Some call it the sleepiest city in Asia, but there’s plenty to busy yourself with in the capital city of Lao. Bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and China, this place is beginning to show signs of mass tourism – so chalk up your indie cred and get here before the crowd hits!
Eat
The award-winning Makphet serves modern Lao food sans MSG and preservatives. While it’s comparatively pricier to eat here (though affordable by Singapore standards at USD 5-6 per dish), the proceeds help the needs of street children. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop that stocks products made by Lao families. Proceeds go towards their children’s education.
Khop Chai Deu is a hit with expats and tourists for their selection of international and Lao cuisine.
PVO (Th Fa Ngum) dishes excellent Vietnamese food, but what’s even better is that these guys will deliver straight to your hotel for just 5000 Kip (USD 0.70).
When it’s hot out and all you want is a cool drink, skip the mojito and ask for a fruit shake. You’ll find scrummy juices and shakes at practically every café and restaurant.
As a former French colony, Vientiane has some pretty amazing French cuisine. Try Bistro 22 (22 Samsenthai Road) or L’Adresse de Tinay (Wat Ongteu, next to Makphet).
Do
The many temples of Vientiane are worth a trip, but head down in the early morning to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in the capital city. The low-lying structure houses more than 2000 ceramic Buddha images. Across the road you’ll find Ho Phra Keow, a smaller but grander-looking temple. Entry to each costs 5000 Kip.
Wat Sok Pa Luang offers free meditation sessions every Saturday from 4-530pm. There’s even a Q&A conducted at the end of the session.
Time crunch? Head to Pha That Luang (Grand Stupa), which has become a national symbol. The grand grounds house an ornate, gold-covered stupa.
COPE Visitor Centre is a sobering jolt of reality that we highly recommend. COPE provides rehab and prosthetic services for cluster bomb survivors. They have a permanent exhibition for people to learn more about cluster bombs and the ongoing issues faced by locals.
Visit Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy and learn about traditional Lao weaving. Watch Lao women work their traditional looms and spin yarn and silk, then pick up hand-woven souvenirs on your way out.
Lao massage parlours are aplenty – standard rates range from USD 5-10/hour. Translation: daily massages will become a ritual.
Domestic goddesses, head to the Mekong for a cooking class hosted by Lao Experiences. Not only do you get to pick up new techniques and work with local ingredients, you’ll also get to eat everything for lunch! The classes are taught by a local chef and also include an optional market shopping experience.
Go outdoors! Hit up Green Discovery, adventure travel and eco-tourism specialists, to arrange anything from a cycling retreat to zip-lining.
Wat Si Saket Temple
Shop
Saoban works with local artisans in rural villages to preserve traditional Lao crafts. Pick up silk shawls, hand-dyed ikat runners, original silver jewellery, and other trinkets. All products are fair trade and benefit the rural communities.
Les Artisans Lao is a sustainable line of natural beauty and skincare. Drop by T’Shop Lai Gallery, the brand’s standalone boutique in Vientiane, to pick up handmade soaps and coconut moisturizer in glass bottles worthy of any apothecary.
Skip the morning market and visit the night market for local art and affordable souvenirs. While there are a lot of knock-offs, the market is worth combing; many local artists set up stalls and can also be found drawing right there.
Stay
Ansara Hotel is a small, family-run boutique hotel in the buzzing city centre. Also in the neighbourhood is Salana Boutique Hotel.
Ansara Hotel
Green Park Boutique Hotel has an in-house pool, spa, and is right next to the largest park in Vientiane. The medium-sized hotel is also right opposite COPE Visitor Centre.
Further away from the city centre is Mandala Boutique Hotel, converted from a former French school.
Tips
Vientiane uses three different currencies: Lao Kip (most widely used), USD, and Thai Baht (least common). Bear in mind that payment in USD is more expensive and any change you need will be returned in Kip. You can only obtain Kip when you land in Lao – there are no money changers in Singapore that carry the currency.
While the tourism industry is fast growing, the locals speak very little basic English. Bring a guide book or learn some essential phrases like Hello (Sa-bai-dee) and thank you (kop-chai).
The standard rate of a tuk tuk ride within the city is 10,000 Kip/person (about USD1.25).
Ask your hotel concierge for an information card – not all tuk tuk drivers will recognize your hotel by name.
Thanks to our friends at AirAsia, we took the 7.35am flight from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane. Why limit yourself to Vientiane? Explore more destinations with AirAsia’s handy downloadable app. It’s free!
This travel guide was brought to you by AirAsia.