
Complete Vientiane in a Day
Complete Vientiane
in a Day
Everything defining the word “capital” isn’t actually applicable for charming Vientiane. Influenced
by the French, the downtown region has beautiful, tree-lined streets – a sheer joy when
seeing all that what Vientiane has to offer nearby the Mekong.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Casting aside one’s prejudices of what defines a country’s capital is fairly easy when arriving in Vientiane; Laos’ government and administrative centre just doesn’t fit in this box. Yet, this also highlights the uniqueness of the country’s largest city where life seems to move at a slightly more relaxed pace.
Added to the fact that there is more than meets the eye, you will touch the essentials of locally vibrant, yet truly Laos’ contribution to the world’s capital list. From enigmatic temples to dashing street-side examples of somewhat unhurried lifestyle, Vientiane leaves a lasting impression as a truly charming destination.



TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 17:30
At approximately 8 am, your guide and driver for the day await you at your hotel. Our first stop will be the Wat Sisaket, the oldest monastery in Vientiane, built in 1818. Continue to nearby Ho Phra Keo, the former Royal temple, now a Museum of Buddhist art and sculpture. The building housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778. A short stop at the nearby Wat Simeuang will show that there are different styles of temples available in Vientiane, each with its characteristics.
After a delicious local lunch at a local restaurant in the capital, we drive further to the That Luang with its golden stupa in the characteristic banana flower shape. This is the most revered shrine in Laos and of course, cannot be missed. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus bud, the original stupa, said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.
This victory gate, also known as Anousavali, was constructed in 1958 and is better known as the Patuxai Gate; its architecture is inspired by the “Arc de Triumph” in Paris and incorporates typical Lao motifs including the Kinnaree, the mythical bird-woman. Energetic visitors can climb the top of the monument and enjoy a panoramic view of Laotian capital.
Proceed to That Dam Stupa, situated in the centre of a roundabout near the morning market. It is said that the black stupa was once coated in a layer of pure gold. Walking remains one of the best means to touch, feel, and experience the soul of Vientiane, and your guide shows you the way. Be sure not to rush when we explore the streets leading to the banks of the Mighty Mekong River as we take a walk on the riverbank in the late afternoon.
After exploring all sights, sounds and smells of Vientiane, your guide and driver will bring you back to your booked hotel in Vientiane. Expect arrival will be around 5.30 pm.