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Vientiane, Laos

Top things to do in Vientiane

20 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Religious site
Religious site4

Vat that Khao

237 reviews

A serene Buddhist temple complex along the Mekong River in Vientiane, featuring a large reclining Buddha and peaceful gardens.

Setthathirath

Tickets & tours

Skip the queue in Vientiane

Compare live prices for entry tickets, guided tours and day trips from trusted local operators.

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Paying in Laos: QR wallets help

QR payments are everywhere in Laos: taxi and rideshare drivers, restaurants, hotels, even small shops. No local bank account? The Moreta Pay app lets you top up from your own card and scan local QR codes. All-in it costs about 4.5% (currency exchange + top-up + app fee), often close to what banks charge for foreign ATM withdrawals. Compare with your own bank's fees; skipping the cash runs is the real win. moretapay.com

Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Vientiane?

Vat that Khao draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Vientiane, with 237 of them, rated 4.0 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Which place in Vientiane do visitors rate highest?

Setthathirath holds the highest rating in Vientiane among places with a meaningful number of reviews, at 4.0 out of 5 from 73 reviews. It is less busy than Vat that Khao, which is often exactly why it scores better.

Planning your trip to Vientiane? See where to eat, build a Vientiane itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Landmark4

Setthathirath

73 reviews

A prominent landmark in Vientiane, Laos, featuring a large golden Buddha statue and a peaceful park setting.

Sight
Sight4.5

Vientiane Yoga Studio

29 reviews

A peaceful yoga studio in Vientiane offering classes for all levels in a serene setting.

Landmark
Landmark5

Lao Horizons Travel

18 reviews

A highly recommended travel agency in Vientiane, Laos, known for organizing tours and trips throughout the country.

Pha That Luang
Religious site4.5

Pha That Luang

16 reviews

A golden Buddhist stupa and national symbol of Laos, located in Vientiane.

Religious site
Religious site3.5

Wat Dongpalan

16 reviews

A serene Buddhist temple in Vientiane, known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Lao architecture.

Entertainment
Entertainment

Laos National Stadium

A multi-purpose venue hosting major sports events and cultural performances in Vientiane, with a capacity of over 20,000 spectators.

Museum
Museum

Lao National Museum

The Lao National Museum traces the nation's history from prehistoric times through the communist revolution, with engaging exhibits.

Museum
Museum

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum chronicles the life of Laos' revolutionary leader, featuring exhibits on the country's path to independence.

Religious site
Religious site

Wat Si Saket

Buddhist temple renowned for its thousands of Buddha images and a cloister wall filled with niches.

Market
Market

Talat Sao

Vientiane's largest morning market, offering textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs under one roof.

Religious site
Religious site

That Dam

A massive black stupa in central Vientiane, believed to be protected by a seven-headed naga and never successfully looted.

Religious site
Religious site

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Vientiane

A neo-Romanesque Catholic cathedral in Vientiane, built in 1928 with twin bell towers and colorful stained glass.

Religious site
Religious site

Vientiane Jamia Mosque

Vientiane Jamia Mosque is the city's main Islamic center, offering a peaceful retreat with its simple white architecture and welcoming community.

Religious site
Religious site

Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan

Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan is famed for its massive bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Laos, housed in a beautifully ornate temple.

Landmark
Landmark

Patuxai

War monument and triumphal arch in central Vientiane, offering panoramic city views from its upper levels.

Sight
Sight

Kualao Restaurant

A renowned traditional Lao restaurant in Vientiane offering authentic cuisine and cultural performances in a charming setting.

Religious site
Religious site

Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang is a revered Buddhist temple in Vientiane, famous for housing the city's protective pillar and its vibrant local worship.

Religious site
Religious site

Haw Phra Kaew

Haw Phra Kaew is a former royal temple turned museum, housing a remarkable collection of Buddhist art and artifacts in Vientiane.

Religious site
Religious site

Azahar Mosque

A serene mosque in Vientiane serving the local Muslim community, featuring traditional Islamic architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.