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Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane [2025]
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Victory Monument
4.6
/5
368 reviews
5.6
Based on 2,868 reviews
Vientiane City Center | 977m from downtown
Address: XJC9+6F9 P.D.R, Vientiane 00100, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
No.1 of Night Attractions in Vientiane
Highlights:
360° view of Paris skyline
Panoramic view from 150 steps
Saved by 311 users168 positive reviews
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The most symbolic attraction in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is the Arc de Triomphe, which was built to commemorate the country's independence and is located in the center of the entire city. It is said that between the airport and the Arc de Triomphe, the majority of the people chose to build the Arc de Triomphe first.
At both ends of Lancang Avenue, one is the Presidential Palace and the other is the Arc de Triomphe. There is also the Prime Minister's Office next to the Arc de Triomphe.
The square and the big fountain around the Arc de Triomphe are very beautiful. They were built with assistance from the Chinese government a few years ago. When the setting sun sets, it is also the most beautiful time for the Arc de Triomphe Square. Vientiane citizens bring their children to come and stroll around, and there is a peaceful scene.
With the majestic gushing of the musical fountain ⛲️, the entire square also reached a climax.
The happiest city, the happiest country, and the happiest people!
There is a temple on the left and right of the That Luang Temple. The one on the left is the Reclining Buddha Temple (introduced in another article), and the one on the right is the That Luang Angry Temple. The red roof and yellow walls are particularly eye-catching.
There is also a magnificent temple next to it, with a high spire and a standing Buddha on each side of the door. They are all very spectacular and beautiful.
The whole square is wide and clean, with some tall trees guarding this sacred land like soldiers.
Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)
4.5
/5
155 reviews
5.3
Based on 2,446 reviews
16.9 km from downtown
Phone +85621212248
Address: Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
View Thailand from Mekong River
Experience Buddhist reincarnation culture
Saved by 194 users46% positive reviews
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Xiangkun Temple is also called the Ten Thousand Buddhas Park. The park is not very large. If you walk straight into the park, you will see the Mekong River at the end of the road, and Chiang Rai in Thailand is on the other side. There are various Buddhist and Hindu Buddha sculptures in the park, of different sizes and expressions. It is more like a stone sculpture park than a temple. The various sculptures are set off by colorful bougainvilleas and other tropical plants, making them more sacred and beautiful.
Xiangkun Temple in Vientiane (Ten Thousand Buddhas Park), a must-visit attraction in Laos.
The "Internet celebrity" nine-story pagoda, the six reincarnations, the longest reclining Buddha, the monkey mouth heaven and hell tower, the standing statue of Shiva (holding a child who was killed by mistake), etc., many of which are introduced from some Buddhist stories and legends in Hinduism, and made into statues, which are extremely rare in most Buddhist places.
There is a mysterious legend behind each Buddha statue. Although they are all made of reinforced concrete, they are also delicate and beautiful, especially some facial expressions and body movements, which are closely related to the plot.
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Pha That Luang
4.6
/5
239 reviews
4.8
Based on 1,628 reviews
2.8 km from downtown
Phone +8562095210600
Address: That Luang, Xaysettha 10009, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Cultural & sports shows in November
Grand festival & fair in November
Saved by 223 users137 positive reviews
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That Luang Temple is the most sacred Buddhist building in Laos and one of the national symbols. Its golden pagoda is
2. Historical background
Origin: It was built in the 3rd century and was originally a small pagoda for worshipping Buddha bones. In the 16th century, it was expanded to its current size by King Saythathirat of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
Reconstruction: After wars and colonial destruction, it was restored many times in the 19th and 20th centuries. The current appearance is the result of the restoration during the French colonial period in the 1930s.
Symbolic significance: The That Luang pattern can be seen on the national emblem and currency of Laos, reflecting its national spirit and cultural core position.
3. Architectural features
Main tower structure: The four-story base symbolizes the Buddhist "three realms" and "nirvana", the top lotus spire points directly to the sky, and the stupa-style tower body is inlaid with reliefs and religious patterns.
Decorative details : The base of the tower is engraved with reliefs of Buddha statues, lotus flowers, mythical beasts, etc., and the murals in the corridors depict Buddhist stories and Laotian history.
Attached buildings: The surrounding small Buddhist temples, scripture pavilions and Buddha statues are well preserved. Some buildings were newly built in recent years with a unified style.
4. Cultural significance
That Luang Temple is not only a religious holy place, but also a symbol of Lao national identity. The That Luang Festival (Boun That Luang) in November every year is the grandest festival. Monks and believers from all over the country gather to hold ceremonies, parades and market activities, which are very lively.
5. Visiting experience
Visual shock: The golden pagoda forms a sharp contrast with the blue sky. It is particularly magnificent at sunrise and sunset, which is suitable for photography.
Cultural immersion: You can observe local believers praying and monks chanting scriptures, and feel the immersion of Buddhist culture.
Suggestions for visiting: Avoid the scorching sun at noon, it is best to visit in the early morning or evening; the interior of the pagoda is not open, but you can visit around the outside.
6. Practical information
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (daily)
Tickets: 10,000 kip (about RMB 4)
Transportation: Tuk-tuk takes about 15 minutes to reach the center of Vientiane, and the cost is less than 30,000 kip.
Dress requirements: Wear long pants/long skirts, cover shoulders, and respect the etiquette of religious places.
Duration of the tour: 1-2 hours (it is recommended to plan a half-day itinerary in combination with other temples in the surrounding area).
7. Precautions
Respect customs: Avoid making noise, pointing at Buddha statues, and women should not touch monks.
Sun protection and heatstroke prevention: The venue is open, and you need to prepare a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water.
Guide service: You can hire an English guide at the entrance (about 50,000 kip) to explain the historical details in depth.
Small vendors: There are stalls selling flowers, incense, candles and souvenirs outside the temple, and you can bargain appropriately.
8. Summary
Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
That Luang Temple is a "must-visit place" in Vientiane and even Laos, with a heavy sense of history and visual impact. Although it is not as large as other famous temples in Southeast Asia, its sacred atmosphere and national symbolism are unique. Suitable for cultural enthusiasts, photography players and short-distance tourists. It is recommended to combine it with attractions such as the Vientiane Arc de Triomphe and Sisaket Temple to experience the charm of Laos.
Tips: If you have enough time, you can participate in the That Luang Festival (during the full moon in November) to experience the most authentic religious culture and folk customs!
Wat Pho is one of the many temples in Vientiane. It is not very large, but it is very popular because it is just across the road from the famous Wat That Luang and is protected by a huge reclining Buddha.
There is a very exquisite and tall sculpture inside, on which there is a prince-like figure drawing a bow and shooting an arrow. There are also several angles where you can take pictures of the Shwedagon Pagoda of Wat That Luang.
The surrounding walls are also quite distinctive, with golden pagodas of respected and prestigious families, which are spectacular.
No.
4
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Presidential Palace
4.2
/5
66 reviews
4.7
Mekong Riverside | 457m from downtown
Phone +85621214208
Address: XJ66+X2H, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Presidential Palace & river views
Majestic river views by Mekong
34% positive reviews
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There is no Prime Minister's Office on Ctrip, so I can only comment on it here.
The Prime Minister's Office of Laos is across the road from the Arc de Triomphe and is also the most eye-catching building around the square.
The architectural style is mainly French, incorporating traditional elements of Laos, with red roofs and white walls, and is majestic.
Many people easily confuse the three concepts of the Presidential Palace, the Chairman's Palace, and the Prime Minister's Office. In fact, the Presidential Palace and the Chairman's Palace are the same place, just on the other side of the road facing the Arc de Triomphe. The French call it the Presidential Palace, and the Laotians call it the Chairman's Palace, because socialist countries do not have a president. The Prime Minister's Office is the building next to the Arc de Triomphe.
The entire square is also very beautiful, and there are many beautiful historical buildings around it, and the fountain at night is not to be missed.
This is the Presidential Palace of Laos, also translated as the Presidential Palace (because the French on the gate screen means Presidential Palace, but Laos is a socialist country, there is only a chairman, not a president), located at the end of Lancang Avenue in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and the other end is the Arc de Triomphe (the red roof next to the Arc de Triomphe is the Prime Minister's Office). The Presidential Palace is also called the "Golden Palace". It is a traditional French architectural style. It was built on the basis of a royal palace. It is not just the building in front, but also has an attached building complex in the back. The strange thing is that in the photos I took, why are there no three particularly beautiful spires on the top of the building? (Picture 2 is a picture taken by someone else)
No.
5
Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Arts
4.4
/5
7 reviews
4.4
8.3 km from downtown
Phone +856305140717
Address: Nongseum, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Admire 10,000 precious wood art pieces
Rosewood art exhibits bring the history of Laos to life
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Shenmu Museum, the richest man in Laos (the steel tycoon) spent all his money to protect 15,000 acres of wild agarwood forest from the Japanese and collected more than 20,000 wood carvings.
It is not allowed to take photos indoors. The main reason is to protect the intellectual property rights of the creative design of the carvings, fearing that others will copy them. In fact, such unique and scarce works are basically impossible to copy. Everyone helps to promote them, but it can also promote more positive energy.
The whole exhibition is very magnificent, the works are also extremely exquisite, the guides are serious and dedicated, and there are some derivative products to choose from after the visit.
It is completely different from a general shopping store.
Let's travel to Xaysomboun Province, Laos
We traveled from Thailand by taking a car across Nong Khai
Then rented a car in Vientiane and drove to Xaysomboun
This time we went to Phu Hua Lon, a green grass mountain
Easy walk from the accommodation, no more than 30 minutes
Go to see the sunrise with beautiful fog
In the morning, go to eat by the stream at Wang Nam Khieo
Then let's travel to Laos
#Laos #VisitLaos #PhuHuaLon #WangNamKieo
No.
6
Haw Pha Kaew
4.5
/5
114 reviews
4.1
Mekong Riverside | 338m from downtown
Address: XJ66+QG5, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Admire the temple's jade Buddha
Laos & Thailand style woodcarvings
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Haw Pha Kaew, an ancient temple, stands as a captivating repository of historical and cultural treasures. Adorned with intricate artistry, it unveils a rich tapestry of ancient figures, providing a visual journey through the annals of time. A haven for enthusiasts of ancient art and history, the temple offers a profound exploration, inviting visitors to delve into the cultural legacy it preserves. Haw Pha Kaew stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Laos's past.
Haw Phra Kaew (Lao: ຫໍພຣະແກ້ວ) was once a temple in Vientiane, Laos, located on Setthathirath Road, southwest of Wat Sisaket. It was built in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot), but was rebuilt several times. Today, the interior is a religious art museum and a small shop.[1]
No.
7
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That Dam Stupa
4.3
/5
76 reviews
4.0
Vientiane City Center | 501m from downtown
Address: 140 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Historic black tower from 14th century
Feel cultural fusion by ruins
36% positive reviews
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That Dam Stupa, located in Vientiane, Laos, is a captivating ancient monument with a mysterious history. Cloaked in folklore, the blackened stupa is believed to be protected by a serpent spirit, adding an intriguing dimension to its allure. Its distinct appearance and cultural significance make it a must-visit, offering visitors a glimpse into Laos' rich heritage and spiritual traditions.
Danta is located in the hotel area. There are many restaurants around it. Vientiane is very small, so I just walked over to take a look. It is also called the Black Tower. It is black in appearance due to the wind, sun and rain all year round. It is still beautiful to take pictures with the beautiful green plants around it.
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