Dan's Adventure

Vientiane it is very quiet for a capital city. Like the rest of Laos, everything is very laid back, there is no need to rush anything, its just very relaxed. Everything in Vientiane is within walking distance and can easily be covered within a day. I however had a few days to spare as I was getting a visa for Thailand from the Thai Consulate. Visas are issued on arrival at the border in Thailand but when arriving overland, they are only valid for 15 days which would make a border run a necessity. The Thai Consulate is currently issuing visas for free so I took the opportunity to get a 60 day, dual entry tourist visa. Apart from having to spend several hours queuing, getting the visa was completely hassle free.

Vientiane is an interesting city to walk around. Stunning temples and stupas, markets that sell absolutely everything, remnants of Laos’ French past and more than enough cafes.

Goldsmiths at Talat Sao

At Vientiane’s largest market, Talat Sao, a corner is dedicated to goldsmiths who can be seen heating up and moulding their metal into jewellery. It is quite interesting to see them at work.

Fountain at Nam Phu

The relaxed feeling of Vientiane is summed up perfectly by the area around Nam Phu. A small park is surrounded by numerous bakeries and cafes where it is very easy to spend an afternoon doing very little.

Patuxai

Patuxai is unmissable in Vientiane. Reminiscent of the Arc de Triumph in Paris, this huge concrete structure has 4 arches and a very impressive ceiling.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is the most important national monument in Laos. Its image appears on every Laos bank note.