Vientiane City

Area: 3,920 km2
Population: 8,5m

GEOGRAPHY
Vientiane is located in the northwestern part of Laos, along the banks of the Mekong River,the elevation is 174 meters (570 feet) above sea level. It borders with Nong Khai and Udon Thani Province of Thailand to the West and South, Vientiane Province to the North, Borikhamxay Province to the East. 

WEATHER & CLIMATE
Vientiane has a tropical savanna climate. This means the city experiences hot temperatures year-round with three distinct seasons:
Cool & Dry (Nov–Feb): Avg. temperatures: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
Hot (Mar–May): Temps can reach 35–38°C (95–100°F) Humidity begins to increase before the rains
Rainy (Jun–Oct): Heavy but usually short-lived rain showers, mostly in the afternoon. Frequent thunderstorms and occasional flooding - Avg. Temperatures: 25–33°C (77–91°F), high humidity: 80–90%
Annual rainfall: ~1,500–2,000 mm
Average temperature: ~25–29°C (77–84°F)

TRANSPORTATION
It's easy to access Vientiane by air, land (bus/train), and river from other provinces or neighboring countries:
By Air: Wattay International Airport (VTE) is right in the city center operating many domestic flights to Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet as well as international flights to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia... The main airlines: Lao Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern...
By Train: You can get to Vientiane by train from Thailand via Friendship Bridge or from China by Modern high speed train via Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng...
By bus: The most popular transportation to Vientiane from any provinces in Laos or from Thailand and Vietnam. 

SEE & DO
Pha That Luang is a large, gold-covered Buddhist Stupa in the centre of the city of Vientiane, considered as a national symbol of Laos. Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century AD, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions, as recently as the 1930s, due to foreign invasions of the area. This is a must-see tourist attraction in Vientiane.

Wat Si Muang temple is a Buddhist temple built in the 16th century was built on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine, the remains of which can be seen behind the ordination hall. Wat Si Muang is known for its central pillar, which holds great significance as the spiritual heart of the city. As the most sacred temple in Vientiane, it is a place where locals come to seek peace, blessings, and tranquility. 

Wat Si Saket located in Vientiane is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images and rows with hundreds of seated Buddhas, this is both a historic temple and a museum, known for its unique architecture and extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts. These images mainly date from the 16th and 19th centuries and come in all sizes and are made from wood, stone and bronze – more than 6,800 Buddhas in total. 

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a famous sculpture park nestled in the captivating landscapes about 25 kms from the center Vientiane. This park is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-meter-high Reclining Buddha image. 
Buddha Park Highlights It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. This explains why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons and animals from both beliefs.

Patuxai (Victory Gate), is a war monument that was constructed between 1957 and 1968 to commemorate those who fought during World War II and for the independence of Laos from France. Since the fight for independence was fought against the French, it is somewhat surprising that the triumphal arch bears such resemblance to the Paris Arc de Triomphe. It is also interesting that the monument was built of american cement. It was a gift and intended to construct an airport. This monument holds significant cultural and historical importance for the people of Laos. The design of Patuxai is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but it incorporates traditional Laotian motifs, giving it a distinct local flavor

Wat Ho Phra Keo was originally constructed in 1565 as the Lao royal family’s personal chapel, and as a home for the Emerald Buddha after it was snatched from northern Siam (Thailand). This sacred jade statue was reclaimed by the Siamese in 1778 and now sits in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

COPE Visitor Centre is located in Vientiane, Laos, in the grounds of the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), on Khouvieng Road, across the street from the Green Park Hotel. Entry to the Visitor Centre is free. The exhibits cover the history of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the way it affects life in the country, how the work of COPE, CMR and others is improving the quality of life for people in Laos with mobility-related disabilities and the stories of how our work has helped people move on.

Vientiane Night Market: Like other cities, the night markets are always be the highlight. The Vientiane Night Market takes place every night on the bank of Mekong River, the most crowded area of quiet Vientiane. You can find all kinds of local products, foods and drinks. 

EAT & DRINKS
Larb(Lao Salad) is a meat salad seasoned with fresh herbs, is one of the most famous and beloved dishes in Lao cuisine. Known as the national dish of Laos (but it is also popular in the Northeastern and Northern regions of Thailand), this flavorful salad consists of minced meat, fresh herbs, lime juice, and toasted rice powder, creating a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It's a must-try when in Vientiane
Add: Doi Ka Noi Restaurant- Sisangvong Road, Vientiane, Laos

Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya salad) is a traditional Laotian dish featuring shredded green papaya, mixed with a dressing of chili, garlic, lime, shrimp paste, and fermented fish sauce. Sometimes made with black crab paste. This salad is also widely popular in Thailand, particularly in the Isan region, which shares close ethnic and cultural ties with Laos due to its predominantly ethnic Lao population.Add: Kualao Restaurant - 134 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos

Khao Poon is a spicy rice‐vermicelli Lao soup that is often made with pounded chicken, fish, or pork in coconut milk broth (or without coconut milk) and seasoned with common Lao ingredients such as fish sauce, padaek, lime leaves, galangal, garlic, shallots, Lao chillies, and fish mint. It’s a staple in Lao cuisine and is often served at celebrations and family gatherings.
Add: Han Sam Euay Nong - Chao Anou Road, Vientiane, Laos or at street food stalls in Vientiane

Khao Piak Sen is one of the most popular chicken noodle soups in Laos especially in Vientiane where you can find stalls serving both the noodle and rice versions in the morning. This Lao traditional food is made of broth stewed with chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, ginger, and soy sauce.
Add: Delicious noodle restaurant - Khun Bu Lom Rd, Vientiane, Laos, or at street food stalls.

Mok Pa is an authentic traditional Lao dish of steamed catfish wrapped in banana leaves. The fish is mixed with aromatics, with dill as the standout herb, and seasoned with padaek and fish sauce, renders the marinated fish magnificently succulent and buttery. The dish can be placed in whole banana leaves or small, individual-sized parcels, and it usually comes served with rice and a dipping sauce on the side. Although various types of fish can be used, catfish is the most common choice in Laos.
Add: Kualao Restaurant -  134 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos

Insects & Ant‑egg soup known as "soup khai mot daeng" in Laos, is a traditional dish featuring the red ants' eggs. It's a popular and favourite dish of the late summer in Laos.  dish in Laos made of red ant eggs, mixed with snakehead fish, garlic, galangal, lemon grass. tamarind bean, lime juice, basil leaves, tomatoes and fish stock.
Add: Doi Ka Noi restaurant or local market food and night market along Khun Bu Lom road

Khao Je pate is the traditional filling consists of a range of vegetables, pork lunch meat, chopped ham and Lao pate stuffed with pork or Lao sausage,sliced papaya, carrots, shallots or onion, cucumber, cilantro and sometimes Jeow bong or chili sauce. The best way to enjoy is skipping the fancy restaurants and buy Khao Jee pate from a bustling street vendor
Add: Street food stalls and night markets

NIGHTLIFE - bars and cafe
Chokdee Cafe & Belgian Beer Bar is a old Brown Belgian Beer Bar Style open since 2007 ,that offer a range of more than 120 Beers in bottle from Belgium , Ireland , France and Germany. A wide selection of spirit , as Gin and single malt whisky is available as well. 12 fresh beers on taps are available as well. Chokdee Cafe offers Belgian food speciality , as the well know Moules Frites , typical mussels and fries , and other specialities as Carbonades , Americain , Vol au vent , saussages and Stoemp,.. The perfect place to meet friends , after work meeting place , enjoying with family , in a Warm and cosy . athmosphere.Add: Quai Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Laos

Moonlight Lounge Namphou - Vientiane's premier and sleek cocktail bar, restaurant, club and hookah lounge. Signature Cocktails, Draft & Craft Beers, Wine, Champagne, Full European & Asian Food Menus (Vegetarian and Vegan available), Shisha & Hookah (using only premium brands & 100% coconut charcoal), Cuban Cigars, Professional Pool Table, the city's widest variety of Rare Whisky, Gin & other Spirits, Nitrous Balloons, Early Evening Ambiance, Non-Stop Late-Night Lounge, Techno & Hip-Hop Beats, Ladies, Atmosphere, and a whole lot more. We are the scene - located directly on the edge of Nam Phu Fountain with outdoor patio seating and a full indoor bar with large, comfy lounge chairs and sofas.Add: 1 Namphu Fountain - Post Box 8837, Vientiane 01000, Laos

CCC Bar & Club Vientiane: open since around 2010, it’s Vientiane's staple LGBTQ+‑friendly bar and nightclub,is a vibrant place that captures the essence of nightlife in Laos. The bar is decorated in modern and stylish interior, this lively venue features comfortable seating and an expansive dance floor, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends when the crowd swells with party-goers eager to enjoy music and dancing late into the night.
Add: Khun Bu Lom road, Vientiane, Laos

Cocoon Bar Vientiane is hidden in tiny alley. Unique setting makes it full of mystery. Enjoy our special drinks in discrete corner and the finest convo with your companions.
Add:  Chanthabouly District, Rue Hengbounnoy, Vientiane, Laos

Tipsy Elephant Vientiane Rooftop Lounge is 10th floor of SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane, promises cool drinks, cocktails, beers, wines and cocktails with stunning views over the Mekong River and Sunset. Many selections of Finger Foods and Snacks are provided for you to order to eat with your favourite Drinks.
Add: 101 Chou Anou Road Watchan Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane 0100 Laos.

Phoenix Night Club is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the vibrant nightlife of Vientiane. Known for its energetic atmosphere, this club attracts both locals and tourists eager to dance the night away to an eclectic mix of music genres.
Add: KM3, Sisatthanak District, Vientiane, Laos

Club DPlus is one of the best club in Vientiane where the vibrant nightlife comes alive. This club is known for its electric atmosphere, making it a must-visit for tourists looking to experience the local party scene. Open from 10 pm to 4 am next day, the comers have plenty of time to enjoy the music and dance. With a mix of local and international DJ performances, the music at Club DPlus ranges from electrifying electronic beats to popular dance hits, catering to diverse musical tastes.Add: Kuvieng Road,Dong Palantha Village,Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Laos

Tully's Irish Pub in Vientiane offers a unique experience of Irish ambience and tastes in the heart of Vientiane. First opened in Feb 2018 Tully’s has been at the forefront of offering a true Irish pub experience in the heart of Vientiane. We offer the largest range of tap beers and spirits in Laos complimented with our selection of real Pub food covering both Western and Asian tastes. The Pub has seating for 240 people over 2 levels & available to host functions and parties. Upstairs we have 3 pool tables, Darts and Foosball and all your international sport needs are covered with multiple Tv’s and big screen projectors on both levels. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights till late. Located in the city centre 100m from the night markets.
Add: Thatluang lake, Vientiane, Laos

Go Dunk is a vibrant live music bar & casual grill located in central Vientiane.
Add: Market Wang 450, Vientiane 0100 Laos

Ohlala bar - A cozy bar directly by the Mekong River. For every night hangouts, owner with passion and a true sense of hospitality. 
Add: Qui Fa Ngum, Vientiane 0100 Laos.