Vientiane, Laos - Travel Guide

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Updated: 2026-10-11

Vientiane, the tranquil capital of Laos, offers a unique blend of ancient Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere along the Mekong River. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking serenity, culture, and a glimpse into traditional Laotian life.

Top things to do in Vientiane

Things to do in Vientiane include Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Vientiane

Here is what 3 days in Vientiane look like when the planner builds them - arriving at noon on the first day and flying home at noon on the last. Stops are grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, and the same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1Arrival at noon

Stops
3
  1. 1
    COPE Visitor CentreMuseum
    2.5 km (🚶 48 min / 🚌 19 min)
  2. 2
    Pha That LuangSikhottabong
    16 km
  3. 3
    Buddha ParkSculpture garden
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Day 2

Stops
6
Walking
1h 18m
  1. 1
    PatuxaiSisattanak
    1.4 km (🚶 22 min)
  2. 2
    Wat Si MuangBuddhist temple · Sisattanak
    700 m (🚶 18 min)
  3. 3
    Haw Phra KaewMuseum · Chanthabouly
    200 m (🚶 3 min)
  4. 4
    Wat Si SaketBuddhist temple · Chanthabouly
    350 m (🚶 7 min)
  5. 5
    Black Stupa
    1.1 km (🚶 28 min)
  6. 6
    Mekong River Park
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Day 3Return at noon

Stops
2
Walking
7 min
  1. 1
    Lao National MuseumMuseum · Chanthabouly
    350 m (🚶 7 min)
  2. 2
    Wat Ong Teu MahawihanBuddhist temple
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The route assumes the first day starts at noon, after you land, and the last ends at noon, before your flight. It is an example: with your dates the planner builds a route around your landing and your flight home, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Vientiane?

Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, Wat Si Muang, Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan and 9 more. Pha That Luang: An iconic golden Buddhist stupa, the national symbol of Laos, impressive in its beauty and sanctity.

What can you do in 3 days in Vientiane?

Day 1: COPE Visitor Centre, Pha That Luang, Buddha Park. Day 2: Patuxai, Wat Si Muang, Haw Phra Kaew, Wat Si Saket. Day 3: Lao National Museum, Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan.

Which areas should you explore in Vientiane?

The itinerary for Vientiane runs through Sikhottabong, Sisattanak and Chanthabouly.

Which museums are worth visiting in Vientiane?

Museums worth visiting in Vientiane: Haw Phra Kaew (Chanthabouly), Lao National Museum (Chanthabouly), Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and COPE Visitor Centre.

Destinations near Vientiane

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