This steaming sticky rice is Laos’ most famous dish. It is rolled into small balls, and served in a bamboo basket, and often dipped in other foods and sauces. Klao Niaw is so popular that it is eaten with practically all Laotian dishes.

Laap is considered as a simple but exciting national dish of Laos. It is made from pork, chicken, beef, duck or fish, and can be served with garlic, lime juice, spring onion or mint, along with roasted rice. Laap can be served cooked or raw and you may find vegetarian Laap made with tofu or mushrooms, too.

Khao tom is made from sticky rice and coconut cream and steamed in banana leaf parcels. Peanuts are a common ingredient, while a variation made with black beans is known as Khao tom mat. You may find some savory Khao tom as well, filled with pork fat and mung beans.

Tam Som is another famous Laotian dish, made from papaya, chili, sour lime, salt, fish sauce and sugar. Meat or fish is usually added too. The use of unripe papaya actually gives this dish a savory taste

From November to February is the most ideal time to visit Vientiane. From November, the northeast monsoon brings warm, dry air masses to Laos. At the beginning of the year, the nights in the lowlands at 15 to 18 degrees are pleasantly mild, but in the mountains it can still be very fresh. The temperatures around 30 degrees are pleasant, at night it cools down to about 15 degrees. In addition, there is hardly any rainfall between November and April and seven hours of sunshine are already on the agenda.

Airplane: Vientiane’s Wattay Airport (VTE) provides connection between Vientiane to Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Cambodia), Singapore, Seoul, Busan (South Korea), Kunming (China). Domestic flights transfer between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Pakse, Huay Xai, Oudomxay, Xieng Khouang, Phongsali, Samneua and Sayaboury.
Train: available daily trains from Nong Khai to Tha Naleng, near Vientiane. Travelers can also get off the train in Udon Thani and then take direct bus to Vientiane.
Bus: There are reasonable and comfortable buses departing daily from Thailand, Hanoi and Hue (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and other domestic cities/provinces to Vientiane.

Patuxai (or Patou Xai) is Vientiane’s triumphal arch since 1968. It is a striking monument, quite centrally located and can be easily recognized from a distance. The monument is dedicated to the fallen Laotians who fought against France (and previously Siam and Japan) for the independence of the country. The arch has four goals and at the top there are five towers in typical Laotian style.
Vientiane Lao National Museum is considered the most interesting museum in Vientiane, probably the whole of Laos. It is located in the city center, next to the Lao Plaza Hotel, about 500m from the Khong River and about 600m west of the Lane Xang Avenue. The building was built in 1925 following the French colonial style for the governor. Visitation to the museum will allow tourists to intensively learn about the history, society, art, culture and the people of Laos.
Pha That Luang Temple is known as the holiest monument and national symbol of Laos, whose image can be found on banknotes, stamps, posters and other documents of Laos. It reflects strongly Buddhist-influenced architecture in the Laotian style with many Buddha statues and floral and animal decoration. The stupa was inaugurated in 1566 but heavily damaged in 1828 during the Siamese conquest. Afterwards, the stupa underwent further destruction and restoration. Today, the monument looks like a magnificent fortress through the high walls from the outside and contains two temples inside.
Wat Si Saket (also known as Sisaket Museum) is centrally located at the southern end of Avenue Lane Xang. The Wat was built by King Anouvong (Chao Anou) in Bangkok in 1818 and most likely survived the destructive Siamese invasion of 1828 as a result of its outward appearance, making it the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. Today, there are more than 10,000 Buddha statues of different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials (silver, bronze, stone, and wood) within these halls.

Buddha Park is a collection of giant concrete sculptures depicting Buddhist and Hindu deities and mythical creatures. There were only a few visitors in the area and you could look at the sculptures in peace.
Nam Ngum Lake lies about 90km from Vientiane and is a beloved day trip destination among tourists thanks to its peaceful and tranquil settings. Stop at Vang Xang archeological site along the way. Travel by boat on the lake and enjoy a day away from the city hustle and bustle.
Mekong River floats through six Asian countries (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam). In Laos, it is known locally as Mae Nam Khong. Near Vientiane, take a slow boat down the river and visit local villages.
Phou Phanang National Protected Area is conveniently accessible just outside Vientiane Capital. The area is for ecotourism activities and offers hiking opportunities off-the-beaten-route. The place is mostly degraded forest with a small area of semi-evergreen forest.

OUR PICK: Two full days in Vientiane, staying in the City center, then departing for two day trip in Nam Ngum Lake for sightseeing and relaxation, and two- to three-day trip to Luang Prabang.
Vientiane City tour: visit the notable landmarks of the city and get to know the local life.
Shopping tours: at local markets, where you can shop for local items and get closer to the local life.
Boat tour: in Nam Ngum Lake or down the Mekong river.
Cultural tours: inclusive of most astonishing museums, temples and churches of the region as well as historical sites, especially Mandalay Hill and Mandalay Palace.
M.I.C.E tous: theme tours, educational tours, charity tours and meditation tours