Top 10 Best Things About Vientiane, Laos

The people of Laos are friendly and cheerful. Wherever you go in Vientiane, you will be greeted with the word Sabaidii and a friendly smile. Although Laos has experienced a turbulent past and remains a poor country, its people are always warm and welcoming. No wonder this nation has been called the Land of Smiles.

Visitors will immediately notice the clean and tidy nature of the Laotian capital. Unlike other cities in the region, Vientiane looks immaculate with its meticulously maintained gardens and neat shrubbery. It may well be the cleanest metropolis in Southeast Asia. The people of Vientiane take pride in their city and the impression it makes on visitors.

In recent times, Laos has become a noteworthy tourist destination, attracting a multitude of visitors from abroad. To cater to this influx of tourists, an array of quality hotels and other accommodations have sprung up, making good accommodation easy to find. An attractive place to stay in the capital would be the serviced apartments Vientiane offers, like the Somerset Vientiane. This appealing accommodation features well-appointed rooms in a convenient location.

Colonial French rule brought European food to Laos, as seen in Vientiane's restaurants. In the mornings, you will find croissants and baguettes being baked in the city at very reasonable prices. Make sure to try the city's wood-fired steaks, pâtés, soufflés, and wines, which are sure to satisfy any food lover.

No visit to Vientiane would be complete without sampling the excellent Beer Lao. Unquestionably the beer of choice in the country, this well-brewed beverage will satisfy the expectations of beer enthusiasts. Brewed in light, dark, and lager varieties, this fine beer ranks among the best available in the region. A cool Beer Lao at sunset is sure to be a pleasant choice.

Visitors should make it a point to experience the quaintly charming night market on the Mekong riverfront. Make sure to take the opportunity to savor freshly caught grilled fish at this captivating night market. You can choose from the catch displayed on the riverfront, which will be grilled to your instructions and served with rice and green vegetables.

During the colonial era, a host of impressive structures were built in the city, many of which can still be seen today. Today, these striking buildings house embassies and museums and are a noteworthy facet of the Laotian capital.

Although Vientiane may lack nightlife on par with cities like Bangkok, you will still find interesting nightspots in this charming city. The Laotian capital has its share of attractive clubs and bars, offering you an exciting night out.

Vientiane features an array of engrossing temples that are always a pleasure to explore. Not to be missed is the splendid Pha That Luang, a highly esteemed monument flanked by two handsome temples. Another sightseeing attraction is Wat Si Saket, which features an array of Buddha figures.