In which quarter house in Vientiane?

What if we go on vacation for Southeast Asia? This is in which area to stay in Vientiane, the capital of Lao!

The largest city in Laos by its size and population, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. Located on the left bank of the Mekong – serving as a border with nearby Thailand, in Nong Kai - the Vientiane population was estimated at 795 000 in 2009. Although many travellers delay Vientiane, with little interest in it, the capital of Laotienne has its charm, tranquillity and historical and cultural heritage to be explored in all its splendor. As often in Asia, finding a place to sleep in Vientiane will not be a problem, as the offer of accommodation is large and cheap throughout the city.

So where to stay in Vientiane? It is recommended, as the town is small, to choose a neighborhood of the city centre, close to the Mekong where to sleep: between the Quai Fa Ngum and Khun Bu Lom Rd Street, or around the famous Patuxai Monument. Here's where to stay in Vientiane.

In the city centre

Near the banks of the Mekong River, the city centre stands out for the presence of former French-style housing, dating from the colonial era, and also by Soviet-style buildings, built more recently (the Laos being administered by a communist regime since 1975). In the old town, you can offer a marathon of Buddhist temples: starting with the Wa Sisaket – containing 2000 small Buddha statues -, the Wat Phra Kéo (now a sacred art museum), the Wat Si Muang, the Wat Ong Teu. For your cultural visits, don't miss the National Museum of Laos and offer a nice walk to the Vientiane market, the Talat Sao.

A night market is located on the shores of Chao Anouvong Park, where you can’t miss seeing the imposing Chao Anouvong statue, the city’s emblematic. In terms of shopping, you will be served: Vientiane is world renowned for the business of cotton, silk, silver jewellery, hangings and scarves. This area where to stay in Vientiane focuses the majority of hostels and hotels in the city. The area also has many bars and restaurants, and travel agencies to prepare the rest of your Asian escapades.

Outside the centre

Along the avenue Lane Xang – nicknamed the “ Champ-Elysées” of Vientiane – you will fall on the Presidential Palace and Patuxai, a triumphal arc adjacent to the buildings of the political institutions of the country. Along the Nongbone Road, there are restaurants and cafes, shops of all kinds where to go shopping. Take a tour of the Morning Market, a market that takes place in the morning. As often in Asia, eating in the street will cost less than cooking at home.

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – David McKelvey