last edited Jan 23, 2020
What to See in Vientiane
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Location Map of Vientiane
Vientiane
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Overview
Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Ensembles
Colonial Houses of Vientiane
These are the buildings dating from the French interwar period that can be seen particularly in the city centre. Some have been restored.
These are the buildings dating from the French interwar period that can be seen particularly in the city centre. Some have been restored.
Presidential Palace in Vientiane
Built on the site of the former royal residence, this building inaugurated in 1973 is not open to visitors but still features an attractive façade.
Built on the site of the former royal residence, this building inaugurated in 1973 is not open to visitors but still features an attractive façade.
Patuxai
This monumental gate, with its park, is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the war for Laos' independence. There is a beautiful view from the top.
This monumental gate, with its park, is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the war for Laos' independence. There is a beautiful view from the top.
Pha That Luang
It is the national symbol of Laos and its most sacred religious monument (it is said to contain a relic of the Buddha). It is recognisable by its 35-metre-high golden stupa.
It is the national symbol of Laos and its most sacred religious monument (it is said to contain a relic of the Buddha). It is recognisable by its 35-metre-high golden stupa.
Wat Simuang
One of the most revered pagodas in the country. It once marked the southeast entrance to the city.
One of the most revered pagodas in the country. It once marked the southeast entrance to the city.
Wat Sisakhet
This is the oldest temple in Vientiane, built in 1818. It is famous for its cloister, which houses several thousand Buddha statues, and also for its richly decorated interior featuring Buddhist frescoes.
This is the oldest temple in Vientiane, built in 1818. It is famous for its cloister, which houses several thousand Buddha statues, and also for its richly decorated interior featuring Buddhist frescoes.
Museums
COPE Visitor Centre
This place—and this NGO—aim to inform visitors about the bombings and the damage they caused during the Vietnam War in Lao territory.
This place—and this NGO—aim to inform visitors about the bombings and the damage they caused during the Vietnam War in Lao territory.
Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and Memorial
This is a site dedicated to Kaysone Phomvihane, who was one of the country’s key political figures and president.
This is a site dedicated to Kaysone Phomvihane, who was one of the country’s key political figures and president.
National Museum of Laos
Housed in the former residence of the French governor, it is dedicated to the country's history, particularly the "national liberation struggle".
Housed in the former residence of the French governor, it is dedicated to the country's history, particularly the "national liberation struggle".
Wat Phra Kaeo
This 16th-century pagoda was rebuilt by the French in 1936 after being destroyed the previous century by the Siamese. Today, it is a museum housing a stunning collection of bronze Buddhas and sacred art objects.
This 16th-century pagoda was rebuilt by the French in 1936 after being destroyed the previous century by the Siamese. Today, it is a museum housing a stunning collection of bronze Buddhas and sacred art objects.
In the Surrounding Area
Xieng Khuan
Also known as "Buddha Park". It's a park near Vientiane featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created in the late 1950s by a local artist.
Also known as "Buddha Park". It's a park near Vientiane featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created in the late 1950s by a local artist.
also, on the Thai side...
Nong Khai
The city is known for Sala Keoku, a stunning sculpture park with Buddhist and Hindu influences. Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is just across the Mekong, so many travelers heading to Laos by land pass through Nong Khai.
The city is known for Sala Keoku, a stunning sculpture park with Buddhist and Hindu influences. Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is just across the Mekong, so many travelers heading to Laos by land pass through Nong Khai.
Additional Information
Must-see & highly recommended
Pha That Luang
★★★★ It is the national symbol of Laos and its most sacred religious monument (it is said to contain a relic of the Buddha). It is recognisable…
Worth a look / Other
COPE Visitor Centre
★★ This place—and this NGO—aim to inform visitors about the bombings and the damage they caused during the Vietnam War in Lao…
National Museum of Laos
★★ Housed in the former residence of the French governor, it is dedicated to the country's history, particularly the "national liberation…
Patuxai
★★ This monumental gate, with its park, is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the war for Laos' independence. There is a beautiful view…
Wat Phra Kaeo
★★ This 16th-century pagoda was rebuilt by the French in 1936 after being destroyed the previous century by the Siamese. Today, it is a museum…
Wat Simuang
★★ One of the most revered pagodas in the country. It once marked the southeast entrance to the city.
Wat Sisakhet
★★ This is the oldest temple in Vientiane, built in 1818. It is famous for its cloister, which houses several thousand Buddha statues, and…
Xieng Khuan
★★ Also known as "Buddha Park". It's a park near Vientiane featuring over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created in the late 1950s by a…
Colonial Houses of Vientiane
★ These are the buildings dating from the French interwar period that can be seen particularly in the city centre. Some have been restored.
Kaysone Phomvihane Museum and Memorial
★ This is a site dedicated to Kaysone Phomvihane, who was one of the country’s key political figures and president.
Nong Khai
★ The city is known for Sala Keoku, a stunning sculpture park with Buddhist and Hindu influences. Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is just…
Presidential Palace in Vientiane
★ Built on the site of the former royal residence, this building inaugurated in 1973 is not open to visitors but still features an attractive…
Vat Chan
★ A pretty little pagoda facing the Mekong.