Vientiane

Laos

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Monk at Hophrakeo, Vientiane, Laos

Monk at Hophrakeo, Vientiane, Laos

Why visit Vientiane

From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least. Indeed, despite being the capital and largest city of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, there's not a whole lot to do in Vientiane (ວຽງຈັນ). But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point.

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Things to Know

Unlike other busy cities in Southeast Asia, the Lao captial is decidedly – and wonderfully – on the sleepy side. Here’s a full guide to Vientiane, Laos.

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Money and Costs

Puttering down jungle rivers, scaling mist-laced mountain roads, ziplining across treetops, and sitting roadside with a steaming bowl of noodles: it’s all…

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