Vientiane

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Top 10 attractions in Vientiane

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Patuxai
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Laos

Patuxai

5.5
4.6/5
378 reviews
Patuxai stands in the center of Vientiane. It is a war monument built to commemorate Laos's struggle for independence and is also considered a landmark of the city. Its silhouette resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, but a closer look reveals a distinct Laotian flavor: the four arched gateways are identical in design, and the top of the tower is crowned with Kinnari, the mythical half-human, half-bird creature. The balustrades and spandrels are carved with reliefs of Naga, lotus buds, and Buddha statues. Legend has it that the cement used to build the tower was originally donated for an airport runway, leading locals to jokingly call it the "vertical runway." Before heading up, take a moment to look up at the ceiling painted with themes from Buddhist mythology. The intricate and exquisite golden patterns are a major highlight of the entire building. The tower has seven levels in total. Levels 1–4 are indoors, while levels 5 and 6 are open-air platforms where you can lean against the railings and look out over the city. Climb the spiral staircase of over 150 steps to the seventh level, where you can look down through the beautifully decorated windows to take in the low-lying cityscape of Vientiane. The park below features a fountain plaza and tree-lined paths, where locals often come to stroll and cool off. It is worth exploring while you are visiting the tower.Vientiane · 976m from downtown
Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

5.5
4.4/5
155 reviews
Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang) is located on the banks of the Mekong River in the suburbs of Vientiane. Although it is named a "temple," there are no main halls or monks' quarters in the park; it is more like an open-air sculpture park. "Xieng Khouane" means "City of Spirits" in the local language. The park was built under the direction of artist and former monk Bunleua Sulilat, who blended Buddhism and Hinduism in one park, bringing his vision of the spirit world to life with over 200 concrete sculptures: statues of Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna, Guanyin, and various bizarre sculptures are scattered among the lawns and tree shadows, which is why the park is also known as a "miracle created from concrete." There are two major highlights in the park that are worth taking the time to see in detail: the first is the three-story, pumpkin-shaped round tower, which symbolizes hell, the human world, and heaven from bottom to top. You can enter through the demon's open mouth, climb the stairs inside the tower level by level, and overlook the entire park after reaching the top. The second is the giant reclining Buddha lying on the green space, which is dozens of m long, has a serene expression, and is a very popular photo spot in the park. The entire park is open-air with little shade. After visiting, you might want to take a walk to the Mekong River, look across the water at Thailand, and wrap up this trip to the suburbs.Vientiane · 16.9 km from downtown
Pha That Luang Vientiane
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Pha That Luang Vientiane

5
4.6/5
242 reviews
Pha That Luang Vientiane is located in the northern suburbs of Vientiane. In the 16th century, King Setthathirath of Lan Xang commissioned the construction of this pagoda after moving the capital to Vientiane; since then, it has been repeatedly looted and damaged by war, and was once almost completely destroyed. The structure seen today was rebuilt in the 1930s according to its original appearance, and it holds a revered status in the hearts of the people of Laos. The main pagoda is approx. 45 m tall and is covered in gold leaf. It radiates golden light on sunny days and can be seen from afar even on cloudy days. The base is divided into three levels: the bottom level is a square base with a worship pavilion on each side; the second level is surrounded by 30 small pagodas, said to have been built to commemorate the 30 blessings of the Buddha; the third level is the gold-covered main pagoda body, which is square at the bottom and gradually tapers into a circle at the top, with a conical spire pointing straight to the sky. Outside the pagoda, there is a cloister with high walls, each side measuring approx. 85 m long, with niches housing Buddha statues and sculptures in Lao and Khmer styles, which is worth taking a slow walk around. Around November each year, the nationwideBoun That Luang religious festivalis held here. Monks and devotees from all over gather to parade around the pagoda, chant, and pay homage to the Buddha, making it a great opportunity to experience the religious atmosphere of Laos.Vientiane · 2.8 km from downtown
Laos 45 International Shooting Range
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Laos 45 International Shooting Range

4.8
4.8/5
4 reviews
Located in the capital Vientiane, the Laos 4-5 International Shooting Range is a popular shooting experience that attracts many tourists and shooting enthusiasts. The shooting range offers a variety of firearms options, including pistols, rifles and shotguns, suitable for shooters of different levels. Visitors can safely experience the fun of shooting under the guidance of professional coaches. The venue is well-equipped and safety measures are in place to ensure that every visitor can enjoy a safe and exciting shooting experience. The shooting range is conveniently located not far from the city center and has convenient transportation, making it suitable for a half-day tour. There are other tourist attractions and dining options nearby, so visitors can continue to explore the charm of Vientiane after the shooting experience. The shooting range is usually open from morning to evening every day, and it is recommended to make an appointment in advance to ensure that there are vacancies. For tourists who want to experience unusual activities, the 4-5 International Shooting Range is an ideal choice.Vientiane · 7.8 km from downtown
That Dam Stupa
No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Laos

That Dam Stupa

4.3
4.3/5
81 reviews
The Black Pagoda, located in the urban area, is a black pagoda with a name called Dan Pagoda. The black pagoda seems to be ignored, but it occupies a very important position in the hearts of the locals and is an old historic site in Vientiane. The black pagoda was built in the 14th century. It is said that there is a hole under the black pagoda. There is a big dragon with 7 heads hidden in the cave. It protected the people of Vientiane City from harm during the war in 1828. Therefore, the Lao people regarded this big dragon as a big dragon. For the savior and protector, it is called Naga, and Naga can be seen on many Buddha statues in the temple. When it was first built, the black pagoda was covered with gold leaf, which was later stolen by Siamese invaders. Now many parts of the surface of the tower body are weathered, the whole body is black, and there are mottled marks left by time on it.Vientiane · 501m from downtown
Wat Si Muang Temple
No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Wat Si Muang Temple

4.2
4.6/5
100 reviews
Wat Si Muang Temple, a popular temple in Vientiane, is also known as theCity Temple. Many locals and tourists come here every day to pray, and it is especially popular with Thai tourists. Wat Si Muang Templewas built in 1536. Legend has it that when the temple was being built, a pregnant woman named Si Meuang sacrificed herself for the foundation and jumped into the pit where the city pillar was to be placed. Si Meuang has been protecting local believers ever since, and the temple has become the mother temple of Vientiane. In 1828, Siamese invaders burned down the main hall of the temple, but one Buddha statue survived. It is believed that this Buddha statue can grant wishes. The temple has been rebuilt many times since, and theWat Si Muang Templewe see today was rebuilt in 1915.Vientiane · 607m from downtown
Chao Anouvong Park

Chao Anouvong Park

3.5
4.6/5
9 reviews
ChaoAnouvongPark is an urban park in Vientiane. The great king statue is in the park. You can admire the many smaller animal statues around the statue of the king. The park itself is quiet and protected from the harsh sun. People have picnics here on weekend afternoons.Vientiane · 764m from downtown
Vientiane Night Market
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Laos

Vientiane Night Market

3.2
3.8/5
5 reviews
As the sun sets, hundreds of stalls at the Vientiane Night Market, neatly arranged and topped with iconic red canvas canopies, light up one by one along the riverside, marking the liveliest time of the day. The stalls are filled with a wide variety of goods, ranging from travel essentials for backpackers to exquisite souvenirs with distinct ethnic flair. This is more than just a commercial market. It is an integral part of local daily life. In the evening, many Vientiane residents come to the riverside to walk, jog, or do square dancing, while children play near the nearby amusement facilities. This harmonious, inclusive, and relaxed community atmosphere allows every visiting traveler to deeply immerse themselves in the gentle and friendly social customs of Laos. As the lights shimmer against the backdrop of the distant Mekong River, the Vientiane Night Market, with its unique simplicity and romance, connects the long history and culture of Laos with a modern, leisurely vibe, making it an unmissable experience for every traveler visiting Vientiane.Vientiane · 873m from downtown
Laos Itecc Exhibition Center

Laos Itecc Exhibition Center

2.9
Vientiane · 3.4 km from downtown
Wat Ong Teu

Wat Ong Teu

2.8
4.5/5
35 reviews
The Wengde Temple was built in the 16th century according to the will of King Saitathira. The temple was completely destroyed in the war between Siam and Laos in the 19th century, and was rebuilt after the war. Wengde Temple is one of the more important temples in Laos, and there is a bronze Buddha in the temple. Not only is there a Buddhist academy here, but most monks in Laos study in this academy. There is also a highly respected Buddhist senior living in the temple. He is a high-ranking monk and the leader of the Buddhist Academy.Vientiane · 1.2 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Vientiane

Featured Cultural experiences in Vientiane

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Vientiane: Lao Traditional Costume & Culture Escape
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAED 271.08
Vientiane Audio Tour: The Vientiane Landmark Discovery Tour
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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FromAED 16.46AED 20.58
Vientiane: City Day Tour with New Laos Art Museum
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Duration: 3.8 hrs
English
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FromAED 185.12
Laos Traditional Costume Photo Tour in Vientiane
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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FromAED 222.82

Featured Day tours in Vientiane

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PRIVATE TOUR - Charming Vientiane and the Mystical Buddha Park in Laos with Lunch
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAED 188.78
PRIVATE TOUR - Half-day Vientiane (Laos) Highlights
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Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAED 104.70
Cross boarder service (Laos Vientiane to Thailand Nongkhai)
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Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAED 590.52
PRIVATE TOUR - Exploring Vientiane (Laos) by bicycle with lunch
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FromAED 340.28
Discover Laos like a Local by a classic open-air tuk-tuk
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Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAED 378.35

Featured Outdoor experiences in Vientiane

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1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide
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4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 10–11 hrs
English
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FromAED 991.67
PRIVATE TOUR- Into the wilderness at Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area in Vientiane
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FromAED 323.62
VangVieng with  Cave   Kayak & Zipline (Departure from Vientiane)
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Duration: 2.8 hrs
English
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FromAED 342.80
Vientiane Day Trip By Bike To Tad Moon Waterfall
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Duration: 8 hrs
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FromAED 323.21

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What travelers say about Vientiane

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Shadiespirit25 February 2026
5.0
No need to pay to visit this monument. However there is a fee if you want to climb up to see the aerial view of the vacinity. There is also a fountain right behind the monument. I am not sure what time it is turned on but when I arrived there was music playing and the fountain was on. Shame that by the time I took photos, the fountain turned off.

Patuxai

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走遍天下XZ13 February 2024
5.0
Xiangkun Temple in Vientiane (Ten Thousand Buddhas Park), a must-visit attraction in Laos. The "Internet celebrity" nine-story pagoda, the six reincarnations, the longest reclining Buddha, the monkey mouth heaven and hell tower, the standing statue of Shiva (holding a child who was killed by mistake), etc., many of which are introduced from some Buddhist stories and legends in Hinduism, and made into statues, which are extremely rare in most Buddhist places. There is a mysterious legend behind each Buddha statue. Although they are all made of reinforced concrete, they are also delicate and beautiful, especially some facial expressions and body movements, which are closely related to the plot.

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

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兔子68 July 2023
5.0
The Great Pagoda in Laos should be part of the That Luang Temple and is also a landmark building in Laos, because there is a special festival called "That Luang Festival" here. The Great Pagoda is a gilded pagoda. Please note that the number of circles around it should be odd. There is a long corridor next to the pagoda, which can be used to shelter from wind and rain, which is also a good intention.

Pha That Luang Vientiane

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余杭剑客28 January 2026
4.0
It's a pretty good shooting range, a bit pricey, but I'd still recommend coming at least once – great value for money! Pistols are cheap, rifles and sniper rifles are more expensive; if you want to shoot them all, I suggest choosing a package! I've shot rifles in Thailand before, where the bullet caliber was reduced, so there was no recoil. Here, the rifles aren't modified to use smaller caliber bullets, so it's a really enjoyable shooting experience! The instructor speaks basic Chinese, is very nice, explains how to operate the gun, and even lets you take pictures with the gun after you're done!

Laos 45 International Shooting Range

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NeverStopExploring19 December 2023
5.0
That Dam Stupa, located in Vientiane, Laos, is a captivating ancient monument with a mysterious history. Cloaked in folklore, the blackened stupa is believed to be protected by a serpent spirit, adding an intriguing dimension to its allure. Its distinct appearance and cultural significance make it a must-visit, offering visitors a glimpse into Laos' rich heritage and spiritual traditions.

That Dam Stupa

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PL_30 September 2023
5.0
a temple with free entry and there are a lot of locals visiting and worshiping

Wat Si Muang Temple

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Tui.KPS15 March 2022
4.0
It is a place of relaxation, a public park, a night market and the venue for the annual boat races in Vientiane.

Chao Anouvong Park

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发个呆个5 June 2026
5.0
I brought my child, who just started school, for a nature study tour. Our guide was a local forestry worker who knew a lot about the plants, birds, and insects in the mountains. He talked about them wherever we went, explaining things in a simple and easy-to-understand way that captivated the children. He also taught the children to recognize wild vegetables and find wild fruits, and to avoid touching dangerous plants and animals. The entire tour followed gentle paths, and the children walked the whole way on their own without complaining of being tired. It was so much more engaging than learning from books, and my child now has so much material to write about when they get home. It was definitely worth it.

Vientiane Night Market

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长脸张少侠7 June 2026
5.0
Wat Ong Teu Temple, Vientiane, Laos ວັດອົງຕື້ ມະຫາວິຫານ Wat Ong Teu is one of the most important temples in Laos, housing a bronze Buddha statue. Built in the 16th century by order of King Setthathirath, the temple was completely destroyed during the Siam-Laos War in the 19th century and rebuilt afterward. The temple houses a 16th-century bronze Buddha statue of the same name, standing 5.8 meters tall and weighing several tons. Address: XJ83+6HF, Vientiane, Laos Admission: Free Hours: 5:00-21:45

Wat Ong Teu

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Vientiane?

Don't miss these attractions in Vientiane: Patuxai, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), and Pha That Luang Vientiane. If you like Cultural experiences, try Vientiane: Lao Traditional Costume & Culture Escape. If you enjoy Day tours, try PRIVATE TOUR - Charming Vientiane and the Mystical Buddha Park in Laos with Lunch.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include PRIVATE TOUR - Charming Vientiane and the Mystical Buddha Park in Laos with Lunch, PRIVATE TOUR - Half-day Vientiane (Laos) Highlights, and GROUP TOUR- A Great Window into Laos culture by Half day join-in cooking class with Lunch. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 17 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Vientiane is around AED 104.7 – AED 590.52. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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