For many visitors, Vientiane can be a step back in time. It’s a charming city full of beautiful French provincial architecture, especially in the city centre. However, it also features unique monuments, shrines, and markets that deliver the true flavour and definition of the city. 

We’ve put together a guide to the five best things to see and do for first-time visitors to Vientiane. Most attractions are right in the city centre, along the Mekong River. Wandering around the area is one of the best ways to get a sense of the quiet beauty of Vientiane and Laos as a whole. We'll start our tour at one of the city's most iconic attractions, the Patuxai Victory Gate.

The Patuxai Victory Gate

This is a massive concrete arch in the enchanting Patuxai Park in the centre of Vientiane. Its architecture features Buddhist symbols combined with Hindu Gods and deities that adorn the five ornate towers of the arch that represent the five Buddhist principles of honesty, flexibility, honour, prosperity and thoughtful amiability and make it one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. One of the favourite things to do for visitors to Vientiane is to climb to the observation level of the arch and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding park and the city beyond. The gate is located at the beginning of Route 13 in the city centre.

Pha That Luang

While many visitors think Patuxai Victory Arch is the most iconic structure in Vientiane, the people of Laos consider Pha That Luang to be the country's national monument. It's a large and impressive gold stupa located in the centre of the city that houses the breastbone of Buddha. It was originally constructed in the 3rd century and has been rebuilt several times following wars and incursions in Laos. The golden-coloured structure is 45 metres high, and only the pinnacle is covered in real gold. The Stupa is located just off Nongbone Road, east of Route 13 and is easily reachable as every taxi and tuk-tuk driver in the city knows its location.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

This is by far one of the most unique sculpture parks in the world, and you'll want to have your cameras and phones fully charged to document your visit. Located about 25 kilometres southeast of Vientiane, the Buddhist Park contains whimsical giant sculptures of Buddha as well as Hindu Gods, demons, deities and animals that include a 40-metre reclining Buddha, a 4-armed deity riding a horse, and a statue of Indra, a 2-headed elephant. One of the most popular things to do in Vientiane is to explore all the sculptures, as some of them have viewpoints and hollow interiors you can enter. All the sculptures in the park were the work of one man, Bunleua Sulila, who established the park in 1958 and created the statues made of reinforced concrete.

A bus departing from Talat Sao Bus Station on Mahosot Road near the riverfront will take you directly to Buddha Park.

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE)

COPE is a charitable organization established to provide treatment and rehabilitation for Laotian people with disabilities. Ever since the Vietnam War, many people have been injured by hidden explosives that were forgotten and not removed or disarmed when the war ended. COPE provides treatments and prosthetics for the victims, who are mainly children. The organization has five rehabilitation centres across Laos, and the one in Vientiane offers tours to visitors showcasing their ongoing work.

Vientiane Night Market

Exploring a night market is a great way to interact with local people, buy unique handmade souvenirs, electronics, or clothes, and taste a wide variety of local food. The Vientiane Night Market is located along the Mekong River waterfront and opens around sunset, providing the perfect opportunity to view the sunset over the river. The market is a couple of blocks from Nongbone Road and is easy to find by following the aromas of cooking food and the hungry crowds walking to the market.

Book a Stay at COSI Vientiane Nam Phu

When you book a stay at COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, you'll be a block away from the Vientiane Night Market on the riverfront. The hotel is a vibrant and active place to stay in the heart of Vientiane. The spacious rooms are perfect for single travellers and 39 sqm family rooms. All the rooms feature a smart TV and free WiFi, so you’ll never be out of touch with friends and family. 

COSI Vientiane Nam Phu also offers a social hub with a 24-hour café, a digital workspace, and a rooftop pool and deck where you can relax and look out over the city of Vientiane and the Mekong River. Book a stay at one of the most perfectly located hotels in Vientiane, COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, near the city's riverfront.