Vientiane is the capital of Laos
Experience the culture and vibe of Vientiane and the surrounding countryside with this comprehensive full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Visit famous temples with priceless art, see astounding architecture, watch the crafting of local products, and try delicious local cuisine.
After a convenient pickup from your hotel, visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images.
Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo.
Your next stop is at one of the most photographed places in Vientiane–Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure is 147-feet (45-m) tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.
Continue to the Morning Market (Talaat Sao), known for its superior silk weaving, metal work, and woodcarving. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the surroundings of Vientiane including the Buddha Park, located 15-miles (24-km) south of Vientiane, and take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge. Return to Vientiane and visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. Stroll along the banks of the Mekong River at sunset. If time permit visit COPE Visitor’s Center before returning to your hotel.
On this half-day tour, get a sense of the history and culture of Vientiane, the largest city in Laos. Take in the sights and sounds as you visit must-see spots such as the historic Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo, and the stupa of Pha That Luang. Then wrap up your journey with a delicious Lao meal.
Embrace the atmosphere of this capital that has a mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese Vietnamese, French, and American influences. Visit one of the oldest temples in the city, Wat Si Saket—or Si Saket Museum—and marvel at thousands of miniature Buddhas at this temple-turned-museum. At Wat Ho Phra Keo, built in the 16th century as a royal chapel, listen to stories about the time that the famed Emerald Buddha called this temple home.
Next, stop at the Patuxai monument, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris with a Lao twist, and snap a picture with the monument that is decorated with Lao mythical creatures. At your last stop, Pha That Luang, admire the stunning, gold-covered stupa that is said to be built in the 3rd century and then complete your tour with a delicious Lao meal.
Spend your morning at the curious Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, which is filled with more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Climb atop an imposing, pumpkin-like sculpture to get an overview of the park and wrap up your tour at a serene, riverside bar.
Meet your guide at your hotel and make your way to the unique Buddha Park to see a mixture of Buddha statues as well as depictions of Hindu gods and demons. With your guide, pause and admire the massive reclining Buddha sculpture that is 390-feet (120-m) long.
While you meander through the park, marvel at the large, pumpkin-like statue that has 3 levels which represent Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Enter the structure through the 9.8-foot (3-m) tall demon’s mouth and climb up for a bird’s-eye view of the entire park. As your journey comes to a close, follow your guide to a quaint, riverside bar for a non-alcoholic drink and take in the view of the Mekong River.
Visit some of the city’s most well-known sights including Wat Si Saket, the gold-covered stupa of Pha That Luang—considered a national symbol—and Patuxai, the monument dedicated to those who fought for the independence of Laos.
Your adventure begins as your guide picks you up at your Vientiane hotel. With your group limited to 7 people, head to Wat Si Saket, featuring thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Then admire Wat Ho Phra Keo—a former royal temple that now serves as a national museum of religious objects like stone Buddha statues more than 1,000 years old—and Wat Si Muang, the site of the city pillar and home of the guardian spirit of Vientiane.
Feast your eyes on the famous Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos. Take in the view of this symbol of Buddhism and Lao sovereignty, covered in gold leaf, before visiting Patuxai, a large monument dedicated to those who fought for the country’s independence, with architecture reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. End your excursion with drop-off at your hotel.
