| Population | 840,000 at the 2023 census |
|---|---|
| Role | capital of Laos; administrative capital under French rule |
| Pha That Luang | an icon of Buddhism in the city |
| Patuxai | memorial monument built between 1957 and 1968 |
| Buddha Park | built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat; Buddhist and Hindu sculptures |
Vientiane: A Gentle Introduction to Laos
The Mekong River has long been the spine and lifeblood of Laos as it meanders from the far north to the very south of this landlocked nation. Along its route, the river passes by Vientiane the capital city of Laos.
Frequently the first stop of tourists coming to Laos, Vientiane is a riverbank city where one can spend a short time seeing a different aspect of Lao culture before exploring the rest. Unlike the spirituality of Luang Prabang or the natural splendor of the deep south, Vientiane will show you Laos’s broader history and the urban life of the city. Let Absolute Asia Tours guide you through the best things to do in Vientiane!
The relaxed manner of Laos can be particularly seen in Vientiane, which is signature for Lao culture. Before the French came in the late 1800s, its significance fluctuated over the ensuing centuries. Things started to calm down when the civil war ended and the Pathet Lao party emerged victorious.
Vientiane is best enjoyed for its relaxed environment, French colonial architecture, and scattering of revered Buddhist temples, even if it offers only a few attractions to cross off a traveler’s must-see list. The Patuxai memorial, resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is located in the center of the city and is best seen at night when it is brilliantly lit.
Take a morning walk through Talat Sao Market to start the day, and then continue on through the French Colonial area. Temple lovers must see the venerated (and glittering) Wat Pha That Luang, and the neighboring Buddha Park is a unique collection of more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues arranged in well-kept gardens.
There are now many excellent options to sample both traditional and contemporary Laotian food, which is frequently combined with French and other international cuisine, thanks to the growing restaurant and bar culture that has been fueled by the expat community. Watch the sun set over the Mekong at a riverbank café in the evening.
If you want to add Vientiane to your Laos tour as the first stop or enjoy the charm of this city for a longer time, let Absolute Asia Tours bring you a perfect itinerary for your needs!
The Mekong capital
English Wikipedia describes Vientiane as the capital of Laos on the Mekong, near the border with Thailand, and the administrative capital under French rule. It had a population of 840,000 at the 2023 census. Pha That Luang is the Buddhist icon of the city, and Haw Phra Kaew once housed the Emerald Buddha. The Patuxai memorial monument was built between 1957 and 1968, and Buddha Park, with Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. We have not verified opening hours, prices or the older text’s description of the riverfront.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Vientiane. Last checked November 2026.
Vientiane: FAQ
How many people live in Vientiane?
About 840,000 at the 2023 census.
What is Pha That Luang?
A gold-covered Buddhist stupa and an icon of Vientiane.
When was Patuxai built?
Between 1957 and 1968.
What is Buddha Park?
A sculpture park of Buddhist and Hindu figures built in 1958.
How many days do you need in Vientiane?
One to two days.