Boat Pho, Vientiane

Boat Pho, Vientiane: Lao-style boat noodles you must try

When it comes to local dishes that I, mr.hotsia, must recommend when visiting Vientiane, Laos, one thing that impressed me greatly is “Boat Pho” or Lao-Vietnamese style boat noodles with a rich and unique flavor unlike any other, especially the street-side boat pho shops I found along the way from the Mekong River bridge connecting Nong Khai and Vientiane.

My journey started from the Thai side at Nong Khai. I took a local bus across the Mekong River bridge to Vientiane comfortably without needing to rent a car or taxi. Local buses run frequently along the route. Upon arriving in downtown Vientiane, I stopped by a large and lively Ayutthaya-style boat noodle shop where many local workers regularly come to eat. The location is marked in the photo above this article. This shop offers both boat pho, a Vietnamese-Lao style boat noodle, and delicious chicken rice that is equally tasty.

For Thai people, Ayutthaya-style boat noodles might be familiar, but here the boat pho includes special herbs and spices with a perfectly balanced sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavor. The broth is rich and smooth with chewy noodles, and the beef or chicken is carefully blanched. I, mr.hotsia, enjoyed my meal while watching the lively street atmosphere, feeling as if time paused briefly to recharge with the favorite dish of the Lao people.

Vientiane, a riverside city perfect for endless strolls

After enjoying the boat pho, I, mr.hotsia, didn’t miss the chance to walk along the Mekong River. There is a newly renovated riverside promenade that makes the evening atmosphere, especially at sunset, very beautiful. The big red-orange sun slowly dips below the horizon like an unforgettable painting. Vientiane is an ideal city to relax after traveling or visiting other cities in Laos such as Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng.

Besides riverside walks, there is also a lively night market along the Mekong River in the evening, featuring small food stalls, souvenir shops, and local snacks to try. I, mr.hotsia, recommend experiencing the atmosphere and don’t forget to stop by for a cold coffee at the famous coffee shopTrue Coffee Vientianewhich is a popular meeting spot for tourists and locals alike.

Getting around and relaxing in Vientiane

For traveling to Vientiane, I, mr.hotsia, recommend using the local bus service that runs from the Thai side across the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai. It is convenient and economical, no need to waste time renting a car or van. Additionally, in Vientiane city, there are bicycle rentals available to explore the city and visit important sites such asSisaket TempleThat Luang Stupa and Haw Phra Kaew

For those who want a comfortable stay, I, mr.hotsia, recommend Pomprasert Hotel located near the Fountain Roundabout, close to tourist attractions and restaurants. It offers breakfast and bicycle rentals, perfect for travelers who like a chill trip and independent travel.

Experience local life and traditional food in Vientiane

Vientiane is not only full of beautiful tourist spots but also rich in the simple lifestyle of the Lao people that made me, mr.hotsia, feel like traveling back in time to a small town that still holds its original charm. The restaurants and morning markets in Vientiane hide special dishes such asVientiane Rice Noodle Soupwhich has a unique taste different from our local rice porridge.

In the morning, I often walk to the Vientiane morning market to see and buy fresh ingredients and observe the simple and incredibly friendly lifestyle of the locals. Tasting the rice noodle soup at a small unnamed roadside shop left such a lasting impression that I returned many times.

Boat Pho, Vientiane: The beginning of travel memories

I, mr.hotsia, believe that tasting boat pho in Vientiane is not just about eating but experiencing a culture and lifestyle perfectly blending Lao and Vietnamese influences. If anyone is interested in opening a boat pho shop in Thailand or knows any places selling boat pho, please let me, mr.hotsia, know so I can try and share it further.

Before we part, I want to invite everyone visiting Vientiane to take your time strolling along the Mekong, stop for boat pho in small shops, sip coffee at True Coffee, and explore the peaceful stories of this city. You will discover a unique side of Vientiane for sure.

For more detailed information about traveling in Vientiane, you can readTraveling Vientianewhich I, mr.hotsia, have written.