Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a unique blend of French colonial charm and rich cultural heritage. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning architecture, and delicious food, it makes for an ideal destination for a quick getaway. In this blog, we’ll take you through an exciting 48-hour itinerary filled with must-see sights, hidden gems, and local flavours. Get ready to discover the beauty of Vientiane!
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
After a smooth ride on the bullet train, we officially arrived in Vientiane. The first thing we did was hop on a city bus right outside the station—seriously cheap and convenient! We checked into our cosy loft at Ban Saylom Apartments, which had that cool rustic vibe, making it the perfect base to explore the city.
Vientiane is a city with French roots, evident in its street names and architecture. One of the biggest landmarks here is Patuxai or Victory Gate, a mini Arc de Triomphe built to honour those who fought for independence. This mix of Lao and European styles gives it a unique twist and makes it a perfect spot for pictures.
Golden Wonder: Pha That Luang
From Patuxai, we caught a ‘kokok’ (tuktuk) via an app, which was super convenient. Our next stop was the stunning Pha That Luang, a grand golden stupa said to house a hair of Buddha himself. Not only is it a national symbol, but you can also spot it on Laotian banknotes called Kip. This place just glows in the sun—a real beauty!
Relaxing at The Art Cafe
After exploring a few more temples (there are plenty in Vientiane), it was time for a snack break. We stopped by The Art Cafe, a laid-back spot with hip drinks and a cool gallery vibe, perfect for recharging before more adventures. The ambience was relaxing, and we enjoyed some refreshing beverages.
Day 2: Buddha Park and Local Flavors
The next day, we were back on the bus headed to Buddha Park, located about 25 km outside of town. This park is wild—home to hundreds of statues of Buddha, Hindu gods, and all sorts of mythical creatures. One of the highlights is a giant pumpkin structure with three levels representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven, which you can climb for a view of the whole park. It’s quirky, a bit eerie, but totally worth it!
Iced Coffee Time
After soaking in the sights, we returned to town for iced coffee at Salem Cafe. This place is hands down a must-try if you’re in the area, as they serve great food too! The cafe was buzzing, and we enjoyed our drinks while planning the evening.
Dinner at Pizza Del Robie
For dinner, we indulged in some Italian cuisine at Pizza Del Robie. Yes, you read that right—real Italian pizza right here in Vientiane! The food was amazing, and it felt like a little taste of home.
Strolling Through the Night Market
After dinner, we strolled through the buzzing night market. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with tons of local crafts, souvenirs, and clothes. It was a fantastic way to experience local life and pick up a few unique items to take home.
Final Morning: Cultural Immersion
On our last morning, we visited a famous temple where the Emerald Buddha used to be. Fun fact: it was moved to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, but the spot is still pretty iconic. The architecture and history surrounding this temple were fascinating!
Lunch at a Belgian Restaurant
For lunch, we tried a Belgian restaurant in the city center that served delicious mini burgers. It was a fun twist on our culinary adventure in Vientiane.
Wrapping Up with Coffee
What better way to wrap up our trip than with one last iced coffee at Salem Cafe before heading to the airport? Vientiane has truly been fantastic—from golden stupas to Buddha parks and even a hint of Europe in Laos, this city is packed with surprises.
Conclusion
In just 48 hours, we experienced so much of what Vientiane has to offer. Whether it’s the stunning architecture, delicious food, or the friendly locals, this city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
