Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane serves as the capital of Laos, yet many travelers remark that it resembles a quaint village rather than a vibrant metropolis. The city exudes a relaxed ambiance, offering numerous attractions that present an ideal setting for a leisurely stay before exploring other regions of the country.

With a historical background as a former French colony, Vientiane showcases various French-inspired buildings and attractions that juxtapose beautifully with its lush and exotic landscape.

Being situated along the river enhances the experience, as visitors can enjoy walking along the riverfront promenade, discovering local markets, and savoring delectable street food options.

Furthermore, Vientiane is home to an array of captivating historical buildings, particularly Buddhist temples, and it is easy to venture outside the city to explore the picturesque villages scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.

Here are the top activities to engage in during your time in Vientiane:

1. Scale the Patuxai Victory Monument

Patuxai Victory Monument is one of the most recognized landmarks in Vientiane, designed to mimic the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

However, it is also embellished with symbols of Hindu deities and features an additional five towers that reflect traditional Laotian architecture, making this an attraction where East meets West.

Located within the larger Patuxai Park, this area is a wonderful locale for a tranquil stroll at sunset.

Visitors can also appreciate panoramic views of Vientiane from the monument’s summit by ascending a flight of stairs to the viewing platform or utilizing the elevator.

2. Visit Xieng Khuan

Xieng Khuan, also referred to as Buddha Park, is located approximately 25 kilometers from Vientiane.

The park is renowned for housing over 200 religious statues distributed throughout its lush grounds.

A highlight is a majestic sculpture of a reclining Buddha, standing approximately 40 meters high. The park was conceptualized by a monk in 1958 who was influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist artistry, resulting in a unique blend of different cultural influences.

As you traverse the grounds, look for the sculpture of Indra atop a three-headed elephant, regarded as the king of the Hindu gods.

Other noteworthy features include celebrated deities on horseback and those depicted with multiple faces and limbs.

3. Admire That Luang

That Luang, or the Great Stupa of Vientiane, is recognized as the most sacred structure in Laos and among the most visually appealing.

This stupa, dating back to the 16th century, encompasses a sprawling complex featuring a central stupa adorned with gold leaf, reaching a height of 148 feet.

The stupa is encircled by exquisite turrets in traditional Laotian style, and the entire compound is situated about four kilometers from the city center, making it an excellent choice for a day trip.

4. Eat at Vientiane Night Market

The Vientiane Night Market is situated along the picturesque waterfront in the city.

The market typically opens around sunset, presenting an array of items including clothing, textiles, accessories, handicrafts, artwork, and various souvenirs.

Furthermore, the night market features an extensive selection of street food stalls, offering traditional Laotian delicacies like barbecued meats, making it one of the most economical dining options in Vientiane during the evening.

5. Admire Wat Ho Phra Keo

Wat Ho Phra Keo is a striking Buddhist temple in Vientiane, constructed in 1565, and is regarded as one of the city’s architectural masterpieces.

This temple is historically significant as it once housed the renowned Emerald Buddha statue, which was taken from Thailand by Laotian royalty, later reclaimed in 1778 and returned.

The statue can be viewed at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, while the Laotian temple is still referred to as the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ in tribute to its history.

Even without the statue, this temple remains an exquisite example of religious architecture and merits a visit.

6. Learn some history at the Lao National Museum

For those interested in delving into the history and cultural significance of Laos, the Lao National Museum, sometimes referred to simply as The National Museum, is a must-visit.

The museum is situated in a building originally constructed during the French colonial period, showcasing a wealth of fascinating exhibits.

These exhibits encompass local artifacts such as paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, along with galleries dedicated to historical photographs.

Additionally, the museum features galleries from the prehistoric era displaying dinosaur bones and fragments of ancient pottery.

7. Explore Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang ranks as one of the most frequented temples in Vientiane and serves as an outstanding example of exquisite Laotian Buddhist architectural design.

The temple derives its name from Si Muang, a young Laotian woman who, according to local legend, sacrificed herself to appease the local gods to enable the temple’s construction approximately 400 years ago.

The temple’s design features are truly breathtaking, and visitors can observe numerous pilgrims engaging in worship activities within its grounds.

8. Visit the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise

The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, commonly known as COPE, operates as a charitable organization in Vientiane with the mission of treating and rehabilitating individuals affected by unexploded landmines from the Vietnam War.

The organization has multiple centers throughout Laos, and the Vientiane location features educational galleries that inform visitors about COPE’s overarching mission and showcase videos of their efforts in remote areas of the country.

Additionally, the workshop for prosthetic fabrication allows visitors to observe the process of creating artificial limbs.

9. Admire Wat Si Saket

Wat Si Saket is noteworthy for being the sole temple that endured the invasion of Siam in 1828. Despite much of the city being destroyed, this temple remained intact, allowing visitors to admire its 5,000 Buddha sculptures.

Notable architectural features include the vibrant yellow pillars supporting the temple’s red-painted roof.

10. Tour the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

The Kaysone Phomvihane Museum was established to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Laotian president and serves as a tribute to one of the prominent communist leaders in Indochina.

This museum is composed of several galleries that narrate the life of Kaysone, who was known for being somewhat reserved about his daily life.

Visitors will find numerous bronze statues of Kaysone both inside and outside the museum, alongside various items of personal memorabilia.

The museum also features models of his childhood home and the cave where he sought refuge in Hua Phan Province.

11. Go for a massage

Laos is renowned for its unique massage techniques that incorporate herbal sauna and steam treatments.

Local herbs and plants are traditionally boiled within a Laotian bathhouse to create a steamy ambiance, culminating in a rejuvenating massage experience.

A highly recommended location to experience this is at Lao Herbal Steam Sauna and Massage, located in a traditional neighborhood within the city, providing an authentic glimpse into this time-honored massage practice.

12. Explore the Lao Textile Museum

This quaint museum was previously privately owned by a local family that also runs the Kanchana Boutique.

Today, however, it has evolved into one of the essential cultural sites within Vientiane, housed in a beautiful traditional Laotian compound.

The museum features a picturesque wooden house filled with ancient weaving tools and looms, as well as antique textiles that reflect the diverse ethnic groups in Laos.

For a more hands-on experience, visitors can also participate in textile painting workshops.

13. Go on a cycling tour

Bicycle touring in Vientiane has gained popularity in recent years, allowing enthusiasts to join tours offered by various companies like Vientiane ByCycle.

Participants can choose between half-day or full-day excursions, where knowledgeable local guides lead them to hidden gems such as villages, temples, and markets.

Cycling along the scenic banks of the Mekong River is an excellent method to explore the city while simultaneously enjoying physical activity.

14. Visit the Kaysone Phomivan Memorial

The Kaysone Phomivan Memorial differs from the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and is located in the residence of the former president of Laos, who passed away in 1992. The house has been preserved much as it was at the time of his death, allowing for guided tours through various rooms that provide insight into this important figure in Laotian history.

While less opulent than many might expect, visiting the home is one of the most authentic ways to learn about the history of Laos.

15. Explore the National Ethnic Cultural Park

The National Ethnic Cultural Park, located on the outskirts of Vientiane, features models of traditional homes representing the various ethnic groups in Laos.

Visitors can explore the different houses, observe dinosaur statues, and visit a small zoo within the park.

Cultural performances are occasionally held, and many individuals visit this site on their way to or from Buddha Park, making it convenient to combine both attractions during your visit.