Travel Vientiane

Travel Vientiane with mr.hotsia: The Capital of the Mekong Lifestyle

If you're looking for a relaxing spot after exploring other cities in Laos or nearby areas, I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It’s not only the administrative center but also a city with a chill atmosphere along the Mekong River. In the evening, the soft sunlight of the sunset reflecting on the Mekong’s surface is a scene that impressed me greatly. The large red-orange sun slowly disappears below the horizon accompanied by the sound of wind rustling through the riverside trees. The Mekong here has been developed with a simple and comfortable riverside road, perfect for walking, exercising, or even leisurely cycling.

Stroll along the Mekong River and Night Market

Vientiane is charming in the evening, especiallythe Mekong Riverside Night Marketwhich is full of local food and cute souvenirs, including French-style bakery treats that I never miss trying at least once. Or you can choose to relax at riverside restaurants with great atmosphere, sipping wine or Lao beer for a pleasant time. The area around the Fountain Circle and Backpacker Alley is another interesting spot, with many stylishly decorated restaurants and bars where you can closely experience the local Lao lifestyle.

Visit Temples and Key Attractions in Vientiane

For those who love visiting temples and studying history, I, mr.hotsia, like to stop byWat Si Saketwhich is the only temple in Vientiane that survived destruction during the war. A highlight I appreciate is the Buddha statues lined up along the temple walls, which are uniquely different from others. This temple is perfect for those who want to take beautiful photos and truly experience tranquility. Additionally, the Haw Phra Kaew and Pha That Luang are popular places among Thai tourists, offering authentic Lao architecture and a chance to learn about the capital’s history.

Bike Around the City and Cool Down with Coffee

Renting a bicycle is how I, mr.hotsia, get around Vientiane because the city is not very big, and cycling lets you see city life from a different perspective. I usually cycle comfortably to Pha That Luang, Black Stupa, Wat Si Saket, and Haw Phra Kaew during the day. Vientiane is very hot, so it’s important to find time to rest in a cool coffee shop. For coffee lovers, I recommendTrue Coffee Vientianea newly opened coffee shop in Vientiane that is very popular because of its cool air conditioning, open-air seating options, and free Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for relaxing, reading, or refreshing with internet before heading out again. Another interesting option is Joma Coffee, which I have recommended inthe Joma Coffee Vientiane articlefor those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and smooth coffee flavor.

Morning Market and Local Food Not to Miss

The new morning in Vientiane is perfect for a stroll at theVientiane Morning Marketlocated near the Morning Market Mall and the bus terminal from the Mekong River Bridge. This market has both outdoor and indoor sections selling a variety of food and fresh produce. I, mr.hotsia, like to stop and try Vientiane rice soup at a small unnamed stall in this market, which is very delicious and authentically Lao. Rice soup is a rice porridge with pork offal, minced pork, and fresh vegetables, served with raw bean sprouts and seasonings similar to our local noodle soup. Anyone who loves this style of breakfast should not miss it.Vientiane Rice Soupwhich I have also described in an article.

Relax at Pomprasert Hotel and Onward Travel

If you ask me, mr.hotsia, where I like to stay in Vientiane, the answer is Pomprasert Hotel. It’s an affordable yet comfortable hotel near the Fountain Circle. That area has bike rental shops and breakfast restaurants fully available. This hotel is suitable for travelers who want good accommodation at a reasonable price. If you want to stay like me, click to book Pomprasert Hotel through my website to support tourism within the AEC group.

For onward travel from Vientiane, such as to Pakse, Savannakhet, Luang Prabang, or Vang Vieng, I recommend contacting your hotel first because nowadays they have broker systems and networks to arrange transport on travel days conveniently. But keep in mind that traveling from Vientiane to Pakse takes 16-20 hours, so plan for a stopover or, if budget allows, choose to fly for a much faster and more convenient trip.

Common Misunderstanding about Vientiane and Nong Khai Locations

One thing I, mr.hotsia, often encounter is that Thai people mistakenly think Vientiane is opposite Nong Khai town center. In fact, Vientiane is opposite Si Chiang Mai district, Nong Khai province. So when crossing to visit Vientiane, please check the correct route and border checkpoint to ensure smooth and enjoyable travel.

Vientiane: A Capital Full of History and Mekong Riverside Life

It must be said that Vientiane is not just the capital of Laos but a city rich in cultural diversity and history. This city consists of several sub-cities such as Chanthabuly, Sisattanak, and Sikhottabong, all combined as Vientiane Capital. But when it comes to tourism, Thai people often think of both Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province together because the main tourist areas are close and geographically connected.

When in Vientiane, don’t forget to stroll atKham Khongor the Mekong riverside with a long sandbar extending into the river. I visited in January and saw people playing badminton by the river. This atmosphere made me truly feel relaxed. It’s my favorite time in Vientiane.

Connect to Nearby Cities and Must-Experience Activities

From Vientiane, you can easily travel to the famous Vang Vieng by van or bus in about 4 hours. I once traveled from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and passed the sunset viewpoint at Phu Phieng Fa, a beautiful and worthwhile route.Read more about Vang Vieng here

Or if you have enough time, try crossing over to Chanakham town opposite Chiang Khan, Loei province, Thailand, where I experienced the lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere of this old town.Watch the Chanakham town clipIt’s another interesting perspective that complements your Laos-Thailand trip well.

Summary: Vientiane is a City for Endless Strolling

In summary, Vientiane is a city suitable for travelers who want to relax slowly, experience life along the Mekong River, visit ancient temples, bike around the city, and taste local food at the morning market. There are also many chill coffee shops for hot midday breaks. Traveling onward to other destinations is convenient with good planning.

For those who want to travel Vientiane unhurriedly and truly feel the atmosphere in my style, mr.hotsia, I wish you enjoy strolling along the Mekong River in the evening and try a cold coffee at True Coffee Vientiane before heading out to temples and the morning market. I guarantee you will fall in love with this city as much as I do.