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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Mekong Riverfront
hotelsEvening gathering spot along Mekong. Sunset views of Thailand across river. Night market, food stalls, locals exercising. Most relaxed vibe. Best time: golden hour to sunset.
That Luang Area
hotelsNational symbol of Laos - golden stupa That Luang. Most important Buddhist monument. Festival in November. Patuxai (Victory Gate) nearby. Spiritual heart of the nation.
Chinatown / Old Quarter
hotelsAtmospheric old streets with Chinese temples, shophouses, morning market. Where Vientiane began. More authentic than tourist areas. Good street food, local atmosphere.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Vientiane
Visa on arrival for most countries - $30-42 depending on nationality, 30 days. Bring passport photo and USD cash. Some nationalities visa-free. E-visa also available. Very straightforward.
New China-Laos high-speed train: 2 hours, ~$20! Game-changer. Flight 40 min (~$50-80). Old slow bus 10+ hours (scenic but exhausting). Train is best option now. Luang Prabang UNESCO site, must-visit!
Smallest Southeast Asian capital by feel. Communist country, limited development. No skyscrapers, no rush. Buddhist culture promotes calm. French legacy of cafe culture. Enjoy the slowness - it's the appeal!
Yes! Friendship Bridge to Nong Khai. Visa on arrival for Thailand. Bus crosses regularly. Many do visa runs. Udon Thani (Thailand) has better airport for international flights. Easy border crossing.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Vientiane
Watch Mekong sunset from riverfront - locals gather every evening. Night market sets up, food stalls appear. Most peaceful capital experience. Thailand glows across the water.
Visit That Luang (golden stupa) - national symbol, most sacred Buddhist site in Laos. Best at sunset or during November festival. Entry ~30000 LAK. Dress modestly.
Rent bicycle to explore - city flat and small. Best way to see temples, markets, neighborhoods. ~50000 LAK/day. Morning before heat ideal.
Try laap (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), khao piak sen (noodle soup), sticky rice. Lao food similar to Thai but unique. Very affordable. Beer Lao excellent!
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
16°
16°91%4 м/с
Today25°16°
25°16°Tomorrow26°15°
26°15°Thu
27°16°
27°16°Fri28°18°
28°18°Sat30°18°
30°18°Sun30°17°
30°17°Mon29°16°
29°16°28°
16°Jan
31°
18°Feb
34°
21°Mar
35°
24°Apr
33°
25°May
32°
25°Jun
32°
25°Jul
31°
25°Aug
31°
24°Sep
31°
23°Oct
29°
19°Nov
27°
16°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
25,000 - 50,000 LAK
~37,500 $
Mid-range
80,000 - 200,000 LAK
~140,000 $
Fine dining
300,000 - 800,000 LAK
~550,000 $
Street Food
Local dish
10,000 - 30,000 LAK
~20,000 $
Drinks
Coffee
15,000 - 40,000 LAK
~27,500 $
Local beer
10,000 - 20,000 LAK
~15,000 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
3,000 - 8,000 LAK
~5,500 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
60,000 - 120,000 LAK / night
~90,000 $
Guesthouse
200,000 - 400,000 LAK / night
~300,000 $
Hotel 3★
500,000 - 1,000,000 LAK / night
~750,000 $
Hotel 5★
1,500,000 - 4,000,000 LAK / night
~2,750,000 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.atms
common
location.payment.mobile_payments
BCEL OnePay
location.payment.cash
Cash dominant! Kip, USD, Thai Baht all used. Cards at hotels, large restaurants. Markets, temples, tuk-tuks cash-only. ATM fees expensive 20,000-30,000 kip. BCEL OnePay app available for tourists. Visa on arrival cash USD only!
location.payment.currency_exchange
BCEL Bank ATMs best - 20,000 kip fee, 2.5M kip max per transaction. Visa on arrival USD $35 cash only! USD and Thai Baht widely accepted. BCEL OnePay app available for tourists at main Mekong branch. Bring pristine USD bills - damaged rejected. EUR harder to exchange outside Vientiane. Affordable Southeast Asian capital.
location.payment.tipping
0%
Tipping not expected. Small tips appreciated for exceptional service. 10,000-20,000 kip for guides welcomed. Not customary.
Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Vientiane is very safe. One of Southeast Asia's safest capitals. Low crime. Relaxed atmosphere. Watch for traffic and scams. Avoid drugs (severe penalties). Friendly locals, laid-back vibe.