Evolving from a quiet little town to a fun city with trendy, modern and eclectic choices of places to relax after dinner, Vientiane is which many travelers came to and never left. Here, you can find a lot of small yet friendly pubs and bars, which often serve specialties of their original country. Just walking around downtown until a place calls your name should be the best way to explore. Visit Vientiane with Indochina tours Laos
A Sparkling Clean Oasis
Vientiane’s street-source: Internet
Arriving from Hanoi, Phnom Penh or Bangkok, you will be struck by the Laotian capital’s immaculate streets. Of all the cities in Southeast Asia, Vientiane may just be the cleanest one. You will hardly believe you are in one of the world’s poorest countries when standing in the meticulously angled shrubbery and manicured roadside gardens. After hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2009 (for the first time in their 50-year history), Vientiane, a small city with big dreams, is opening its doors to the world. To make their city the shining example of a prosperous future, all Vientiane’s residents work hard at the upkeep. Tours in Laos
Friendly locals
Friendly locals-source: Internet
You have unlocked the door to the land of 1,000 smiles by learning the simple word: Sabaidii, which means hello, welcome. When seeing the infectious warm, welcoming faces of the Lao people, you will find yourself singing “Khawp jai lai lai,” (kop chai lye lye – thank you very much) not only because of their bewildering radiance but also because you like this interesting sound. The Laotians do not have much to be happy about. The Chinese, British, Thais and French have all drawn lines around this land and this country remains in the least-developed category in the world after years of strict socialism. However, the Lao residents refuse to allow hard times get them down.
Dirt-cheap French Food
Dirt-cheap French Food-source: Internet
You might just forget where you are when waking up to the wafting scent of crispy croissants and freshly baked baguettes. In fact, it is a rarity to find bread in such quantities in Asia. Yet, Vientiane’s culinary scene is ruled by the lingering refinements of French Indochina. If you want to indulge in pates, soufflés, wood-fire steaks and a cold glass of Sancerre, Vientiane is, perhaps, the cheapest place in the world. Combine dinner with a movie at Centre Culturel et de Cooperation Linguistique or go to the crisscrossing rues of Vientiane Central where most restaurants line.
Upmarket Accommodation
Upmarket Accommodation-source: Internet
Partly because of a change in post-tsunami Thailand’s foreign tourism, over past few years, Laos’ tourism has witnessed an unprecedented boom. Travelers flock to Laos to seek the languid, authentic Asia that many feel is lost elsewhere. Consequently, these old flophouses in town received an overdue makeover and accommodation took a remarkable swing for the up-market – though prices remain fair. Expect to pay from $8 to $30 USD for a room with a balcony in the old quarter.
The Riverside Night Market
The Riverside Night Market-source: Internet
Stretching from Nepal to southern Vietnam, the mighty Mekong River meanders through Laos and acts like the border with Thailand. Along the Mekong River banks, night market in Vientiane comes to life. As hawkers present the day’s catch for your approval, plastic chairs are artfully arranged on a long stretch of the recently revitalized riverfront. The incredibly fresh and cheap fish is then cooked to your preference and beautifully served on a bed of greens and rice. After dinner, you can head back to town for some tiramisu or stroll down the river to check out local craftsmen.
Crumbling French-Colonial Architecture
Crumbling French-Colonial Architecture-source: Internet
These nevertheless impressively charming villas are perhaps more visible in tiny Vientiane while the French colonial government did not have the budget here for the grand constructions of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Now being home to many embassies and museums, these crumbling and porch-encased mansions tower above the modest dwellings of the city. New generations of local authorities, which were previously reluctant to promote colonial architecture as an asset for tourism, have come to embrace it as an essential link to their recent history.
Not only for its beautiful scenery, impressive architecture but also for hospitable locals, Vientiane is an oasis from the bustle of modern, motorbike-crazy Southeast Asia. Don’t miss a chance to visit Vientiane!
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