Quick Guide to Vientiane

Laos, a mainly Buddhist country is nestled between Thailand and Vietnam and gets overlooked because of this. Thailand seems to be everyones top destination when travelling to Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a less touristy destination, Laos should be at the top of your list. This guide is here to help you get a sense of Vientiane, Laos' capital city before you decide to visit.

Before you Arrive

Most countries require a visa to visit Laos, but the good news is getting a visa on arrival is quite easy to do. The countries highlighted in yellow can get a visa on arrival for 30 days, green is visa free for 30 days, blue visa free for 15 day, purple 14 days and if you live in the grey areas you need to get one in advance.

However, make sure to have the following:

• a passport with 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages
• two passport photos
• a visa application
• 30 dollars in American currency

Population: 783,000
Climate: Tropical savanna
Currency:  KIP (K)
​Official Language(s): Lao

Arrival

Vientiane's Wattay Airport is located 3 km from the city centre. Getting to the city centre is quite simple and cheap! First of all, there is a shuttle bus that costs 15,000k ($2 CAD). The shuttle bus takes you to the Central Bus station and also stops at different hotels along the way. The bus ride takes only 30 mins! Taxis and minibuses are also available. A taxi costs around 57,000k ($8 CAD). Make sure to get your taxi coupon before you get in a cab!

Getting Around

Tuk tuks and songthaews/minivans are the best way to get around in Vientiane. Normally, if you are going short distances tuk tuks are your best option as it is your private ride. Tuk tuks are also very cheap, however the ride might not be the most comfortable. Longer rides require songthaews or minivans. Songthaews are like trucks with wooden benches in the back (not very comfortable) but they drive long distances. Songthaews are the cheaper option, but for comfort I would take the minivan option. 

Phrases

In Laos, I found most people I interacted with spoke English, some even spoke French! Anyways here are some Laotian phrases you can use:
       Hello- Sabaidi
       Goodbye- La Gon
       Thank you- Khob chai

What to See

Before going to Vientiane, I had no idea what there was to see and do there except for the Buddha Park, which turned out to be my favourite attraction. The Buddha Park is 25 km southeast of Vientiane, however it has the most amazing sculptures!
Pro tip: Climb to the top of the large pumpkin-like statue for the best views.
Another popular attraction is Pha That Luang, a gold Buddhist stupa said to be from the 3rd century. If you like temples, make sure to visit Wat Si Muang and Wat Si Saket. Across the street from Wat Si Saket is the Presidential Palace. The palace is closed off to visitors so all you can do is see it from the gates. It's actually pretty close to the road! Another place with a great view, is Patuxai Victory Monument. Patuxai is Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe. Plus, it was actually modelled after the famous Arch. Climbing to the top will cost you 3,000 kip which is a measly $0.50 CAD, so why not do it! 

Laos has a long, complicated history, where better than to learn more about it than at the Lao National Museum. Another interesting museum to visit is COPE Visitor Center. What is interesting is that it is a small museum that focuses on the role Laos played in the Vietnam War and how people are still being effected. There is no fee to enter but donations are encouraged.

What to Eat & Drink

Laotian food is very similar to their Thai neighbours. If you love Thai, then you will love Laotian as well. The food is cheap and delicious. There are so many dishes to try!

Must try dishes:

• Minced meat salad (Laap)
  
• Khao Piak Sen (rice noodles with meat)
  
• Green papaya salad
• Khao Soi (minced pork with rice noodles)
  
• Sai Oo-ah (sausage)

Where to Stay

Vientiane is a very convenient city. For the most part it is super easy and cheap to get around the city. Hotels or hostels around the Riverfront or and city centre are the best places to stay as they are where most hotels are located. These places are all walking distance to attractions you may want to visit as well. Here are some hotel/hostel suggestions for each area. Riverfront-- Seasons Riverside Hotel and in the City centre-- Khow Hoom Hostel or Crowne Plaza Hotel.