City Vientiane – Place Where One Can Actually Relax

Vientiane is not only famous for being the capital and the largest city of Laos; it is popular among the tourists for offering a wonderful relaxing environment. Situated in the Mekong Valley, the city accommodates a number of temples, French mansions, beer gardens and many other exciting spots.

Accommodation Options
Budget hotels, mid-range hotels as well as the luxury hotels are available in the city. Facilities like Wi-Fi access, AC, personal safe, TV and breakfast are available at most of the accommodations. Inns, youth hostels, bed and breakfast, resorts and guest house facilities are also available in the safe corners of the city. Areas near the Patuxai Monument, Mekong River and in the town centre offer huge accommodation choices.

History
Prince Thattaradtha has been credited in the history for the discovery of Vientiane. Originally called Chanthabuly Si Sattanakhanahud, the city was actually created by the prince on the advice of a naga. The city became a Khmer settlement that was overtaken by Thai and Lao people in the 12th century. When Fa Ngum founded the Lan Xang kingdom in 1354, Vientiane played the role of being an important administrative city. However, it didn’t receive the honour of being the capital of the kingdom before 1560. In 1779, the city was brought under the Siamese control and then, it was captured by French in 1893. It was in 1899 that the city became the capital of French occupied Laos.

Popular Places
Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in the city and is visited by the tourists as a museum. Thanon That Luang is the religious monument of great importance and it has been adopted as the national symbol. Wat Si Muang, Haw Pha Kaew and Wats Onteu are among other popular sites in the city.

Buddha Park can be visited to view the astonishing sculptures of Buddha and various Hindu deities. The National Ethnic Cultural Park and the Lao National Museum are other recommended tourist destinations. Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial and Patuxai are also visited by huge number of tourists. 

Getting Around
Buses and taxis operate throughout the city to offer convenient modes of transport to the people. In addition, tuk-tuk and jumbo are other popular modes of getting around the city. Bikes and motorbikes are also available on rent. Exploring some parts of the city can be done on foot and with the help of a professional guide.

Places of Entertainment
Papaya Spa is a wonderful place to enjoy massages, including Swedish oil massage and Lao massage. Monk chat is organized once a month at the Sangha College. Nearby areas offer the opportunities for kayaking, trekking and rafting. Plays and films can be seen at the French Cultural Centre. Morning market and handicraft shops in the city have great stuff for selling. Noodle stalls and shops remain crowded in the city. Variety of foods and drinks can be enjoyed at the restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges. Nightclubs offer exciting nightlife. 

Language(s) Spoken
Lao is the main language and people also interact in English.

Currency
Official currency is kip. Currency exchange points are available in the city. Thai baht and US dollars are also accepted. Use online news to learn about the currency exchange rates.

Group accommodation in Vientiane | Cheap hostels and budget hotels