Vientiane (actually called Vien Chan) is the "new" (since 1975) capital city of Laos and located along the Mekong River bordering Nong Khai (Thailand).
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Atthapeu - Don Khong - Hong Sa - Huai Xai - Kenthao - Luang Prabang - Savanakhet - Sayaboury - Tha Khek - Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Pakse - Pak Lay
How to get to/from Vientiane?
- By Air : The airport is both International as Domestic. See Vientiane Airport
- By Bus : There are buses to/from all bigger places in Laos. There are 3 different bus stations, one for Southern bound buses, one for Northern bound buses and one for the local area.
- By Road : All major roads in Laos are getting reasonable good.
- By Train : Theoretical there is a train going from Bangkok to Vientiane, but the end-station is far out of the city (actually just at the border). It would probably be easier to take the train to Nong Khai and cross the border yourself. But since a few years there is a (Chinese) high-speed train going from China to Vientiane.
How to get around?
Vientiane city is small and there is not much traffic, so walking or a bicycle are good options. For short distances you can take a Tuk-Tuk or Jumbo. There are taxi's at the Friendship bridge to/from Thailand and at the airport.Where to stay?
I prefer to stay near the riverside, as it is my favorite area in any city with a river. I did stay a few times in Vientiane, have a look at Accommodation in Vientiane.Where to eat?
There is a wide choice of restaurants with Lao and Western food. And of course the French kitchen is very well represented in Laos.What to do?
- Take a walk along the riverside in the evening.
- Visit "Vat Si Saket"
- Visit the Lao version of "L'Arc the Triomphe".
- See the "That Dum" and just walk around in the little street of Vientiane.
- Make a bicycle ride
- Visit COPE center
- Eat Lao food
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| Vat Sisaket in Vientiane |
What to do nearby?
Visit "Xieng Kuan Budha Park" (24 km out of the city)Where to go next?
- Most people travel from here in Laos to Vieng Vang or Luang Prabang.
- Or they travel back to Thailand via Nong Khai and Udon Thani.
Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.