Capital of Laos: 10 Tips for first-time travellers to Vientiane

MF editorial team 03 Jul 2017

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It is a place to learn about Buddhist culture
Buddhism has tremendous influence in many aspects of Laotian life. Located in the city centre is the sacred gilded stupa of Pha That Luang (The Great Stupa), a national symbol and cultural monument of Laos.

Other sites worthy of a visit include the Pha That Luang, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket, Ho Pha Keo, That Dam and the Wat Ong Te.
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Cash is the preferred payment mode for daily transactions
The official national currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (K), which comes in denominations ranging from 500 to 100,000 (1 SGD = 5,838.12 LAK). Other currencies that are commonly used include the US dollar and Thai Baht. When paying with a different currency, do pay attention to the exchange rate you are offered on the spot – paying in Lao kip typically gets you a better deal.
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Popular vantage points to take in stunning views
No visit to Vientiane is complete without catching the sunset at Mekong River, where the stunning view is bound to leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.

For a panoramic view of the city’s skyline, visit the top of the Patuxai Victory Monument. Referred to as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of Vientiene’, the Patuxai is dedicated to those who perished fighting for independence from France.
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Spectacular festivals not to be missed
The Boun Ok Phansa and Boun Xuang Heua (Boat Racing Festival) are held in October to mark the end of Buddhist lent. The latter is the biggest dragon boat racing festival in the country, with over 20 teams gathering from all around the country to race along the Mekong River.

Join spectators along the banks in this free public event to cheer the teams on, while soaking in the festive mood.
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Spectacular festivals not to be missed (cont.)
The That Luang Festival (November) is one where hundreds of monks from across the nation congregate for three days of religious ceremonies followed by a week-long festival with a grand firework display, music and drama performances.
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Explore Vientiane like a local on two wheels
Getting around by foot or tuk-tuk are common transport modes in Vientiane, but cycling is the most popular amongst locals.

For convenient access to places of interest, stay at a strategically located hotel, such as Vientiane’s first internationally-branded hotel, Crowne Plaza Vientiane, situated in the city centre.

There is even a bicycle rental establishment within a 15-min walk from the hotel.
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Everything tastes better with sticky rice
Enjoy an authentic Laotian meal by indulging in the national staple – klao niaw (sticky rice) that is best enjoyed on its own or as a supplement to other proteins.

Other must-tries include khao jee (baguette) – evidence of Vientiane’s colonial past, laap, a traditional meat salad made with minced meat, spices and crushed dried rice grains, or lam, mildly spicy and thick Laotian vegetables and dried buffalo meat stew and tam mak houng, a tangy papaya salad made with raw papaya, garlic, chilli and peanuts.
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Discover quality Laotian coffee
One of Laos best kept secrets is its coffee. Unbeknownst to many, Laos produces some of the best coffee beans grown on the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos, with the majority being Robusta and Arabica coffee beans.

Holding a fragrant cup of Laotian coffee in hand as you stroll around Vientiane is a sublime way to soak in the atmosphere of the capital city. Or sip your coffee while people-watching in one of the quaint cafes along Rue Setthathathirath near the Mekong River.
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Mind the city-wide curfew
Due to a city-wide curfew enforced by the government, most establishments close before midnight. That said, this should not stop you from enjoying a relaxing evening drink as long as you start early enough.

Elephant Lounge, on the ground floor of Crowne Plaza Vientiane, provides an elegant ambience for unwinding over exquisitely crafted cocktails alongside live entertainment. Other popular bars in the city include the Chokdee Café and Belgian Beer Bar and Bor Pen Nyang Bar.
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Learn the ancient art of silk weaving
Pick up a new skill while investing the time and effort needed to dye threads and hand-weave silk using a traditional wooden loom.

The Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for women offers both half and full day silk-weaving workshops from Mondays to Saturdays.
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Handmade products make the best souvenirs
Handmade Lao silk and other textiles, wooden products and handicrafts symbolise the superb craftsmanship of the Laotian people.

They can be found at the open air Talat Sao (Vientiane Morning Market), famed for its dazzling array of silk and handicrafts. For specialised shops, visit the Ministry of Silk, Magic Lao Carpet Handicraft and Sangthong bamboo handicraft shop.

It is a place to learn about Buddhist culture

Before embarking on your first adventure in Vientiane, here are 10 must-knows and tips to discover.

Laos, known as The Land of a Million Elephants, is famed for its Buddhist culture and two UNESCO world heritage sites – Luang Prabang and Vat Phou Temple.

In the heart of Laos lies Vientiane, the largest city and the country’s capital. Vientiane, which means “city of sandalwood”, sits on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand and prides itself for its Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture scattered throughout the city.

While cultural preservation often takes a backseat in favour of tourism development in Southeast Asia, Vientiane continues to preserve its cultural heritage while gradually opening its doors to tourism – promising a charming, cultural-rich respite from the urban scene. We invite you to head up to the gallery to check out 10 tips and must-knows when you embark on your first adventure to Vientiane! Take some notes.

Armed with these useful travel tips, it’s now up to you to discover for yourself the endless beauty and wonder this city holds.

To celebrate the recent opening of Crowne Plaza Vientiane – the first InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) hotel to open in Laos, the hotel is offering a special rate from just USD75++ a night. For more information, visit www.crowneplaza.com/vientiane.

Crowne Plaza Vientiane
20 Samsenthai Road
Nongduang Nua Village, Sikhottabong District
Vientiane, Laos 01000
Tel: +856 21 908888

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