Must-see attractions in Vientiane

  • VIENTIANE, LAOS - NOVEMBER 05: A collection of artificial lower legs at COPE, the documentation and rehabilitation centre for the victims of landmines and cluster munitions, on  November 05, 2012 in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo by Thomas Imo/Photothek via Getty Images)

    COPE Visitor Centre

    Vientiane

    Laos has the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country on earth, and although the American War in neighbouring Vietnam ended more than 40 years…

  • Pha That Luang Stupa National Monument

    Pha That Luang

    Vientiane

    Svelte and golden Pha That Luang, located about 4km northeast of the city centre, is the most important national monument in Laos – a symbol of Buddhist…

  • Statues at Wat Xieng Khuan Buddha park.

    Xieng Khuan

    Vientiane

    Located 25km southeast of central Vientiane, eccentric Xieng Khuan, aka Buddha Park, thrills with other-worldly Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, and was…

  • Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial

    Vientiane

    The former home of Kaysone Phomvihane, the first leader of an independent Laos, has been made into this quirky but worthwhile museum.

  • Wat Si Saket

    Vientiane

    Built between 1819 and 1824 by Chao Anou, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, Wat Si Saket is believed to be the city's oldest surviving wat…

  • Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

    Vientiane

    Opened in 1995 to celebrate the late president's 75th birthday, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum serves as a tribute to Indochina's most pragmatic communist…

  • A monk enters the Wat Si Muang in Vientiane. The spot for this monastery was chosen in 1563

    Wat Si Muang

    Vientiane

    The most frequently used grounds in Vientiane are those of Wat Si Muang, the site of the lák méuang (city pillar), which is considered the home of the…

  • Laos, Vientiane, Arc de Triomphe. The Victory Gate, Gate of Triumph or Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane which was built between 1957 and 1968 by the French.

    Patuxai

    Vientiane

    Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe replica is a slightly incongruous sight, dominating the commercial district around Rue Lan Xang. Officially called 'Victory…

  • Lao Textile Museum

    Vientiane

    What began as a private museum, established by the family that runs Kanchana Boutique, has subsequently become something of a Lao cultural centre. The…

  • Wat Chanthabuli

    Vientiane

    This beautiful riverside wat was built in the 16th century, destroyed during the Siamese invasion of 1828 and later fully restored to its present glory…

  • Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan

    Vientiane

    This temple is one of the most important in Laos. It was originally built in the mid-16th century by King Setthathirat and is believed to occupy a site…

  • That Dam

    Vientiane

    That Dam sits on a quiet roundabout near the centre of Vientiane. Legend has it that this stupa was once coated in a layer of gold. The gold is said to…

  • Haw Pha Kaeo

    Vientiane

    Once a royal temple built specifically to house the famed Emerald Buddha, Haw Pha Kaeo is today a rather dusty, lacklustre national museum of religious…

  • Presidential Palace

    Vientiane

    It's not possible to go inside the Presidential Palace, as unsurprisingly it is reserved for the president and government officials. It is, however, a…

  • Wat In Paeng

    Vientiane

    Wat In Paeng is famed for the artistry displayed in the stucco relief of the sǐm (ordination hall), but sees fewer visitors than its neighbouring temples…

  • Wat Mixai

    Vientiane

    One of a cluster of temples on the main drag, known for its Bangkok-style sǐm (ordination hall) and heavy gates, which are flanked by two nyak (guardian…

  • Sacred Heart Cathedral

    Vientiane

    Also known as Vientiane Cathedral, this is the spiritual home of Catholicism in Laos, built during the French colonial period in 1928.

  • Lao National Culture Hall

    Vientiane

    Huge government building that occasionally plays host to government-approved dance or musical performances.

  • Wat Xieng Nyean

    Vientiane

    This centrally located temple has a convenient entrance on Rue Fa Ngoum, the riverfront road.

  • Wat Haysoke

    Vientiane

    A Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.