Vientiane

Vientiane, located on the north-eastern bank of the Mekong, serves as the capital of Laos. It has a relaxing atmosphere you won’t find in many capitals across the world – many travellers enjoy a relaxing riverside break with a cold beer and sunset views over the Mekong.

Vientiane also has a diverse range of hotels, restaurants, and cafes, some of which occupying French-style villas dating back to colonial times. The city has plenty of Buddhist temples that serve the local community – you’ll see devotees offering gifts and getting blessed by monks year-round. If you’re travelling to the Lao capital for the first time, check out this guide on everything you need to know about Vientiane.