A Full Day in Laid-Back Vientiane

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Vientiane, and we start in the morning for a city tour through the Laotian capital. Our first stop will be at the Wat Sisaket, the oldest monastery in Vientiane. Wat Sisaket has survived in its original form; all other temples in Vientiane have gone through extensive renovations. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, a total of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small niches or on shelves, next to its remarkable frescoes.

Continue to nearby Ho Phra Keo, the former Royal temple, now a Museum of Buddhist art and sculpture. The building housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778. It still displays some of the finest Buddha sculptures found in the country.

The That Luang with its golden stupa in the characteristic banana flower shape is the most revered shrine in Laos and of course, cannot be missed.

This victory gate, also known as Patuxai, was constructed in 1958; its architecture is inspired by the “Arc de Triumph” in Paris and incorporates typical Lao motifs including the Kinnaree, the mythical bird-woman. Energetic visitors can climb the top of the monument and enjoy a panoramic view of Laos’ capital from Vientiane’s highest point (optional).

After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive outside of the city to the famous Buddha Park, constructed by a monk in the 1950s. This mysterious place in the outskirts of Vientiane has been designated as one of the main religious sites in the country. The park is filled with Buddhist and mythological animal statues, relate to Buddhism. There were will be plenty of photo moments awaiting you.

In the afternoon, before heading back to your hotel, and when time permits, we can make a short stop at the central market of Vientiane, called Talat Sao. Assigned as a ‘morning market’ by many, this name is a bit misleading: the market commonly remains open until late afternoon. We will return to your hotel in Vientiane at 4 pm after a full day of sightseeing in and around Vientiane.