Vientiane

Luxury Vientiane Travel

The capital city of Laos is quiet and laid-back, marked by golden temples, riverside markets, and a complex history. Embark on a cycling tour to explore Vientiane’s past and present, stopping at Wat Si Saket—the oldest temple in the city and the only structure to survive the Siam invasion of 1828— and Patuxai, or Victory Gate. The 1968 stone monument was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe and honors the Lao soldiers who fought in WWII and the 1949 War of Independence from France.  

Stroll along the wide boulevards hemmed by colorful French colonial buildings, people watch from one of the many riverside cafes, and make an early-morning visit to a market. Don’t miss the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, a sculpture park created by artist and mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, where you can walk through lush grounds dotted with whimsical, surrealist statues depicting Hindu and Buddhist iconography.  

Thanks to newer high-speed bullet trains, Southeast Asia’s smallest capital city is only an hour away from Luang Prabang, and it’s easy to get to the outdoor adventure haven of Vang Vieng from here, too.  

Explore Vientiane On a Map