Have you ever heard of Vientiane? Neither had I, really, until I planned my trip to Laos. Probably for good reason: Vientiane is simply less spectacular than other major cities in Southeast Asia, like Bangkok or Hanoi. On the other hand, that’s exactly what makes Vientiane so special: it just feels like a big village.
The skyline of Vientiane: The Don Chan Palace
Vientiane lacks true skyscrapers, which is unusual for an Asian city. The only exception is the Don Chan Palace, a 14-story hotel that stands out as an architectural misfit in this peaceful city. Interestingly, it is also the tallest building in Laos, although it’s hard to imagine given the city’s skyline. No building in Vientiane can surpass the Patuxai Monument, one of the few prominent landmarks in the city.
Vientiane’s must-see attractions
Vientiane is a small city, which makes it easy to get around. Most of the main sights are close to each other, so you can explore at your own pace and see a lot in just a short time. You’ll still have time to relax with a great Laotian coffee at one of the cozy cafés in the Old Town or try different foods at the night market along the river.
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Patuxai Monument
The Patuxai Monument resembles the Laotian version of the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, though it was only built in the 1960s. When you reach the top, you’ll enjoy the most incredible view of the city, and the monument itself is quite charming with its many intricate details. Visiting in the afternoon is lovely, especially when the weather is clear and the sunlight makes everything glow beautifully. Just remember to arrive early, as the monument closes at 5 p.m., so you don’t miss out on the experience.
That Luang: The Golden Landmark
The huge stupa of That Luang is Laos’s most important religious landmark. It’s big, golden, and truly impressive. Though you can’t get very close, it’s definitely worth seeing. The complex is expansive and features some beautiful temples and buildings. The best way to explore the area is by bike, which you can rent easily anywhere in the city. Biking is a fantastic way to enjoy the whole site comfortably.
That Dam: The Forgotten Stupa
That Dam is a large, old stupa located in the middle of a residential neighborhood, now abandoned. Surrounding the square are a few restaurants, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy a quick break from sightseeing.
How to Get to Vientiane
By Bus
Intercity buses stop at either the northern or southern bus station, both of which are quite far from the city. Afterward, depending on traffic, you’ll need about 45 minutes in a tuk-tuk to reach the city center. Private tourist buses are more convenient; they typically go directly to the Old Town, where most of the city’s hotels are located. City buses operate from and return to the central bus station near Talat Sao, right in the city center.
Heading north, the bus has become less significant since the railway opened; few people now opt for the winding road to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. However, for trips south to Thakhek and Pakse, and for long-distance routes to Hanoi or Hue, it remains the primary choice. Schedules and prices are available on 12Go Asia.
By Train
This is the area that has seen the most change since my last visit. Vientiane now features two train stations, each part of a different rail network.
The China-Laos Railway has been operational since December 2021, starting from Vientiane Station in Don Noun, about 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. From there, you can reach Vang Vieng in just over an hour and Luang Prabang in approximately two hours. Previously, the bus journey to these destinations took about eight to ten hours. The northernmost border station is Boten, where once daily, a through train connects directly to Kunming in China. Tickets are in high demand, especially on weekends and holidays, and can be purchased at the station, through the LCR Ticket app, or at various travel agencies. Note that tickets for departures from Laos are only sold within Laos and are not available for advance purchase in China.
Since July 2024, there has also been a direct overnight train from Bangkok. It departs in the evening from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station and arrives in Vientiane the next morning—the trip takes about eleven hours and includes border checks handled directly at the stations—you don’t have to change trains. The train arrives at Khamsavath Station, about seven to nine kilometers southeast of the city center.
A sleeper car typically costs around 30 euros, varying with the class, while a standard seat is much cheaper. Trains operate multiple times daily between Udon Thani or Nong Khai and Khamsavath, making travel especially convenient if you’re catching one of the modern Thai night trains to the border.
Tip: If you’re arriving by train from Bangkok and plan to continue on to Luang Prabang, you’ll need to arrange an additional taxi or bus ride from Khamsavath Station to the China-Laos Railway station. Allow at least an hour for this trip. Also, you cannot book a through ticket.
By plane
The small Wattay Airport (VTE) is located just about three kilometers from the city center; a taxi ride to the Old Town takes ten to fifteen minutes.
Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia fly from Bangkok; Vietnam Airlines and VietJet fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and Scoot flies from Singapore to Vientiane. In addition, numerous flights to China are operated by China Eastern, China Southern, and other airlines. Within Laos, Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and Lanexang Airways operate flights. There are no direct flights from Europe.
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