Tourist Attractions in Vientiane Capital

Vientiane Capital - General Information
Location : On a curve of the Mekong River, which shares its border with Thailand
Total Area: 3,920 square meters
Population: 610,000

Ho Pra Keo Museum
Previously the ancient temple, it was built in 1565 by King Saysethathirath to house the Emerald Buddha (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place of worship.

Khau Midthaphab or Friendship Bridge
The friendship Bridge was officially opened in April 1994 and it spans the Mekong River linking Lao P.D.R. (Vientiane) with neighboring Thailand (Nongkhai).

Patuxay Monument
The memorial monument of Patuxay is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. It was constructed in its prominent position on Lanexang Avenue in 1958. While the architecture was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnari”, a mythical bird woman.

Revolutionary Monument
Located near That Luang Stupa, this simple star-tipped monument was built as a tribute to those who died in the revolutionary struggle between 1945 to 1975

Ta Lat Sao or Morning Market
Located on Lanexang Avenue opposite the Post Office, the Morning Market consists of 3 main buildings each with 2 floors. This lively shopping market has become the commercial center of Vientiane

That Luang Stupa (Great Sacred Stupa)
Originally built in 1566 by King Saysethathirath, That Luang Stupa was rebuilt in 1953. The golden stupa stands 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of Lord Buddha. Today it is the nation’s most important cultural monument. Symbolizing the coming together of all Lao people it holds a special place in the national psyche.

The National Ethnic Cultural Park
The National Ethnic Cultural Park is located 20 kilometers south from Vientiane near the Friendship Bridge. Visitors can follow shady paths past model-sized traditional Lao Homes, sculpture of Lao literacy heroes and through a small zoo.

Wat Inpeng Pagoda
Wat Inpeng Pagoda is a historical landmark of arts and culture, located on the north of Wat Ongtue Temple. There are many historical elements of interest to those studying Lao art and culture including the rock sculptures, Buddha image and rock columns depicting Mon and Khmer cultures

Wat Ongtue Temple

Wat Ongtue or “the temple of the heavy Buddha”, houses a 16th Century Buddha image weighing an incredible ten tons. The temple was built by King Saysethathirath and is found on the street of the same name – Sethathirath Road.

Wat Simuang Temple
The original foundation pillar of Vientiane can be found in Wat Simuang, which is located in Ban Simuang village along the Sethathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is thought to be guarded by the spirit a local girl called “Si”.

Wat Sisaket Temple
This temple is located in the center of the old city and was built in 1818 by King Anouvong and is Vientiane’s oldest remaining temple having survived the destination of the city by the Siamese in 1828.

Xieng Khouan Buddha Park
The Xieng Khouan Buddha Park is a religious sculpture park, which was built in 1958. A collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures is scattered amongst gardens and trees.