Vientiane
LaosLA
Capital of Laos
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. Comprising the 5 urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture, the city is located on the banks of the Mekong, close to the border with Thailand. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule. The city had a population of 840,000 as of the 2023 census. Pha That Luang, an icon of Buddhism, is located in Vientiane. Other Buddhist temples can be found there, such as Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly housed the Emerald Buddha.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 528,000
- Coordinates
- 17.967, 102.600
- Timezone
- Asia/Vientiane
- Elevation
- 174 m
Overview of Vientiane
Travellers heading to Laos will find Vientiane, a busy regional city. It counts about 528,000 residents. Which matters when you decide how long to stay. The local offer centres on nature, culture and water sports. Its northern-hemisphere position decides when the high season falls.
Things to do in Vientiane
Nature in Vientiane
(21)The nature shortlist for Vientiane: Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. All of it is drawn from Vientiane's recorded activities. That is 21 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Culture in Vientiane
(18)Under culture, Vientiane is tagged with Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Art Galleries, Bridges and Castles. The full list runs to 18 activities. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vientiane.
Water Sports in Vientiane
(18)Looking for water sports? Vientiane has Bodyboard, Canoeing, Diving, Jet Skiing and Kayaking. In all, 18 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Vientiane.
Sports in Vientiane
(15)Vientiane records Biking, Golf, Hiking, Hiking Trails and Horse Trails under sports. All of it is drawn from Vientiane's recorded activities. That is 15 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Adventure in Vientiane
(13)Adventure in Vientiane covers Abseiling, Adventure, Adventure Parks, Amusement Parks and Boat Rides. In all, 13 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Vientiane.
Nightlife in Vientiane
(10)Nightlife in Vientiane covers Bars, Casinos, Clubs, Disco and Events. In all, 10 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Vientiane.
Wellness in Vientiane
(7)Wellness lovers get Farms, Hammam, Ranches, Spa and Therms. Everything listed here comes from what Vientiane is actually tagged with. Altogether 7 options are tagged here.
Family in Vientiane
(4)For family, expect Aquariums, Playgrounds, Water Parks and Zoo. Each one is worth building half a day around. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vientiane.
Shopping in Vientiane
(2)Our data lists Food and Shopping as shopping options here. Plan them together and you have a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Vientiane.
More to do in Vientiane
(2)Vientiane records Fishing and Secret under other activities. All of it is drawn from Vientiane's recorded activities. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Best time to visit Vientiane
June to September brings the conditions water activities need. Choose April to June and September to October for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to December to February. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
Getting there & around
Long-distance travel plus local networks make Vientiane straightforward to reach and cross. Time zone: Asia/Vientiane.
Similar destinations
Places near Vientiane that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Vientiane known for?
- Vientiane, in Laos, is best known for nature, culture and water sports. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 528,000 residents.
- What can you do in Vientiane?
- Recorded activities in Vientiane include Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Vientiane?
- June to September brings the conditions water activities need. Choose April to June and September to October for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to December to February. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
- Where is Vientiane located?
- Vientiane is located in Laos. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
Personal notes
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