Activities in Vientiane
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Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for Women
You can learn how to dye textiles using natural pigments and then weave them on a traditional loom at the Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for Women. The NGO group, run by a Lao-Japanese woman, established this centre north of Vientiane to train disadvantaged rural women in the dying art of natural dyeing and traditional silk-weaving practices. Visitors can look for free or partake in the dyeing process (US$12, two hours, two stoles) or weaving (US$15, whole day). You keep the fruits of your labour.
reviewed
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A
Shooting Range
At the southeast corner of the National Stadium a nondescript door leads into a shooting range, where you can take aim at a paper target with a range of handguns and rifles. Prices start at US$1.20 for five rounds with a 0.22 calibre handgun.
reviewed
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B
Sengdara Fitness
Vientiane’s first Western-style mega-gym, with stacks of machines, sauna, pool, massage, aerobics and yoga classes, and a juice bar and restaurant. Visitors can buy a US$6 day pass, which includes use of everything plus a one-hour massage – a very good deal.
reviewed
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Vientiane Hash House Harriers
The Vientiane Hash House Harriers welcome runners to their two weekly hashes. The Saturday hash is the more challenging run and starts at 3.45pm from Nam Phu. It’s followed by food and no shortage of Beerlao. Monday’s easier run starts at 5pm from varying locations – look for maps at the Scandinavian Bakery or Asia Vehicle Rentals, where owner Joe Rumble is more than happy to help out.
reviewed
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C
Vientiane Bowling Centre
Vientiane's bowling alleys are a fun diversion popular among travellers and locals alike. Watching some of the local form is certainly entertaining, but we've also heard an evening's bowling rationalised as a chance to drink plenty of Beerlao while 'working it off with a bit of exercise'. 'Exercise'? You be the judge.
reviewed
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D
Papaya Spa
In an old French villa west of town (follow the many signs), this is one of the classiest massage operations in town. Services include Lao massage (US$6), Swedish oil massage (US$12), facials, waxing, body scrubs, reflexology and sauna.
reviewed
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E
Centre Culturel et de Coopération Linguistique
The French Centre, as it’s known, has a busy schedule of movies, musical and theatrical performances, a library and French and Lao language classes.
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F
Vientiane Swimming Pool
The Vientiane Swimming Pool is central and usually fine for swimming laps.
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G
White Lotus Massage & Beauty
Just north of Nam Phu; foot massage (US$4), aromatherapy body massage (US$10).
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H
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I
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J
Australian Embassy Recreation Club
About 3km out of town on the way to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the AERC is universally known as the ‘Australian Club’. It’s probably best known for its brilliant salt-water pool, right next to the Mekong River, though the barbecues held every second and last Friday of the month (except in June and July) are also popular. There is also an air-con squash court (open from 6am to 8.30pm). Short-term memberships can be arranged for US$10/20 per single/family per day, or you could go as the guest of a member (US$2).
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K
Sokpaluang Swimming Pool
The 25m-long Sokpaluang Swimming Pool in southeastern Vientiane also has a children’s pool and changing rooms.
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