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Trip.Best Top 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane [2024]

Explore the best things to do in Vientiane! Uncover top activities and experiences for an unforgettable visit.
Updated Jun 2024
  • top_1
    󰺂6.0
    4.5/5
    341 Review
    taCommentScoreUrlbased on 2847 reviews
    "One of the most symbolic attractions in the Lao capital, Vientiane, is this Arc de Triomphe, built to commemorate the independence of the country, located in the center of the entire city. It is said that between the airport and the Arc de Triomphe, the vast masses of people chose to build the Arc de Triomphe first. At both ends of Lancang Avenue, one is the President's Mansion, the other is the Arc de Triomphe, and there is the Premier's Mansion next to the Arc de Triomphe. The squares and large fountains around the Arc de Triomphe are very beautiful and were built by the Chinese government a few years ago. When the sun was sinking, it was also the most beautiful time in the Arc de Triomphe Square. The citizens of Vientiane came with their children and walked around, a peaceful scene. With the spout of the music fountain, the whole square also reached a climax. The most happy city, the most happy country, the most happy people!"
    Vientiane.Vientiane City Center
    980m from downtown
    No. 1 of Night Attractions
    Highlights: The Vientiane Arc de Triomphe is located in the middle of the city and is a landmark building in Vientiane. The appearance is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is also connected to the more prosperous avenues, but the internal structure has a strong Buddhist culture. The Buddha statues carved on the door and the characters in myths are full of religious colors. The shape of the four sides of the Arc de Triomphe is exactly the same, with typical Laos-style carvings and decorations. The ceiling is a highlight. It is engraved with paintings of Buddhist mythological figures, which are beautifully carved and resplendent. The Arc de Triomphe has seven floors, the first to fourth floors are indoors, the third and fourth floors have shops selling souvenirs, and the fifth and sixth floors are outdoor, where you can see the scenery from a distance. Walking through the spiral staircase of more than 150 levels, and ascending to the seventh floor, you will have a panoramic view of the city of Vientiane from the beautifully designed windows.
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  • top_2
    󰺂5.8
    4.6/5
    222 Review
    taCommentScoreUrlbased on 1616 reviews
    "The Reclining Buddha Temple is one of many temples in Vientiane, and the scale is not very large, but because it is only one way away from the famous Tayu Temple, there is a huge Reclining Buddha, so the popularity is more vigorous. Inside is a very beautiful tall sculpture, with a prince-like figure in the bow archery. There are several angles, you can take pictures of the Big Golden Pagoda of the Tayu Temple. The surrounding walls are also more distinctive, all of which are the golden towers of high-respected and noble families, which are spectacular."
    Vientiane
    2.8km from downtown
    Highlights: The beautiful golden Tha Luang Temple is a national monument of Laos. It has been repaired many times and has been preserved to this day. It was built in 1556 and is the most magnificent one of the Lao Pagodas. The whole body of the pagoda is covered with real gold, and even on cloudy days, the golden pagoda can be seen from a distance. The entire pagoda has 3 floors, 45 meters high and 54 meters wide; the bottom of the main pagoda is also square, with a worship pavilion in each direction, the second floor has 30 auxiliary pagodas, and the third floor is covered with gold leaf tower body. The base of the stupa is designed to allow devotees to climb up, with passages and stairs on each floor. Each side of the cloister is 85 meters long and houses various Buddha statues. In the ups and downs of history, Tha Luang Temple has experienced glory and loss. It was rebuilt in 1566 and was identified as a sacred symbol of Laos in the 17th century;
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  • top_3
    󰺂5.5
    4.5/5
    150 Review
    taCommentScoreUrlbased on 2417 reviews
    "Vientiane Xiangkun Temple (Wanfo Park), Laos must check in attractions. "Net Red" nine-story Buddha Pagoda, six reincarnations, the longest reclining Buddha, Monkey Mouth Hell Tower, Shiva Statue (handheld mistakenly killed children), etc., many of them have introduced some Buddhist stories, legends and other content in Hinduism, made statues, in most Buddhist places, It is extremely rare to see. Behind each Buddha statue there is a mysterious legend, although it is made of steel and cement, but the same meticulous beauty, especially some facial expressions and limb movements, are closely related to the storyline."
    Vientiane
    16.9km from downtown
    Highlights: Buddha Park (Buddha Park) is located on the Mekong River, about 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane, also known as Xiangkun Temple. This is a sculpture park, which brings together nearly a hundred Buddha sculptures of various shapes and shapes, combining Buddhist and Hindu styles. The park was built by BunleuaSulilat in 1958, integrating Hinduism and Buddhism, pinning his thoughts on the Buddha Park, including Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna, Avalokitesvara and Hinduism and all imaginable deities in Buddhism. Therefore, Xiangkun Temple is also known as "a miracle created by concrete".
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  • No.

    4

    󰺂5.2
    4.2/5
    58 Review
    Free
    "There is no attraction in the Premier's Palace on Triumph, only commented here. The Lao Prime Minister's Palace is separated from the Arc de Triomphe all the way, and it is also the most eye-catching building around the square. The architectural style is mainly French style, integrating traditional elements of Laos, red-topped white walls, magnificent. Many people easily confused the three concepts of the presidential palace, the presidential palace, and the prime minister's palace. In fact, the presidential palace and the presidential palace are the same place, just opposite the road facing the Arc de Triomphe. The Premier Palace is the building next to the Arc de Triomphe. The whole square is also very beautiful, there are many beautiful historical buildings around, and the fountain at night is not to be missed."
    Vientiane.Mekong Riverside
    457m from downtown
    Highlights: The Lao National Palace is located on the banks of the Mekong River in Vientiane. It is a giant French castle with classical decoration and was used as the governor's palace during the French colonial period in the early days. Also known as the "Golden Palace", it covers an area of 44,510 square meters. In 1560 AD, King Setathira established the capital of Vientiane, and designated the 4.5-square-kilometer circle including the current state president's palace as the royal palace. After 1827, Luang Prabang was the capital of successive kings, and the Vientiane Palace became a palace, and the scope continued to shrink. The current Golden Palace was rebuilt in 1973 on the ruins of the Royal Palace of King Chaoanupong. There are no guards at the door, you can look inside through the fence, but you can't go in.
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  • No.

    5

    󰺂4.9
    4.6/5
    93 Review
    Free
    taCommentScoreUrlbased on 267 reviews
    "Ximeng Temple, also translated as Simon Temple, is the most incense temple in the Lao capital Vientiane many temples, because of its very spirituality. Legend has it that a pregnant woman volunteered to take the temple (jump into the main pillar of the temple), the temple is named after her, also known as the "mother temple", to protect the people of a city. Ximeng Temple is very exquisite and gorgeous, magnificent, it is worth calming down, emptying yourself, and enjoying it carefully."
    Vientiane
    612m from downtown
    Highlights: Simon Temple is a temple with strong incense in Vientiane, also known as Shencheng Temple. There are many locals and tourists here every day to pray for blessings, especially loved by Thai tourists. Simon Temple was built in 1536. It is said that when the temple was built, a pregnant woman named SiMeuang volunteered to lay the foundation stone, so she jumped into the pit where the core stone pillar (CityPillar) was placed. SiMeuang has been protecting the local believers, and SiMeuang has become the "mother temple" of Vientiane. In 1828, Siamese invaders burned down the main hall of the temple, and only a stone seated Buddha survived, so this Buddha image can fulfill its wish. The Simon Temple was rebuilt many times after that, and the Simon Temple we see now was rebuilt in 1915.
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  • No.

    6

    󰺂4.7
    4.2/5
    66 Review
    Free
    "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."
    Vientiane.Vientiane City Center
    501m from downtown
    Highlights: The Black Pagoda, located in the urban area, is a black pagoda with a name called Dan Pagoda. The black pagoda seems to be ignored, but it occupies a very important position in the hearts of the locals and is an old historic site in Vientiane. The black pagoda was built in the 14th century. It is said that there is a hole under the black pagoda. There is a big dragon with 7 heads hidden in the cave. It protected the people of Vientiane City from harm during the war in 1828. Therefore, the Lao people regarded this big dragon as a big dragon. For the savior and protector, it is called Naga, and Naga can be seen on many Buddha statues in the temple. When it was first built, the black pagoda was covered with gold leaf, which was later stolen by Siamese invaders. Now many parts of the surface of the tower body are weathered, the whole body is black, and there are mottled marks left by time on it.
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  • No.

    7

    󰺂4.6
    4.1/5
    72 Review
    "MuseumWe are staying around the corner from this massive structure. It is not open for some reason, We will try again tomorrow. Looks very interesting and it is beautiufl from the outside."
    Vientiane
    6km from downtown
    Highlights: The National Museum looks old and is a two-story building. Originally a government building during the French colonial period, it was later converted into a national museum. The museum mainly displays the geography, culture and historical process of Laos. Overall, as a national museum, the amount of display and information here is relatively small, but it can still give you a better understanding of Laos. Opposite the National Museum is the National Palace of Culture, a tall and majestic building that was built with the aid of China, where cultural activities such as song and dance parties are generally held.
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  • No.

    8

    󰺂4.5
    4.5/5
    102 Review
    "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."
    Vientiane.Mekong Riverside
    331m from downtown
    Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple is one of the ancient temples in Vientiane. It was built in the prosperous period of Lancang Kingdom and is its royal temple. This temple was used to store the Emerald Buddha that was moved from Luang Prabang, from which the name of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha came from, but later this Jade Buddha was taken away by the Siamese invaders, and it is still placed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Thailand. Inside, the Emerald Buddha Temple in Laos is only its name. The Emerald Buddha was stored in Laos for 218 years. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was burned down by the invaders in 1828 and rebuilt in 1942. The main hall of the Jade Buddha Temple has a sense of vicissitudes, but it is still very majestic. The corridors are all tall columns, and there are many Buddha statues inside. story. There are many precious collections of Laos in the main hall, including the king's golden throne, Khmer statues, gold, jade and crystal Buddha statues of different shapes and sizes, as well as various wood carvings and door carvings.
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  • No.

    9

    󰺂4.3
    4.3/5
    52 Review
    Free
    "The correct name of the Nange River should be called "Nange Lake". Nange Lake is an artificial lake formed to build a dam and reservoir for water storage, and is also the largest lake in Laos. The blue sky and white clouds in the dry season, the mountains and clear waters are beautiful, very beautiful. Nange Lake is also known as the "Qiandao Lake" by Chinese tourists, and many small mountain bags have been flooded into small islands, some islands have golden Buddha statues, but not on the side of the pier, you need to take a boat to go. The pier is now also newly built, with yellow roofs, tall houses, spacious terraces, white yachts, green lawns and flowers all around it, all so comfortable and peaceful."
    Vientiane
    66.2km from downtown
    Highlights: Nan'e Lake, also known as Qiandao Lake, was formerly known as Tara Reservoir. Because the reservoir was built to block the river, most of the mountains near the original river area were flooded, and more than 300 small islands were formed on the tops of the hills out of the water. It is called Qiandao Lake. Nan'e Lake is about 94 kilometers away from Vientiane City. The entire reservoir area is very large, with green mountains and clear water, quiet and beautiful. When the sun sets in the west, the golden sunlight is scattered on the lake, which is even more charming. For Laotians who cannot see the sea, the reservoir seems to be the sea in their hearts. Every holiday, many locals will drive here to play, and while taking a boat tour of the lake, they will taste the Lao-style fresh fish meal. In addition, Tianhu Resort is located on the shore of Nan'e Lake, which is an excellent place for leisure and vacation.
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  • No.

    10

    󰺂4.1
    4.4/5
    72 Review
    Free
    "Wat Sisaket, an ancient temple, is a mesmerizing sanctuary of historical and cultural figures. Its architectural splendor preserves a rich tapestry of the past, offering visitors a profound journey through time. The temple's museum is a must-visit, housing invaluable artifacts that further illuminate Laos's cultural heritage. Wat Sisaket stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the region, making it an essential destination for those seeking to delve into its captivating history."
    Vientiane.Vientiane City Center
    333m from downtown
    Highlights: The Shag Temple, built by King Anouvong in 1818, is the oldest temple in Vientiane. King Chaoanu was educated in the Bangkok court, so the style of Sisag Temple was also built to imitate the Siam Bangkok Grand Temple at that time. . And there are many coconut trees, banana trees and mango trees planted in the courtyard. When Siam attacked Laos, perhaps it was the architectural similarities that saved Sisag Temple from the Siamese, while other temples were razed to the ground. However, even though the war was avoided, good luck did not always accompany the Xisag Temple. The Buddha statues enshrined in the temple were not preserved, and most of them were looted by the Thais; there were Buddhist stories painted on the walls. The frescoes have been eroded by the years and there is not much left. Between 1924 and 1930, the French had repaired the temple, so it also gave the temple some special style. On the inner wall of the cloister there are many small wall boxes containing more than 2,000 silver or ceramic Buddha statues, which vary in age, size and material (wood, stone and copper). Most of the Buddha statues were made in Vientiane in the 16th to 19th centuries, and some are from Luang Prabang in the 15th and 16th centuries. Sisag Temple is among the blooming flowers and green trees. The chaotic changes in history have not changed the original intention of the temple. It is still a temple that Laos prefer to visit. Students of the Art Institute also use this place as a better place for sketching. .
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  • 1

FAQ

What are some Best Things to Do in Vientiane?
Some Best Things to Do in Vientiane include:Patuxay Monument, Pha That Luang Vientiane, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), Presidential Palace, Wat Si Muang
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Vientiane?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Vientiane include:Patuxay Monument:4.5, Pha That Luang Vientiane:4.6, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang):4.5, Presidential Palace:4.2, Wat Si Muang:4.6
At what locations in Vientiane can Best Things to Do in Vientiane be found?
The Best Things to Do in Vientiane are mainly located in:Patuxay Monument:Vientiane, Pha That Luang Vientiane:Vientiane, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang):Vientiane, Presidential Palace:Vientiane, Wat Si Muang:Vientiane
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