A must-visit place in Vientiane because it is beautiful and elegant with rich history and stories. It also serves as a small galley to tell the story and history behind it once you purchase the ticket and walk inside and all the way to the top. The view on the top is incredible. Don’t miss out on it.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions that you must visit if you are in Laos. A nice place to take a photos. The architecture is beautiful. Highly recommended!

Beautiful building with some interesting history which you can read about inside when you climb up. The view from the top is great, you can see all of Vientiane. Also if you come at the right time, the music will start playing and the fountains start to dance along to the music - I think it may be around 4pm or 4:30pm.

A great place to visit, take photos, etc. It has a pool where a very pleasant water show starts at 4 p.m. Nearby, there are shops selling water, coffee, and other items. To go up there they charge 30 kip. For a more panoramic view

The Victory Monument in downtown Vientiane, Laos, was built between 1957 and 1968. Known as Patuxai, Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, is a war monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. A piece of interesting history : the monument was built using American funds and cement actually intended to build a new airport. Knowing the history made the visit more interesting

Of course, a must see place in Vientiane, so why then are there SO few visitor who are prepared to pay the small fee to enter？It's half the cost of a coffee in Vientiane... 🤔 It's worth the price, not only for the spectacular views, but also because of the history panels on tbe upper floors which shows its evolution and also provides other supplementary cultural and historical information. Interestingly, some of these are mounted on exposed walls so you can actually see the structure; a great touch. Only downsides were noisy locals and their unruly offspring who running around and touching the panels, the fact the place smelt like a Grab taxi, and the utter ignorance of ”Alex and Serein“ who, thinking their ancestors colonial acts were not bad enough chose to deface a national monument... well done you, your parents must be so proud of how they raised you.

well worth a visit on a clear day. I belive night has light shows on the fountains but then can't go up. very hot up there so take sunglasses etc.

Great place to buy all sorts of local goods - from clothing, textiles, as well as jewelry and bags. Some small food stalls are also scattered around the mall

Incredible, enormous local wet and stable food market. A must visit!!

Wonderful experience, selling all sorts of products. We went for materials of which there was a huge supply. Very reasonable prices and very helpful vendors.

A market brimming with variety, both inside and out: souvenirs, luggage, silk clothing, and authentic items adorned with beautiful quartz and gemstones. Be willing to negotiate prices; you're sure to find something good. Cotton fabrics are also available. It's a market you should visit before 4 p.m. They sell everything. I highly recommend it. Jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, shoes, and appliances are all at good prices.

Bottom floor luggage shop, 1st or ground floor cell phone to clothing, very back are BCEL bank to exchange money. They will accept US bills to Kip almost any condition. 2nd floor gold and jewelry to traditional clothing. 3rd floor is traditional clothing. Sin to modern/traditional attire. Choose a shade place to park. Gets hot and humidity quick Don't leave your kids in back seat.

I reach here at 7.45am since the mall operates hour is 7am to 5pm but until 8.15am only less then 10 shop open

Talat Sao Morning Market is a well-known local shopping spot in Vientiane, and it’s quite popular among locals. It has a decent range of items—from clothes and shoes to electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and especially bags and accessories. If you’re specifically looking to buy bags, luggage, or similar items, this is probably one of the better places to go. However, for foreigners or tourists, the market may not feel all that exciting. Apart from the bag-related items, there isn’t much that stands out or feels unique. Many stalls seem to sell similar things, and the overall vibe is more like a regular shopping mall than a cultural market experience. It lacks the charm or energy you might expect from a bustling Southeast Asian market. That said, it’s clean, air-conditioned, and convenient if you’re in the area—but it might not be worth going out of your way for unless you’re in need of something specific

Just normal mall in vientiane, quite huge but silent. The location is right beside parkson center which is the newest one. The department store is selling middle class stuff. The mall have just several restaurant and the unique is shared canteen which is looked like providing cheap meal for staff. Food court are in the 3rd floor, but just some stall is opened. There are also tennis table court, bowling center and billiard center. The building is likely shared with office building, so if i compared to the next building (parkson center), there are more life sign in here, ha ha ha. Behind the building, there are lake with beautiful view in night (it have baloon duck in the center), the name is central lake restaurant & cafe where you can eat some snack and chilled in this spot.

Very average shopping mall by modern standards. From the many travel site recommendations about this mall offering shopping and entertainment choices, the reality was very different. Limited shopping stores aside from a large department store and some jewellery shops. There was a food court upstairs, kids play area and cinema but otherwise not much else on offer. Looked large and promising on the outside, but no substance inside, unfortunately. So much potential. Hopefully, they will offer more shopping variety in the future.

Probably the biggest and grandest mall in Laos.. Unfortunately many of the stores were closed. We visited on a Thursday night and there were barely any people at the mall. Not sure if this is common or the was a reason no one was there. Some nice stores in the mall, some had very expensive prices, others better. Overall a nice experience.

We were here on Saturday afternoon and it was dead. No idea why it’s so quiet as it’s supposed to be the best mall in Vientiane. Got my ear pierced though

Quite a big mall but not all shops are open inside.

Nothing much of shopping items for foreigner in here. Duty free shop is closed when we reached there on 19 Oct 2025. Men suits are available but not sure how much expensive and the quality.

I have been here way too many times in June and November as I have a friend who works in the mall that I visit. Friday through Sunday regardless of the time there are no street urchins outside the mall but on a Monday morning through lunchtime/ early afternoon there were plenty of them. I felt extremely unsafe as I had my backpack and all my belongings on me and these child beggars were relentless and spotted me from afar when I was walking over, even trying to dodge them by making a detour and they ran up to me and again at parksons begging for money and seemed to target me as there weren’t many foreigners out there. It’s a giant nuisance with this nonsense. They will pursue you and I had to go by the carpark to get back to parksons eventually. Even with my friends who are Thai, they still harassed them.

I travel from Malaysia to Europe by train, Vientiane Laos is my connecting city, so I stay overnighthere. Please check my YouTube Channel [Lonely Railway Explorer]. Surrounding with many cafe, if daytime really hot, suggest just enjoy cold beverage at the cafe, after visit this temple.

It's beautiful. There is a few cafes around it. You can chill and have a drink at the cafes while enjoying the majestic view of the stupa. Recommended!

The Black Stupa located in the middle of a roundabout was a sight to see. Loved it's ancient vibe. It was believed to be inhabited by a 7 headed serpent "Naga" who is a believed to protect Vientiane during crisis.

There isn't really THAT much to see and do In Vientiane; I guess that in part explains why the town (village?) hasn't thrived and the population hasn't increased to a useful level, hence the economy like the village is woefully impoverished in many aspects, although not culturally. For me this modest, unkempt, dilapidated relic is a visual metaphor for Vientiane in so far as it's just about worth seeIng but shouldn't be if it had more to offer. That said, if you pass it by your life will not be impeded.

Ancient architecture in Lao. Standing the test of time. Protected by a seven head water serpent.

Its history makes it more interesting but its worth just to stop a second at this calm roundabout and stare at the Stupa

This is a very nice mound. Very shapely. I think based on the photos it was shaved prior to me seeing it.

Huge Temple. In the middle is a 18th century temple with old Buddha and the wall is painted in 18th century art. Beautiful temple and Aesthetic design. 30k kip entrance fee for Foreigners for the middle temple. The whole temple is free and no entrance fee needed.

Sisaket Museum is one of the most remarkable and serene cultural landmarks in Vientiane. Built in 1818 by King Anouvong, it is known as the oldest surviving temple in the city, and it beautifully represents a blend of Lao and Siamese architectural styles. The moment you enter the temple grounds, you can feel a deep sense of peace and history — the calm atmosphere, traditional wooden structures, and shady trees make it a truly spiritual experience. The highlight of Wat Sisaket is the cloister surrounding the main ordination hall, where more than 6,000 Buddha images are displayed. These statues, made of bronze, wood, silver, and stone, range in size from tiny to life-sized and are arranged neatly in small wall niches. It’s an amazing sight that shows the deep Buddhist devotion of the Lao people. Inside the ordination hall (sim), the murals are breathtaking — centuries-old paintings that depict Buddhist stories and daily life in ancient Laos. Photography isn’t allowed inside, which helps preserve the calm and sacred atmosphere. The museum also exhibits ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, relics, and religious artifacts that reflect Laos’s rich spiritual heritage. Everything is well cared for and clearly presented. The entrance fee is 30,000 Kip for foreigners and 5,000 Kip for locals, which is very reasonable. It’s located just across from Ho Phra Keo, making it easy to visit both together. A must-visit site for anyone who appreciates culture, history, and peace. 🌿🙏

If you have the time, I recommend stopping by. The outside area is nice, but what’s really worth it is the “museum” — it’s the highlight and does require an entrance fee. The multiple Buddha statues surrounding the structure are quite eye-catching. Inside the main temple, taking photos isn’t allowed, but there are signs that explain the history of the place. There are restrooms available, and you can see everything in about 40 minutes.

You’re not allowed to take photos inside the temple, which I think makes sense because it helps maintain the peaceful and sacred atmosphere. The entrance fee is 30,000 kip for foreigners, while locals only need to pay 5,000 kip. It’s quite a difference, but I understand that it helps support the preservation of the temple and the maintenance of the surrounding area. The temple itself is stunning and filled with beautiful artwork that really captures your attention. The architecture is traditional yet detailed, and the murals and carvings tell many stories about Buddhism and Lao culture. The craftsmanship is truly impressive. you can see the amount of patience, skill, and dedication that went into every piece. Even though it’s not the largest or most famous temple, it still carries a deep sense of history and spirituality. If you come from a country that’s already rich in Buddhist culture, you might find it somewhat familiar and less surprising. However, it’s still fascinating to observe how Laos expresses its faith through unique local designs and artistic touches. There’s something special about the calm and respectful environment here — it encourages you to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the details. Overall, I’d say I was somewhat satisfied with my visit. It may not be the most breathtaking temple I’ve ever seen, but it definitely has its own charm and character. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about cultural heritage, traditional art, and the spiritual side of Laos, this temple is definitely worth a stop.

This Buddhist temple in Vientaine was built in 1818 on the order of King Anouvong. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. There is a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images within the temple. The temple is unusual as it has an eclectic mix of Buddhist building styles and also houses a museum.

Nice place. A lot to see and there is a museum to see. But always remeber to follow the rule, a lot of sign rule here inside the museum. There is a toilet as well, a souvenir (painting) The ticket for the museum is 30.000 kip for foreigner and 5.000 kip for local.

Possibly the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane, Wat Si Saket was once used as a headquarters by the invading Siam. Today, it houses more than 2000 Buddha statues of clay and silver. It also houses a small museum, despite still being an active temple. After visiting the Ho Phrakeo Museum, we came across this small temple and decided to take a look inside. Inside we found several Buddha statues lining the walls outside. Several of them were life-sized, but most were miniatures carefully placed in small alcoves behind the larger statues. Seeing so many Buddha statues in one place makes this temple worth a visit. Each one is unique in terms of detail and state of preservation, so you could spend a long time if you wanted to take it all in. This temple acts, in part, as a temple. What descriptions of artefacts there are focus on the preserved supports and roof decorations there are, many of them hanging from the modern day roof of the temple. Of course, the Sim still acts as a place of worship, and you need to remove your shoes to go inside. No pictures are allowed in this part of the temple so, as with Ho Phrakeo, you'll need to journey to Vientiane to see it for yourself.

This is a charming cafe that specializes on wine. The food seems to be fusion between Lao and French. My lamb chop was so so but I liked the Lao salad. Service was very attentive and the ambiance was very relaxing. There is an outdoor terrace for those who wants to enjoy the breeze. We opted for the airconditioned interior.

We went here for lunch but unfortunately we didn’t have a great experience. We ordered a duck laab which was ok and a burger which was average. What really let it down was the wine, we ordered a carafe of red which was so bad we couldn’t drink it. It tasted like a bottle that had been opened for months and left to go off. The waitresses never checked back nor asked why the carafe had been hardly touched. The service was a real disappointment; we had to ask to be seated after waiting for a while at the entrance (this was at nearly 3pm and there were hardly any tables eating). We were waiting a while for them to take our order and we also had to go up to ask for the bill and for our change. Whilst there were still a number of staff working, they ignored us until we went up to ask for something. Overall for what we paid and that this is a wine bar, we were very disappointed and would not recommend.

I recently dined at That Dam Wine House and opted for the local beef dish, and I must say, it was absolutely amazing. The flavour and tenderness of the local beef exceeded my expectations. However, I did find the portion of sides to be a bit on the smaller side, while the price being more on the higher side. Despite this, the overall experience was really good, and I would definitely recommend That Dam Wine House to fellow meat enthusiasts looking for a taste of the West in Asia.

Excellent meal in a lovely setting...

The food is okay. I expected the food here to be more tasty and French, but it wasn't. The restaurant and the docarations are great. Staff are very helpful and welcoming.

Good food and patio

I didn't want to write a review but I couldn't finish my food due to strong misplaced flavors. If you like your Spaghetti Bolognese to taste like pasta in sour ketchup with not even a spoon of meat, this place is for you.

Kualao is a renowned Lao cuisine restaurant, a favorite dining spot of several Japanese prime ministers. It offers an authentic taste of Lao tradition, served in a charming colonial French villa, accompanied by traditional dance performances. The menu features many enticing Lao specialties, including Laap (Lao national dish – minced meat with herbs, vegetables, and sticky rice, available in various types), Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad), Sai Oua (sour Lao sausage), Khao Niew (sticky rice), Ping Kai (grilled chicken), crispy seaweed, and silkworms. There’s a Lao saying: “Nang hai bang thi, ni hai bang bon”, meaning “mind your manners when eating and seating.” So, be sure to book a table near the stage for the best view of the performances or arrive before 6:00 PM (performance starts at 7pm) as stage-side tables usually fill up by then—especially on weekends. One more note: please close doors gently—this beautiful building is over 100 years old (as kindly posted on signs).

It's worth trying this popular Laotian restaurant that specialises in authentic traditional Laos dishes. Usually busy during dinner service so advance reservations recommended. There are live traditional Laos music and dance performances every day at 7 pm, so it is best to arrive for this live entertainment. Dishes were tasty with some interesting options that we did not see at other restaurants. Very lively atmosphere and gets very loud inside when full house. Kitchen service was efficient and food came out quickly. Dessert was also done well and great way to finish the meal. Prices are expensive compared to other similar restaurants

The restaurant has 30 years of experience and specializes in Lao cuisine. My favorite dish is Duck Larb, which is served with fresh vegetables. Almost all the dishes here are rich in flavors, combining sour, spicy, sweet, bitter, and tangy tastes. The accompanying vegetables help balance the flavors of the dishes. The restaurant attracts many foreign customers, and the staff is very friendly.

The service was good overall, and the food tasted great. Unfortunately, I found a hair on my vegetables, which really affected the experience. What was disappointing is that there was no apology from the manager or any offer to make up for the mistake—not even a small discount. I expected better handling of the situation given the circumstances.

Kualao is a must-visit for authentic Lao cuisine in Vientiane. The duck larb was bursting with herbs and flavor, perfectly paired with brown sticky rice, such a fun and unique way to enjoy the meal. Beautiful setting, great service, and a true cultural experience.

Didn't have the time to try the restaurant but will definitely check it out next time. I really liked the building and the shrine on the premises. The 1966 Jaguar Mark X that belonged to Crown Prince Vong Savang was a nice touch and it's good that it has been preserved by the restaurant owners. Sadly the Prince, King and many members of the royal family died in forced labor camps after the communist take over. The surviving members of the Lao royal family who escaped live in France and continues to function as a government in exile.

Let me tell you about my recent dinner at Kualao Restaurant in Vientiane. Now, I wouldn't normally go for fancy places, but this one was a real treat. It's a bit on the upscale side, but the atmosphere was fantastic. The restaurant itself is beautiful. It has this whole traditional Lao vibe, and they even had dancers and musicians performing throughout the night. It wasn't over the top or cheesy, but it added this wonderful cultural touch to the whole experience. Now, the most important part: the food! Let me tell you, it was incredible. They focus on Lao cuisine, and everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. I tried this set menu they have with a bunch of small dishes, and it was the perfect way to sample a bunch of different things. There was this one beef salad with lemongrass that completely blew me away. Honestly, the whole night was fantastic. The food was amazing, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was just unbeatable. If you're looking for a special night out in Vientiane, I can't recommend Kualao Restaurant highly enough. Just be prepared for the bill to be a bit steeper than your average restaurant. But hey, sometimes you gotta treat yourself, right?

I use this restaurant for lunch. This place is so busy with foreigner. I am not sure of its accepting reservation. Taste is awesome, and price is very reasonable for frensh course.

Wow! What a great lunch spot. Three course meal for under 10 euro each person. Unbelievable value and quality was fantastic. Would recommend anytime.

Cute local French restaurant with nice simple menu and decently prepared and we'll presented food. I started with the pâté en croûte which was excellent, following by the pavé de saumon which was reasonable. Fresh baguette with butter and a glass of good French wine. The bill came to around $23 which is very reasonable. That's the nice thing about Vientiane; finding these lovely local European restaurants in an Asian city.

There's a picture of the cheese plate because the delicious lamb disappeared too fast. Exceptional meal from Pierre & his team once again. Service from Antoine outstanding.

Dinner was great and service was pretty good as well I had ordered the beef tenderloin which was unfortunately really dry for the medium rare I had asked which turned out to be a well done sadly, And I had the tilapia and shrimp with coconut sauce of such which was great! And the pate was really good with the mustard cream pairs nicely with the bread and lastly the mushroom soup which was not too bad. Had no space left for dessert unfortunately.

The food was spectacular. We had wine and 3 course a la carte and it was delicious we went back twice in 2 days before we left 🥰 it was so special, thank you Chef and team ❤️

The food here is just amazing . Had the salmon and shrimp salad. So delicious. Gave the service 3 stars because we went as a big group and they took a looooong time to get all our food. But the food is just awesome, must try .

The picanha from here was highly recommended by a friend. Unfortunately, the steak was a major disappointment While the steak was grilled properly - nice and juicy with a smoked fat cap - the poor quality beef was so chewy that I could barely make it through. It took me an hour to fight through this steak and finish it. Only because I felt bad for spending that much money on it. On the plus side, the caesar salad was good, and well priced compared to the quality and amount that you would get in other places, such as Bangkok.

Highly recommend this restaurant located in central Vientiane. Menu boasts a Western- Spanish cuisine with tapas, paella, steaks and classic bar food. Excellent set lunch menu which is a must try. The set lunch menu has a refreshing garden salad followed by a mains then dessert. We tried the seafood paella which came out surprisingly quickly but was very tasty and satisfying. Highly recommend the grilled chicken, the chicken was so succulent and juicy packed with amazing flavours. The prawn fettuccine was also creamy and fulfilling. Portions were large and satisfied hungry appetites. I came back on a Sunday to try their a la carte menu but unfortunately they were closed on Sunday. Great bar area and inviting ambience. Staff were friendly but spoke limited English. Service lost a star because staff were elusive and purposely avoiding us due to language barrier when we requested assistance.

Great food! Meat not overdone, roasted veggies nice and flavourful. We also LOVED chiabatta with the garlic sauce. Only one thing to ask, spaghetti should be a little firmer.

We had a very nice dinner at Pimenton restaurant. I ordered the Argentina Grilled meats which was huge and included beef, pork chop, chicken, two different sausages, grilled asparagus and mushrooms. I didn’t think the sausages had much flavor but enjoyed everything else. We also had baked mussels, puree potatoes and tomatoe-garlic toast that where good. Thank you to all the staff and the owner for a pleasurable dining experience.

If your trip to Vientiane leads you to Pimentón, don’t skip the Tomahawk steak and its decadent truffle offerings — they’re showstoppers in their own right. Tomahawk Steak at Pimentón From the moment it’s presented, the Tomahawk commands attention — long bone, generous marbling, and that sizzling aura as it arrives. The open-grill set-up lets you watch the finishing touches: the char, the smoke kiss, the juices pooling just so. When done right, it delivers: a deeply beefy flavor, rich fat that melts into the lean, and a satisfying crust that gives way to tender, juicy slices. Pair that with a crisp side and you’ve got a steak experience that lives up to the hype. That said, some diners have flagged inconsistency — even when grilling technique seems sound, the cut’s chew has disappointed a few. So, ask for your doneness and inspect the first slice. Truffle Dishes & Truffle Accents Pimentón’s truffle touches (in sauces, pastas, maybe even finishing oils) lean into luxury without overdoing it. These dishes elevate the experience: earthy aroma, silky mouthfeel, pairing smartly with the beef. While there’s less voluminous comment about the truffle offerings specifically, the general consensus is that their emphasis on “organic sourcing, simple presentation, open fire technique” fits well with the restrained use of premium ingredients like truffle. When the truffle is used — whether in a sauce, a risotto, or shaved over a dish — it feels intentional, not showy. Final Take Pimentón delivers on the theater and the flavors when it comes to the Tomahawk — it’s a destination dish. If you go, be bold: ask for the best slice, check how it’s done, and let the staff guide you. The truffle side notes are the perfect companion — subtle, well judged, and classy. A truly memorable dinner for those who appreciate meat and nuance.

This restaurant has elevated hamburgers to the next level of delicious. All canivors should go here for their next beef eating experience.

Nice modern industrial chic decor. Food and service excellent (we had a selection of tapas). Steaks looked delicious and that's what we will return for next time. Highly recommended. The restaurant doesn't look particularly inviting from the street and you wouldn't know of the lovely modern interior. Would be better if they opened up the area in front for a couple of tables for dining outdoors.

I went on a morning hike with the Hungarian Friendship tree in mind and came across the park . This is a large statue of the former king and he is shown pointing across the river to the lost land . He is definitely an important King for the region . The park surrounding I found quite nice compared to some others I visited . There are cleaners - no open toilets in the morning though . Def work a hike for early morning visit and then go along the banks of the river for a coffee .

This is a spacious public park located right by the Mekong River, offering plenty of open space and a relaxing atmosphere. 🏃‍♀️ In the evenings, many people come here to exercise, walk, or simply enjoy the river breeze. 🛍️ You can also walk directly from the park to the nearby riverside market, making it a nice place to start or end your evening stroll.

Has the famed night bazaar/market of Vientiane. An eclectic collection of clothing, eltronic and handicrafts. Great for casual browsing and picking up a knock of brand

Great statue. Direction at Thailand and has Laotian writings on it.

Not much to see. The statue looks smaller up close. There is an unused parking lot opposite it by the river. But it's not far at all to walk there from the shops or the palace on the road or through the park.

Very nice park… good to walk and take a stroll for night market. Superb

Very beautiful, scenic park with a riverside promenade. Lot of picnic area. The live mass exercise options with live music is very attractive. The participation of the local and tourist in this sessions are really good.

Many foods stalls have many dishes, but the price is not very cheap, not recommended eat seafood here. Suggest to eat sticky rice and grilled fish, papaya salad, sausage.

Vientiane Mekong Night Market is a tourist attraction in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This night market stretches along the Mekong River and has quite a different atmosphere from what we typically imagine as Southeast Asian night markets. They mostly sell counterfeit brand clothing, various accessories, earrings, and necklaces, with barely any street food stalls. If you're going there specifically to shop, you might be quite disappointed. Personally, if your schedule in Vientiane is tight, I think it's perfectly fine to skip this place

The night market is long and lively, offering clothes, shoes, bags, food, and even a small amusement park. It’s a pleasant place to walk around and enjoy. The market is open every night. You can park either at the temple or along the street.

Meh… not like any of the other night markets we’ve experienced in Laos. Maybe only one stall that was selling handicrafts… otherwise just selling counterfeit western clothes, bags, belts, sunglasses, phone accessories and beauty supplies. The food stalls were few and far between, but there’s a mini amusement park if you’ve got kids. Can totally be skipped

Really nice place. I love it

The Vientiane Night Market is an absolute must-visit if you're exploring Laos. It’s bustling with energy, sprawling across a vast area with what feels like tens of thousands of stalls. Each section of the market offers something different – from authentic Laotian street food to clothing, daily essentials, and souvenirs. The food section is a particular highlight, showcasing Laotian specialities like laap, a spicy minced meat salad; grilled Mekong river fish; and khao jee, the local version of baguettes stuffed with savoury fillings. The aroma of these dishes fills the air, tempting you to try everything. In the clothing and accessories area, you’ll find a diverse array of styles and textiles – be prepared to haggle here, as prices are often negotiable. It’s all part of the experience, and vendors are usually open to bargaining in good spirits. The night market sits right beside the Mekong River, where you can enjoy views across to Thailand. Interestingly, the Thai side is unlit, giving it a stark contrast to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Lao side. Spending a leisurely three hours here feels effortless, as there’s so much to explore and enjoy. The market’s scale and diversity make it easy to lose yourself in the experience, without ever feeling fatigued. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a casual visitor, the Vientiane Night Market provides an unforgettable slice of Laotian culture and charm.

A stroll along the boardwalk at sunset is a must. It was more memorable than the night market itself. All the locals are out dancing zoomba and chilling. It's a wonderful cultural experience. And the sunset backdrop is beautiful. Plus plenty of food if you're hungry.

"Nam Phou" can refer to two different places: Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park in northeastern Laos, a large, biodiverse protected area with conservation activities and ecotourism, or Nam Phou Fountain (or Nam Phou Square) in Vientiane, a popular nighttime destination with restaurants and live music. The specific location depends on the context, as "Nam Phou" is a common element in the names of both the national park and the Vientiane landmark.

It seems that the fountain only turns on at certain times of the day. Walked past twice and there were no water display, but managed to catch it once when the fountain was on. Quite a lovely display and there are seats for one to relax and enjoy the ambience.

Went on a stroll from our hotel and found this quite and clean park. There are seats to relax and enjoy the fountain.

Absolutely beautiful place with live music at night. Very nice place to go and sit down if you want to chill out. Beautiful fountain with light show during the night. There are shops and cafés around it. It’s definitely worth checking out!

A place full filled with many restaurants and bars around the lighting fountain located in central Vientiane City which is open for dinner until mid night. The fountain decorated with color light to make the place alive as air open store. Suitable to dinning with relax mood.

A small park near to the night market . Also a simple fountain with lights. Local people, especially families roam around this place in the evenings.

Instead of beautiful square full of historical French colonial buildings now it's something faceless and surrounded by international hotel and coffee shops brands. Really bad.

Once a temple that housed the famed Emerald Buddha, Ho Phrakeo carries the weight of centuries in its walls. Originally built in the 16th century, the temple was ransacked by the Siamese in the 18th century. The Emerald Buddha was taken to Bangkok, where it resides to this day. The temple has been rebuilt a few times since then, and though it is no longer a temple, it now stands as a museum showcasing religious art and manuscripts. While its origins as a temple are clear from the architecture, the shift to museum is unmistakable. The grounds include outdoor exhibits highlighting archaeological sites from around Laos, including information on the Plain of Jars, one of the country’s most important prehistoric sites. The building itself is part of the collection. The current structure was reconstructed by the French during the colonial period and later converted into a museum in the 1970s. Lining the exterior are rows of stone and bronze Buddha statues. Many of the doors and arches are adorned with intricate carvings, being art in their own right. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, so if you want to see the religious artefacts, sculptures, and historical relics it houses, you’ll have to visit in person. But it’s worth it. Ho Phrakeo is a place where the sacred and the historical intersect, a monument to Laos' resilience and spiritual heritage.

This place houses a lot of history. It was previously a temple built by King Setthathirat to house the Emerald Buddha after he had moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 1560. The Emerald Buddha was housed in this place for 219 years. In 1779, it was then brought to Thailand. In later years, the temple was then converted to a museum which we now have the luxury of seeing all the artifacts and history it houses. A lovely place to visit when in Vientiane.

Ho Phra Keo Monumental Museum is one of the most beautiful and historically important landmarks in Vientiane. I visited recently, and it turned out to be one of my favorite cultural experiences in Laos. Located right in the heart of the city, near Wat Sisaket and the Presidential Palace, this site offers a quiet escape from the busy streets outside. The moment you step through the gate, the atmosphere becomes peaceful, spiritual, and full of history. The museum was originally built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha, which is now kept in Bangkok. Even though the original statue is gone, the temple itself remains a masterpiece of Lao architecture and faith. The main hall is truly stunning, with its tall wooden roof, golden trim, and elegant Naga serpent stairways. The detailed carvings on the doors and windows show the incredible craftsmanship of that era. Every corner of this temple tells a story of devotion and cultural pride. Inside the museum, you’ll find a small but fascinating collection of ancient artifacts. There are beautiful Buddha statues made of bronze, stone, and wood — each from different periods and regions of Laos. Some of them are centuries old, yet still carry a powerful spiritual energy. You can also see ancient manuscripts, ceramics, and traditional ornaments that highlight the deep Buddhist influence in Lao history. Information boards are provided in both Lao and English, making it easy for visitors to understand the background and importance of each piece. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained. The garden area surrounding the main hall is peaceful, full of shady trees and blooming flowers. It’s the perfect spot to sit quietly, take photos, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere. The environment feels spiritual but not overly touristy — ideal for travelers who enjoy meaningful cultural experiences rather than just sightseeing. The entrance fee is very reasonable: 30,000 Kip for foreigners and 5,000 Kip for local visitors. The ticket counter staff are polite and helpful, and they maintain the premises very well. The temple area is clean, organized, and well preserved. I suggest visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and to catch the best light for photos. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes here exploring at your own pace. Overall, Ho Phra Keo Monumental Museum is not just a tourist spot; it’s a window into Laos’s royal and spiritual heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, or architecture. The serenity of this place, combined with its historical value, makes it truly special. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this is a destination you shouldn’t miss while in Vientiane.

It’s a pretty small place, but it holds a lot of ancient artifacts and items related to Buddhism. You can really sense the history and cultural value once you step inside. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, and it’s quite interesting to see how these old objects have been preserved over the years. Just like at Wat Sisaket, the entrance fee is 30,000 kip for foreigners, while locals only pay 5,000 kip. The price difference is quite noticeable, and although I understand that the fee helps with maintenance and preservation, I personally feel that 30,000 kip might be a bit too high for what you actually get to see. The place itself is quite small, so you can finish your visit in a short time. That said, the artwork and decorations are truly beautiful. From the detailed carvings to the painted walls that tell Buddhist stories. If you’re someone who appreciates historical art or religious sites, you’ll definitely find some things worth admiring here. However, if you’ve already visited larger or more famous temples, you might find this one a bit underwhelming in comparison. Overall, it’s a nice and peaceful spot with beautiful ancient pieces, but I would say it’s not entirely worth the 30,000 kip entrance fee for foreigners.

This is a former royal temple of King Setthathirat, is located in the center of the capital city Vientiane. It was built initially in 1565 as a Buddhist temple by King Xayasetthathilath to house the Emerald Buddha as his personal place of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936 and was converted from a place of worship into a museum. It now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts.

For me, if I had to choose three venues in Vientiane which must be vIsited, I'd choose here, Wat Sisaket (opposite), and Patuxay. This is such a compact venue, that if you are in tourist mode it's easy to miss its charm and importance. I love how they dont allow photography or videography inside or on the exterior because that makes you approach this temple/museum in a more serene, analogue way and that's how you get the most out of it. The main chamber is packed full of glass cases displaying a vast array of buddhist statues and associated paraphenalia. View slowly and be sure not to miss a thing. Be sure to go out of the rear of the chamber too, as there are numerous artefacts out the back. In summation, a wonderful place to visit, nice grounds to stroll through too. Only one suggestion; as we cannot photograph (no problem), how about selling postcards of the artefacts inside, and how about selling a book too? The only postcards on sale were generic ones available everywhere.

nice museum, lovely collection of ancient and 20th century atrefacts. Shame, it's not allowed to take pictures, as there are no publications... 6 times the local price for non Lao citizens

An unusual gem of a Belgian Beer venue in South East Asia, and not at significantly greater prices than in Europe. Authentic Chalices a touch of class Food a little better than adequate, even for vegetarians!

A cozy small bistro-type in good location... serving authentic Belgian food and offering a large selection of fine Belgian beers... nice outdoor terrace. Bon job, Monsieur Vincent... proficiat.

It is a cozy pub that offers many different beers. There were three of us, but we only tried a standard local beer. Some of the imported beers are extremely expensive compared to Thailand. The prices there are high; one should be aware of that before going there.

Great selection of Belgian beers in bottles and draft selections. Nice food menu too. Beer is expensive other than some local brands most of the finer imports were +120-160k range.

Great spot that offers something different from the “standard” beer pub experience. Beerlao is great, but after several weeks it is nice to have done alternative options. They offer various Belgian beers (ca. 10 are on tap and the rest bottled. Prices for Belgian beer are obviously pricier (even in Europe, Belgian beers aren’t the cheapest), but it still is less expensive than most wines.

Chokdee Café Belgian Beer Bar in Vientiane offers an incredible variety of beers. The prices are reasonable, especially considering most of the beers are imported. We also tried some desserts, including a waffle and chocolate mousse. While they were not bad, they weren't particularly great either. Overall, it's a great spot for beer enthusiasts!

So, I'm a huge beer snob, I won't drink cheap beer. I'm a huge belgian fan. This place has an amazing selection, I'm honestly shocked. I'm from western USA, but currently live in Thailand. So far I've not found squat in Thailand. Wish I'd found this sooner, instead of the last night of the trip. If you love good beer, don't miss this place. Food was great too.

This is a good upscale place that serves local dishes but gives touristic vibes just around the corner of Vientiane downtown. The outdoor vibe is good and open, while the indoor ones provide comfortable seating but actually gives a pub-like vibe. The foods really taste good especially the local dishes although the spring rolls were more to the Vietnamese side than Laos style. I’m giving 4 star on the foods in terms of portions. The price are a little not par with the portions. Expect to get a portion for single portion if you intend to share. The staff and service are pretty good as expected of Laoatians. They spoke well in English and actually went out of their way to provide what we wanted and how we wanted our foods and drinks. Reasonable waiting time and not much variety of food options on the menu but enough.

A very good place to have beers and drinks and to have good food. Their Mango Sticky rice was so so, in Prawns fried rice were just prawns placed upon normal rice., someone mentioned same for their Prawns Pad Thai too. Rest everything was amazing. Place had Live music and was great to have dinner while your stay at Vientiane.

This is an amazing place to go especially for Dinner. All the food taste great and authentic. We ordered the fried fish, fried chicken wings, papaya salad, Lao sausage, chicken satay and a vegetable dish. We went on a Thursday night and there is a live jazz band. The singer, pianist, cellist, guitarist and saxophonist are awesome.

The evening ambience of the place was excellent, nice setups with soft music. Their food was however a huge let down. 6 of us ordered 9 dishes - only the pork rib was good. Kitchen team needs to improve!!!

5 stars for the location and how pretty the place is. It's reasonably priced given how nice it looks. The food is just decent, I tried different dishes and they were okay, not bad but nothing special. So I'd say it deserves a 4.5 stars, great location, good price, alright food. Recommended!

We ate grilled beef here, but ordered it well-done, only to find it was completely raw inside. We asked them to grill it again, but it was still raw. Afterwards, my girlfriend had diarrhea and vomited. The food was terrible.

Great find. Food very good and reasonably priced. Went back a 2nd time, and the food came out pretty cold. Shame as 1st experience was much better.

I feel lucky to have found this restaurant! It’s spacious, clean, and very well organized. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, which made the whole experience even better. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, so there's something for everyone. The highlight for me was definitely the sandwich – fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made. They also offer delivery, which is super convenient. Highly recommend!

Saw Vietnamese and barged right in 😀 had shrimp rolls and banh mi with juice . Everything was good and filling. Bought some snacks from the ladies right outside the restaurant which were good too.

Vietnamese food in Laos. Delicious asian flavours with a spicy kick to your tastebuds. Tucked away in a alley way. Food was fantastic. PVO is the way to Go!

PVO is one of our preferred restaurants in town! They serve clean, fresh and delicious common Vietnamese dishes for breakfast and lunch for different favourite and budget. Today after church we took our grandma aged 85+ who is on wheelchair for breakfast she liked and thumped up the food and service! The restaurant is always busy and finding a parking spot can be challenging. But mostly people and patrons are very kind, friendly and helpful. So be patient and show respect to locals. Thank PVO for their good taught and wishes of making accessibility for wheelchair people 🙏

The food similar with VNese food, with a bit adjust to suit with Laos taste. Beside main dish food like noodle, Banh mi, Cha cuon…we still can find Rau cau dua, Sua chua deo, Cha gio, Cha lua, Gio thu…infront of restaurant

Such a wonderful restaurant very basic and simple, but the food is excellent, and the price is extremely cheap. It gets very, very busy and it’s not difficult to understand why being such a great place to have a nice breakfast, especially. I get what you pay for so do not expect the best service or a luxury restaurant. It is what it is and that’s perfect. Good honest food at great price. Really really really recommend anybody to go here .

Reviews looked great so we decided to give it a try. Food was amazing!!!! The service was prompt, polite and overall great with a laid back and relaxing atmosphere. They were closing soon before we finished and we never felt rushed or anything other than welcome. The food, order anything because everything we had was amazing! 7 out of 5 all day long and highly recommended!!!

“The food is really good, but it would be great if you could review the pricing a bit.”

Riverfront view, delicious food, good service, and live local music in the evening

Excellent food, not quite on the waterfront but across the road with a beautiful night time view of Thailand from Laos. The food was great. Most servers did not speak English so just point to what you want and enjoy. They were sweet young people working here though.

Very nice view by the Kong river with live band music. It’s super chillaxing restaurant. BTW, the taste of food is not that good to impress me back there for the next trip.

Excellent restaurant! There are a great atmosphere, food and services. The taste is similar as the Thai restaurant. Then, a lot of tourists had a dinner here but, there still provided a good management. I can tell this is a one of my best restaurants in Vientiane. Strongly recommend👍🏻

A nice river view restaurant with live music.

The view is good for this restaurant located besides Mekong river. Only few of few waiters can speak English a little. But they offered free WiFi. There are various menus but not good for those who like seafoods. You can pay with 3 currency such as LAK, USD and THB. And they also accept mobile payment Lao QR.