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Vientiane — travel, stays & events guide
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Vientiane city overview
Vientiane is a city in Laos shaped by its region, population, local economy, landmarks, climate and civic history. This overview summarizes the city itself: where it sits, what defines it, which places anchor its identity and why it matters within the wider country.
City facts
Airport baseVientiane Wattay (VTE)
Known forVientiane, Capital city in Laos, Vientiane planning base 3, Vientiane planning base 4
RegionLaosLaos
Time zoneAsia/Vientianelocal time
Founded1135historical origin
City history
The inscription says that in 1135, Văn Đan (Vientiane), a vassal of Zhenla (Khmer Empire), invaded Nghe An, and was repelled by the Duke; the Duke led an army chased the invaders as far.
He then appointed his middle son, also named Chueang, as ruler of Muang Phuan, and his youngest son, Lao Pao, as ruler of Vientiane. Lan Xang, and French colony In 1354, when Fa Ngum.
King Setthathirath officially established it as the capital of Lan Xang in 1563, to avoid Burmese invasion.
On 9 March 1946, French paratroopers arrived and reoccupied the city on 24 April 1946. Independence After the Laotian Civil War broke out between the Royal Lao Government and the Pathet Lao, in August.
In 1975, Pathet Lao troops moved towards the city and Americans began evacuating the capital.
Other romanisations include "Viangchan" and "Wiangchan". Dvaravati city state kingdoms By the 6th century in the Chao Phraya River Valley, Mon peoples had coalesced to create the Dvaravati kingdoms.
By the 8th century the Mon had pushed north to create city states, in Fa Daet (what later is Kalasin, northeastern Thailand), Sri Gotapura (Sikhottabong) near Tha Khek, Laos, Muang Sua (Luang Prabang), and.
In Lao, viang (ວຽງ) refers to a 'walled city' whereas chan (ຈັນ, previously ຈັນທນ໌) derives from Sanskrit candana (चन्दन, /t͡ɕand̪ana/), 'sandalwood' and can be translated as the 'walled city of sandalwood'.
Some believe it refers to the 'walled city of the moon' as chan can represent 'moon', and this was previously distinguished in writing as "ຈັນທຣ໌".
In the north, Haripunjaya (Lamphun) emerged as a rival power to the Dvaravati.
The city states were “loosely bound politically, but were culturally similar” and introduced Therevada Buddhism from Sri Lankan missionaries throughout the region. Transition A reference to the name Vientiane can be seen on a.
After successfully expelling the invaders, the younger Chueang marched eastward, annexed polities, and eventually captured Muang Phuan.
During World War II, Vientiane fell and was occupied by Japanese forces.
In December, Phoumi Nosavan then seized the capital, overthrew the Phouma Government, and installed Boun Oum as prime minister.
Worth seeing
Vientiane
Vientiane is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Capital city in Laos
Capital city in Laos is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Vientiane planning base 3
Vientiane planning base 3 is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Vientiane planning base 4
Vientiane planning base 4 is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Vientiane planning base 5
Vientiane planning base 5 is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Vientiane planning base 6
Vientiane planning base 6 is a practical Vientiane planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Stay overview
Compare Vientiane before booking Vientiane hotels. Start with the places you will repeat most, then check airport timing, parking, nightly price and event demand before choosing the final base.
Hotels & areas
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Compare stays in Vientiane, LaosFlights & airports
Vientiane Wattay (VTE) arrival plan
- Vientiane Wattay (VTE)Vientiane Wattay (VTE), Vientiane
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Rental cars
Vientiane day-trip car use
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Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best time to visit
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Transport notes
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Crowds
Prices can jump around festivals, conventions, school holidays, cruise days, ski weeks, race weekends and large sports events.
Booking detail
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Upcoming events
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