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Vientiane

Tourist Attractions in Vientiane

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Vientiane. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

18 Attractions
★4.4 Average rating
7 Categories

About Vientiane

Vientiane, Laos’s riverside capital, blends Buddhist calm with a touch of colonial charm along the Mekong. By day, visitors explore gilded pagodas at That Luang and the tranquil grounds of Wat Sisaket, then browse the markets for sticky rice, laap and fresh fruit. A short ride out to Xieng Khuan reveals the quirky Buddha Park, while the dramatic Patuxai memorial offers sweeping city views. Evening strolls along the Mekong promenade lead to sunset cafés, and the sobering COPE Visitor Centre gives context to the region’s history. Peaceful, friendly and endlessly rewarding, Vientiane invites slow discovery and warm conversations.

Top-18 Tourist Attractions in Vientiane

Kuang Si Waterfall, rated 4.7/5 1
Tourist attraction

Kuang Si Waterfall

4.7 ★★★★★ 12,243 reviews

Kuang Si Falls is a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall set in a forested reserve about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang, Laos. Its milky turquoise pools, fed by clear mountain streams, invite swimmers and photographers alike, while well-marked trails lead to viewpoints and hidden cascades. The site also houses a bear rescue center and well-maintained gardens, making it a family-friendly day out. Expect lush jungle scenery, fragrant pine forests, and breezy picnic spots; the best light is in the morning, and the dry season typically offers safer swimming and easier hiking.

Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids Parking
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Pha That Luang Vientiane — Religious site, rated 4.5/5 2
Religious site Buddhist TempleHistorical LandmarkHistorical PlacePlace Of Worship

Pha That Luang Vientiane

4.5 ★★★★★ 7,416 reviews

Pha That Luang, a towering gold-covered stupa in the heart of Vientiane, is Laos’ most sacred religious symbol and a national emblem. Believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, it dominates a serene temple complex whose lacquered temples and stone-paved courtyards invite quiet reflection. Visitors can admire the shimmering chedi from the surrounding walls, stroll the shaded grounds, and observe monks going about their daily rituals. The site blends sacred significance with royal history, offering insight into Lao identity, devotion, and centuries of Buddhist craftsmanship. Dress modestly and plan a morning visit for the best light.

That Luang, Xaysettha 10009, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Patuxai — Monument, rated 4.4/5 3
Monument

Patuxai

4.4 ★★★★★ 12,350 reviews

Patuxai, officially the Victory Gate, is a monumental arch rising at the center of Vientiane like a Southeast Asian Arc de Triomphe. Built with cement donated by the United States in the 1950s, it stands as a symbolic victory monument to Lao sovereignty and sacrifices in war. Visitors climb staircases to a viewing platform for sweeping views of the city and the surrounding park, especially striking at sunset. Inside the gate, faded murals evoke Lao history. The site blends grand architecture with local markets and lively street life nearby.

Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Wat Si Muang Temple — Religious site, rated 4.5/5 4
Religious site Buddhist TemplePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Wat Si Muang Temple

4.5 ★★★★★ 3,197 reviews

Wat Si Muang Temple is a revered Buddhist temple in central Vientiane, famed as the city’s guardian shrine and a focal point for local blessings. Visitors will encounter a striking courtyard, a richly decorated main chapel, and the revered statue and shrine where worshippers offer incense, light candles, and tie red threads for luck and protection. The temple blends Lao religious practice with serene riverside scenery, inviting slow exploration of its ornate carvings and peaceful courtyards. Expect a welcoming, contemplative atmosphere, insightful glimpses into daily Lao devotion, and a glimpse of city life entwined with tradition.

15 Rue Bourichane, Vientiane, Laos
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Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang) — Park, rated 4.3/5 5
Park

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

4.3 ★★★★★ 5,361 reviews

Buddha Park, officially Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, is a whimsical riverside sculpture park just outside Vientiane, set along the Mekong. Created in 1958 by a monk, it houses a surreal collection of more than 200 concrete figures from Buddhist and Hindu traditions, including towering gods, cosmic elephants, and a dramatic, multi-tiered Buddha that invites visitors to walk through its carved chambers. It’s a surreal, photo-worthy contrast to temple life, best enjoyed at sunset when the river light softens the statues’ shadows. Bring a camera and a curious spirit.

Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Restroom
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Chao Anouvong Park — Park, rated 4.2/5 6
Park City Park

Chao Anouvong Park

4.2 ★★★★★ 6,840 reviews

Chao Anouvong Park is a riverside green oasis in central Vientiane named for the revered Lao king, a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike. The park offers shaded paths, open lawns, and views across the Mekong, making it ideal for sunset strolls, morning jogs, and relaxed picnics. Expect a calm, family-friendly atmosphere with statues and monuments reflecting Lao history, plus easy access to nearby attractions, markets, and cafés. Visitors can observe daily life along the river, combine a cultural visit with outdoor recreation, and capture memorable Lao experiences.

Vientiane 01600, Laos
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
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Nam Xay Viewpoint — Viewpoint, rated 4.7/5 7
Viewpoint Observation Deck

Nam Xay Viewpoint

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,516 reviews

Nam Xay Viewpoint is a hilltop overlook just outside Vientiane that rewards visitors with sweeping, postcard‑perfect views of the Lao capital and the Mekong River below. The site sits above the city on a grassy terrace, reachable by a short, mostly paved path and a stair climb for those who want a little exertion. It’s especially magical at sunset, when the golden light bathes the skyline and distant temple rooftops. Expect peaceful photo opportunities, a breezy breeze, and a chance to reflect after a day of urban sights.

W9FP+CQQ, Naka, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM Closed now
  • Monday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
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Wat Sisaket — Religious site, rated 4.4/5 8
Religious site Buddhist TemplePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Wat Sisaket

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,750 reviews

Wat Sisaket is a serene Buddhist temple in Vientiane, famed for its grand cloister walls that enclose a treasure trove of Buddhist statuary and colorful murals. Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, it survived the Siamese invasion and today offers a peaceful contrasts of ancient lacquered wood and weathered stone. Inside, thousands of tiny Buddha figures fill the niches, while the surrounding galleries display intricate painted scenes of religious life. Visitors can lace through quiet courtyards, listen to chanting, and gain insight into Lao spirituality and monastic culture.

XJ76+6HV, Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Restroom
Entrance
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Patuxay Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 9
Park

Patuxay Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,704 reviews

Patuxay Park in central Vientiane surrounds the city’s iconic Patuxai monument, a towering arch-like war memorial that dominates the skyline. The park is a lively, leafy retreat where locals jog, families picnic, and visitors concentrate on the monument’s steps and surrounding lawns. Climbing the stairwell inside Patuxai rewards you with sweeping views of the capital and the rugged mountain backdrop. In the evenings the area fills with stalls, street food, and soft golden light, making it a quintessential Lao getaway for a relaxed, photo-worthy stop.

Vientiane 00100, Laos
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Seating
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Talat Sao — Market, rated 3.9/5 10
Market Shopping Mall

Talat Sao

3.9 ★★★★★ 6,819 reviews

Talat Sao, also known as the Lao Trade Market, is Vientiane’s bustling hub for Lao crafts, textiles, silverware, and souvenirs housed in a landmark colonial-style complex along Lane Xang Avenue. Inside, you’ll wander through dozens of stalls offering handwoven silk scarves, lacquerware, carvings, and quirky trinkets, with friendly vendors ready to bargain. Beyond shopping, the complex hosts a market floor and a modern food court where you can sample local treats. It’s a convenient, atmospheric stop for a sensory snapshot of Lao craftsmanship and everyday life.

XJ87+4PC, Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restroom
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COPE Visitor Centre — Museum, rated 4.7/5 11
Museum HospitalCafeServiceFood

COPE Visitor Centre

4.7 ★★★★★ 795 reviews

The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane is a powerful, informative museum focused on Laos’ ongoing battle with unexploded ordnance and its human toll. Housed by the COPE Centre, it explains how UXOs were left from past wars, how survivors live with injuries, and how prosthetic and rehabilitation services help restore independence. Visitors can expect engaging, multimedia exhibits, survivor testimonies, and clear explanations of demining efforts and safe practices. The centre also highlights ways visitors can support medical aid and rehabilitation, making it a moving, educational stop for understanding Laos’ recent history.

Boulevard Khou Vieng, ວຽງຈັນ, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Vientiane Night Market — Market, rated 4/5 12
Market

Vientiane Night Market

4 ★★★★★ 2,972 reviews

The Vientiane Night Market is a lively riverside bazaar that appears each evening along the edge of the Mekong. It offers a wide mix of handmade crafts, textiles, silver jewelry, Lao silks, and affordable souvenirs, all set against the glow of the sunset over the water. Travelers come for a relaxed stroll, bargaining friendly prices, and catching stray live music or street performances. Food stalls tempt with Mekong-style grills, sticky rice, and sweet treats, making it an atmospheric spot to mingle with locals and savor Lao flavor after a day of sightseeing.

Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 – 10:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 – 10:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Lao Textile Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5 13
Museum

Lao Textile Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 637 reviews

The Lao Textile Museum in Vientiane is a compact, inviting gallery dedicated to the artistry of Lao weaving. Housed in a traditional-style building, it presents a rich collection of fabrics, costumes, and looms that reveal the country’s diverse ethnic styles and dyeing techniques. Visitors learn about silk production, natural dyes, and the symbolism woven into sinh skirts and other garments. Expect informative displays, hands-on demonstrations, and a small shop selling woven textiles, making it a cultural cornerstone for understanding Lao heritage.

Ban Nongtha-tai, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Ho Phrakeo Museum — Museum, rated 4.3/5 14
Museum Buddhist TemplePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Ho Phrakeo Museum

4.3 ★★★★★ 1,337 reviews

Ho Phrakeo Museum, housed in the former royal temple Ho Phra Keo in Vientiane, preserves Laos’s Buddhist art heritage in a serene riverside setting. Built in the 16th century, the temple once sheltered the Emerald Buddha and now functions as a museum presenting a rich collection of religious artifacts, ceremonial objects, ancient manuscripts, and statues that illustrate Lao Buddhist traditions and royal patronage. Visitors can wander the tranquil courtyards, admire gilded carvings, and gain insights into sacred rituals, making it a meaningful complement to the capital’s palaces and temples.

XJ66+QG5, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Restroom Parking
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Lao Art Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5 15
Museum

Lao Art Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 567 reviews

The Lao Art Museum in central Vientiane is a welcoming showcase of Lao visual culture, bridging traditional craft with contemporary expression. Housed in a modern, light-filled space, it presents paintings, sculpture, textiles, and multimedia works that trace the country’s artistic journey from Buddhist-inspired imagery to today’s bold, urban voices. Fans of Southeast Asian art will appreciate rotating exhibitions, informative wall labels, and artist talks that deepen understanding of Lao heritage. Expect a relaxed pace, insightful context, and a chance to purchase locally made art, souvenirs, and crafts.

NonsaArt, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Closed now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
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Wat Ong Teu Temple — Religious site, rated 4.5/5 16
Religious site Buddhist TemplePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Wat Ong Teu Temple

4.5 ★★★★★ 570 reviews

Wat Ong Teu Temple is a tranquil Buddhist temple complex in central Vientiane, beloved by locals and visitors for its colorful rooftops, ornate statues, and serene courtyards. The site offers a compact glimpse of Lao religious life, with monks mulling about, incense filling the air, and respectful visitors exploring the hall, gilded details, and small stupa that punctuate the grounds. It’s worth visiting for a quiet sojourn, light crowds, and photo opportunities at dawn or dusk, when the temple feels especially contemplative and the city hums softly behind.

XJ83+6HF, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 5:00 AM – 9:45 PM Closed now
  • Monday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Tuesday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Wednesday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Thursday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Friday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Saturday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Sunday5:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
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That Dam Stupa — Religious site, rated 4/5 17
Religious site Place Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

That Dam Stupa

4 ★★★★★ 1,510 reviews

That Dam Stupa, popularly known as the Black Stupa, sits in the heart of Vientiane as a quiet religious landmark wrapped in local legend. The brick-and-earth monument has long symbolized Lao heritage, around which smaller shrines and temples cluster, giving visitors a sense of the city’s devotional life. Though rebuilt over centuries and partly ruined, it remains a working site where Buddhists light incense, offer prayers, and circle the stupa in ritual homage. Expect a peaceful, atmospheric stop that pairs spiritual insight with easy, streetside exploration of Lao culture.

140 ຖະໜົນສາມແສນໄທ, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Restroom
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Nam Phou Park — Landmark, rated 4/5 18
Landmark Fountain

Nam Phou Park

4 ★★★★★ 700 reviews

Nam Phou Park is a leafy urban oasis in the heart of Vientiane, built around a central green space that locals and visitors flock to for a stroll, a jog, or a peaceful pause amid the city’s bustle. Expect shaded paths, a calm lake, and gently rolling lawns framed by trees and hubs of street life just beyond the gates. It’s a window into everyday Lao life, with nearby temples, colonial-era architecture, and sunset views over the city skyline. A quintessential stop for a relaxed, authentic afternoon.

XJ75+R6W, ຖະໜົນປາງຄຳ, Vientiane, Laos
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM Closed now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:30 PM
Dogs allowed
Entrance
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