurants enjoying a nice Lao Coffee or a cold Lao Beer.
Vientiane Mekong River floating bar restaurant
Sadly when I visited Vientiane in February, the Mekong River was all dried up. It was so dry that people from way across the river in Thailand would walk across to Vientiane. The super wide Mekong river in Vientiane is actually a border with Thailand. I looked like a full kilometer across the river from my view.
Vientiane - Dried up Mekong River. Thailand is just across.
So, there I stood watching these people going about their daily life. Motorcycles were seen riding across the river bed to the border while hoards of people were casually walking into Vientiane. There were no police or immigration people around when this happened. Very interesting indeed.
Vientiane Mekong riverside restaurant
Local Lao lady selling items in town
Latte at Joma Bakery in Vientiane
Eating in Vientiane can be an experience as the local Lao Food there is absolutely tasty and fresh. If you don't have the stomach to try the local Lao food, then there are many other options like European-style bakeries and cafes there too. Not forgetting the amazing selection of French, Swedish and European cuisines available in town. Prices are pretty reasonable and quality of the food there is top notch.
French bakery in Vientiane
Walking around Vientiane town, you are sure to come across various bakeries like French, Italian and even Swiss Bakeries so you are never away from home as they say. But keep in mind that there are no international fast food chains in Laos. No McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Doughnuts or Taco Bell at all. The coffee served around town is usually the famous Lao coffee.
Vientiane money changer or currency exchange
Foreign currency exchange outlets are also available throughout Vientiane town. While most of these money exchange outlets would exchange most popular currencies, some of them do not accept Malaysian Ringgit (this goes to the Malaysians traveling to Vientiane). I would suggest for you to change your local currency to US Dollars before going to Vientiane. However, US Dollars, Thai Bath and Lao KIP are accepted throughout Laos. Give them US dollars and Bath and they give you change in KIP.
Vientiane Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
While I was in Vientiane, I found only one outlet that accepted Malaysian Ringgit and with that, I changed all my remaining Ringgit to KIP as I was headed to Luang Prabang for the rest of my trip and was informed that they do not accept the Ringgit in Luang Prabang. ATM Machines are available at various locations so you can do a cash advance in emergencies.
Vientiane guesthouse bus ticket prices
Many of the guesthouses offer bus tickets to almost the entire of Laos and also to Thailand. Shop around for the best price if you are planning on seeing other places in Laos. In many cases, most foreigners would arrive in Vientiane, meet other travelers, discuss and then book tickets to other places. This usually is the case for backpackers. These ticket counters also provide taxi services to nearby places of interest and also to the airport.
Yensabai Traditional Lao Show in Vientiane
Finally, if you have the time, go see the local Lao Traditional Show locally called Yensabai Show. This is in the Quai Fa Ngum Road area. Shows starts daily at 5:30pm (closed on Sundays) and tickets are US$7 (Child 2-12 yrs - US $4) and are sold at the theater entrance from 4:30 pm. The Lao Cultural Show is located on Manthathurath Road in Vientiane.
Other than that, Vientiane is pretty much simple with hardly any crime and easy to move around town. Most of the popular tourist sites are Stupas or temples. If you want to fully experience Laos, you need to visit other places like Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vang Vieng.
An interesting sign at the airportVientiane town is also currently being developed at a fast pace so as you enter Laos via flight, you will land at the Wattay International Airport which is very modern and you would be quite quite impressed. But a quick walk to the domestic terminal will take you back in time. The other popular way of getting to Vientiane would be via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge via road and in future, train. Right now, the train from Bangkok stops at the border town of Nong Kai and you need to take a tuk tuk across to the Laos checkpoint.
Vientiane Stupas in town areaVientiane was also featured in the New York Times in 2008 as the top place to visit for that year. I had already booked my Vientiane tickets via AirAsia on promotion before the announcement came out. Back then, I paid only about RM600 (US$170) both ways for two persons. If you want a very good deal, visit the AirAsia website for tickets and packages. Also check put AirAsia's Go Holiday Packages to Vientiane as they have some really sweet deals.
Vientiane Presidential Palace Walking around Vientiane can be pretty easy and relaxing as there are a number of temples and interesting sites within the town area. I spent a good two days on foot exploring the city while the other days were on a rented motorbike to visit the other places of interest. It is cheap and easy to rent a motorbike in Vientiane too.
The writer posing at the police and fire department of Vientiane
Paintings sold near the Mekong riverIf you explore around town center, you are sure to come across roadside vendors selling paintings. They are all unframed paintings done by locals and are sold pretty cheap. I mean, when I bought some of them in 2008, they cost only about US$3-$5 for the small and medium sized ones while the larger ones went for around $10 to $15.
Vientiane - Street art being sold by localsSome of the vendors set up shop late in the morning and looking closely, you would be amazed at some of the work being sold. The paintings are mostly of Buddha and Monks. Some paintings are of local scenery and I would recommend you buy them. A weaved painting holder is also sold for about $2-$3 to hold your rolled paintings so you can easily take them back home.
Vientiane night life where restaurants line the streets at the fountain
Vientiane Monks doing construction work at a templeVideo of the Mekong River in Vientiane
Vientiane riverside local restaurantsThe mighty Mekong river which borders Thailand seems to be the center of attraction in Vientiane where most of the restaurants, guesthouses and hotels are situated. I would say that this is one of the must visit places while in Vientiane. Experience the local lifestyle of the Lao people by sitting at one of the local coffee shops or riverside restaurants enjoying a nice Lao Coffee or a cold Lao Beer.
Vientiane Mekong River floating bar restaurantSadly when I visited Vientiane in February, the Mekong River was all dried up. It was so dry that people from way across the river in Thailand would walk across to Vientiane. The super wide Mekong river in Vientiane is actually a border with Thailand. I looked like a full kilometer across the river from my view.
Vientiane - Dried up Mekong River. Thailand is just across.So, there I stood watching these people going about their daily life. Motorcycles were seen riding across the river bed to the border while hoards of people were casually walking into Vientiane. There were no police or immigration people around when this happened. Very interesting indeed.
Vientiane Mekong riverside restaurant 
Local Lao lady selling items in town
Latte at Joma Bakery in VientianeEating in Vientiane can be an experience as the local Lao Food there is absolutely tasty and fresh. If you don't have the stomach to try the local Lao food, then there are many other options like European-style bakeries and cafes there too. Not forgetting the amazing selection of French, Swedish and European cuisines available in town. Prices are pretty reasonable and quality of the food there is top notch.
French bakery in VientianeWalking around Vientiane town, you are sure to come across various bakeries like French, Italian and even Swiss Bakeries so you are never away from home as they say. But keep in mind that there are no international fast food chains in Laos. No McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Doughnuts or Taco Bell at all. The coffee served around town is usually the famous Lao coffee.
Vientiane money changer or currency exchangeForeign currency exchange outlets are also available throughout Vientiane town. While most of these money exchange outlets would exchange most popular currencies, some of them do not accept Malaysian Ringgit (this goes to the Malaysians traveling to Vientiane). I would suggest for you to change your local currency to US Dollars before going to Vientiane. However, US Dollars, Thai Bath and Lao KIP are accepted throughout Laos. Give them US dollars and Bath and they give you change in KIP.
Vientiane Foreign Currency Exchange RatesWhile I was in Vientiane, I found only one outlet that accepted Malaysian Ringgit and with that, I changed all my remaining Ringgit to KIP as I was headed to Luang Prabang for the rest of my trip and was informed that they do not accept the Ringgit in Luang Prabang. ATM Machines are available at various locations so you can do a cash advance in emergencies.
Vientiane guesthouse bus ticket pricesMany of the guesthouses offer bus tickets to almost the entire of Laos and also to Thailand. Shop around for the best price if you are planning on seeing other places in Laos. In many cases, most foreigners would arrive in Vientiane, meet other travelers, discuss and then book tickets to other places. This usually is the case for backpackers. These ticket counters also provide taxi services to nearby places of interest and also to the airport.
Yensabai Traditional Lao Show in Vientiane Finally, if you have the time, go see the local Lao Traditional Show locally called Yensabai Show. This is in the Quai Fa Ngum Road area. Shows starts daily at 5:30pm (closed on Sundays) and tickets are US$7 (Child 2-12 yrs - US $4) and are sold at the theater entrance from 4:30 pm. The Lao Cultural Show is located on Manthathurath Road in Vientiane.
Other than that, Vientiane is pretty much simple with hardly any crime and easy to move around town. Most of the popular tourist sites are Stupas or temples. If you want to fully experience Laos, you need to visit other places like Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vang Vieng.
If you have plans to travel to other parts of Laos and do not have time, flying is the best option with Laos Airlines
Watch out for: Local tuk tuk drivers trying to sell you 'grass' (Marijuana). Just politely decline them and they will not hassle you. Also, do not get caught with drugs as it is a very harsh punishment there.
I'm surprised that: There are hardly any beggars in the town area. Apparently the government and police are very strict with beggars and if caught, they would be hauled up and sent out of town to a detention center.
Take some time to: Try to local Lao or Khmer Massage in town. Cheap and surprisingly good. There are a number of these places around the main town area so shop around. Also, check out the roadside ''Banana Pancake' vendors at night who push their stalls around town.
Be amazed at: How the Lao ladies dress in the traditional skirt all over Laos and even in Vientiane town. The men however are normal dressed. It is a culture where Lao women still practice the tradition till this very day.
Be careful: When buying Lao Antiques as the government has a very strict ruling on taking out local antiques from the country. Only antiques with permits are allowed out. If you are caught, without one, the fine could be quite high so best to avoid.
Best time to visit Vientiane: Would be from November to February when the weather is cooling.
Is Vientiane Safe? 100% Safe from my personal experience. Well, just don't get drunk and think you own the bar like what some travelers do in Bangkok or Pattaya.
Off The Beaten Part in Vientiane: For the ladies, try attending a Lao Cooking Class. There are a few which have classes for 3-4 hours around town area. One of them is located at the Thong Bay Guesthouse.
Be amazed at: How the Lao ladies dress in the traditional skirt all over Laos and even in Vientiane town. The men however are normal dressed. It is a culture where Lao women still practice the tradition till this very day.
Be careful: When buying Lao Antiques as the government has a very strict ruling on taking out local antiques from the country. Only antiques with permits are allowed out. If you are caught, without one, the fine could be quite high so best to avoid.
Best time to visit Vientiane: Would be from November to February when the weather is cooling.
Is Vientiane Safe? 100% Safe from my personal experience. Well, just don't get drunk and think you own the bar like what some travelers do in Bangkok or Pattaya.
Off The Beaten Part in Vientiane: For the ladies, try attending a Lao Cooking Class. There are a few which have classes for 3-4 hours around town area. One of them is located at the Thong Bay Guesthouse.
Contact Details;
For flights from around South East Asia to Vientiane - AirAsia
For flights in Laos - Laos Airlines
For sweet flight and room packages to Vientiane - AirAsia's Go Holiday
My other Vientiane Postings;
- Lao Customs, Etiquette and Warnings - The Laos Culture
- Morning Market Talat Sao in Vientiane
- Payuxai / Patuxay Arch in Vientiane
- That Luang Stupa or The Golden Stupa Temple in Vientiane
- Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan Park in Vientiane
- Lao Food, Restaurants and Bakeries in Vientiane
- Motorcycle or bicycle rental in Vientiane
9 comments:
Guess our RM is not "laku" anywhere.
Good to hear it is safe to travel to Laos. Hopefully I will be visiting there soon
Borneo Falcon, true on that. When are you planning on going? Make sure it is a minimum of 5 days there to enjoy the place.
Regards,
David
David,
Very informative!
How much you spent for the 5 days trip to Laos? I mean all expenses include.
Thanks.
Vientiane is a great city and has enjoyed a real rennaisance over the last decade or so. There are lots of great food and drink places to hang out along the river and in other places in town, a fantastic traditional lao performing arts show, and great architecture. The people are nice, and value for money for things like accommodation has actually improved significantly compared to ten years ago. Thanks
Regards,
Robo, thanks. Actually, I recommended a minimum of 5 days, when I went, I stayed 9 days in Vientiand and Luang Prabang.
Virginia Bed and Breakfast, absolutely right and spot on with your comments. :)
Regards,
David
Thank youy. It was a very good post.
Bathmate
very good posting
Bathmate
Bath, thank you for the kind words.
Regards,
David
Hello Nick, thank you very much for your kind words. I will try to make it better and more helpful for everyone.
Regards,
David
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