For most overseas visitors, and even many Laotians, Vientiane remains something of a mystery yet the country's largest city have plenty to offer in terms of cultural, religious, historical, entertainment and fun activities.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood -Pha That Luang |
Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos with a population of around 700,000, near Nong Khai, Thailand. Annual events such as the Boun That Luang Festival, Boat Racing Festival and the Lao New Year (Songkhan) Festival draws in visitors from throughout the country, Thailand and overseas, who also take time out to visit the many ancient temples, markets and nightclubs in the capital. Many Vientiane residents are also attracted to the city by its outstanding tertiary educational facilities.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood |
Vientiane has a wide range of accommodations for you to choose. You can find 5 stars hotels to a simple guest house to suit your needs and budget. You can check and compare Vientiane accommodation and guest houses before you make a booking. To save you time and money our recommendation for you is to book your accommodation online before you leave home.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood - Ho Phra Keo |
Talat Sao (Morning Market) is a favorite place for locals and oversea visitors. Here you can shop for local products and Lao fine arts. The market is situated in Lane Xang Avenue and only walking distance from hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood -Buddha Park |
Around the city there are some historic attractions like Pha That Luang, Ho Pra Keo, Buddha Park and Patuxay that you do not want to miss while you're in Laos; most of these sites are related to Buddhism. If you're not sure how to get to visit these sites by yourself do not worry, there are tours agents that can take you where you want to go. Remember everywhere you go in Laos you will find temples and temples in nearly every city, town and village because majority of Lao people believes in Buddhism.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood - Patuxai |
Further north about 120km from Vientiane situates a small town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination. Here if you are active and like cool fresh river water for tubing, charming mountains for climbing and bike riding then this is the place for you. Vang Vieng hotels provides good services, friendly people and comfortable accommodation while you are away from home. So don't leave home without booking as you will get discounts and save time by booking online.
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| Vientiane - City of Sandalwood |
How to get there
- By air: Lao Airlines, Thai Airways International, China Eastern Airlines, Vietnam Airline
- By Road: From Thailand, or from Hanoi, Vietnam.
How to get around
There are many mini electric buses that run on specific route from Tala Sao (Morning Market) to many different suburbs around Vientiane. The fares are very cheap, riding from Talat Sao to Dong-Dok about 9km away is only 1,500 kips (US$0.20 ). These mini buses are also environmental friendly, make sure to use them and you will save money too.
Do not like mini bus no worry, you can jump on tuk-tuk or hire a taxi and go anywhere you like. Transport in this city is much more better than a few decades ago.
(Vientiane Life and Laos Travel Guide)