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Vientiane — travel, stays & events guide
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Vientiane city overview
Vientiane works best as a base in Laos when you anchor days around Pha That Luang, Patuxai and Wat Si Saket. Use those sights to understand the city's history, street life and visitor rhythm. Vientiane Wattay handles the main arrival flow, so hotel choice should balance the centre, transfer time and day-trip plans.
City facts
Airport baseVientiane Wattay (VTE)
Known forPha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Buddha Park
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
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang is a named stop in Vientiane worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Patuxai
Patuxai is a named stop in Vientiane worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket is a named stop in Vientiane worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.
Buddha Park
Buddha Park adds outdoor time to a Vientiane stay, with open space, views or waterfront breathing room between denser city sights.
COPE Visitor Centre
COPE Visitor Centre gives Vientiane a strong culture stop for museums, exhibitions or local collections, and works best as an indoor anchor in the day's route.
Mekong Riverside Park
Mekong Riverside Park adds outdoor time to a Vientiane stay, with open space, views or waterfront breathing room between denser city sights.
Stay overview
Start with Mekong Riverside for the easiest first Vientiane stay, then compare Chanthabouly and Sisattanak when price, nightlife, quieter evenings or transfer timing matter more than being beside every major sight.
Hotels & areas
Vientiane hotel choice is mostly about repeat journeys: use Mekong Riverside for sightseeing, Chanthabouly for a different local base, and Sisattanak or That Luang when views, parking, airport timing or longer stays matter.
Mekong Riverside
Mekong Riverside suits travellers who want views, evening walks and a calmer base while still keeping central Vientiane reachable.
Best for: views, quieter evenings, walksCompare staysChanthabouly
Chanthabouly is useful when a Vientiane stay needs more local restaurants, apartment options or quieter nights outside the busiest core.
Best for: local stays, restaurants, quieter nightsCompare staysSisattanak
Sisattanak is useful when a Vientiane stay needs more local restaurants, apartment options or quieter nights outside the busiest core.
Best for: local stays, restaurants, quieter nightsCompare staysThat Luang
That Luang is useful when a Vientiane stay needs more local restaurants, apartment options or quieter nights outside the busiest core.
Best for: local stays, restaurants, quieter nightsCompare staysFlights & airports
Vientiane Wattay (VTE) arrival plan
- Vientiane Wattay (VTE)Vientiane Wattay (VTE), Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane Wattay (VTE) is the main air gateway for Vientiane; compare transfer time with your hotel base before locking the first night.
Rental cars
Vientiane day-trip car use
Do not rent a car for central Vientiane unless parking and traffic are part of the plan; use one mainly for regional day trips.
Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best base
Choose Mekong Riverside for a first stay because it keeps main sights, restaurants and practical local movement close.
Airport timing
Leave extra time for Vientiane Wattay, especially for early flights, late arrivals, traffic or unfamiliar transfer routes.
Local movement
Plan each day in clusters around Pha That Luang and Patuxai so transfers do not consume the best sightseeing hours.
Day trips
Keep one flexible slot for nearby routes from Vientiane, checking weather, transport and opening hours before committing.
Nearby ideas
Heritage
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang is a heritage-focused side trip from Vientiane; check the route and opening hours before setting aside the day.
Heritage
Patuxai
Patuxai is a heritage-focused side trip from Vientiane; check the route and opening hours before setting aside the day.
Heritage
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket is a heritage-focused side trip from Vientiane; check the route and opening hours before setting aside the day.
Upcoming events
No upcoming Vientiane events in the shared event index yet.