Viangchan Travel Guide, Lao People's Republic

Viangchan, or Vientiane, the mysterious capital city of Laos, seems almost like an otherworldly place for foreign visitors. Viangchan is worlds apart from the usual crowd and hustle-bustle of other Asian capitals. The city is permeated with a calm, almost sacred atmosphere that can capture the imagination of even the most down-to-earth visitor. Viangchan is a city of temples, sprawled out on the banks of the Mekong River. A former French colony, Viangchan’s exciting history is exposed for anyone to see through a wealth of colonial mansions and historical monuments.

If you like to combine relaxation and exploration in your holiday, Viangchan is the perfect place to spend it. Discover some of the world’s most impressive temples, watch the sunset from the bank of the Mekong and sample the delicious local cuisine. This Viangchan Travel Guide will offer you some useful information about how to get to Viangchan and where to find the best possible accommodation.

Viangchan Travel Guide - Transport

If you are travelling by plane, you can land at Wattay International Airport, located at about four kilometers from the city center. There are frequent flights to and from major Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Guangzhou or Chiang Mai, but also domestic flights to Louang Namtha, Muang Xai or Sainyabuli. The most popular route among tourists is to fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani in Thailand and then cross the border to Laos by a direct bus to Viangchan. Although it seems more complicated this way, the Bangkok-Viangchan route is considerably cheaper than a direct international flight to Laos.

You can get to the city from the airport by taxi, but you should check with your hotel first, as some hotels offer free pickup service. If you are already in Laos you can probably find a bus link to Viangchan from most cities in the country. Getting around in Viangchan is fairly easy, since most signs display place names in Lao as well as in French. If you get lost just hail a taxi or ask a local how to get to your destination by bus.

Viangchan Travel Guide - Accommodation

You can find accommodation suitable for every kind of budget in Viangchan, from five star hotels to humble guesthouses. If you are backpacking through Laos and don’t plan on spending too much time in a hotel room, this Viangchan Travel Guide recommends Sabaidy Guest House, a dorm style hostel close to the city centre. Vayakorn Guest House offers clean and fairly comfortable rooms at very affordable prices, and most importantly, it is air-conditioned.

Lane Xang Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Vangchan, built in the 60’s. The rooms are nicely decorated, the staff speaks several languages and breakfast is included in the price. Settha Palace Hotel is a luxurious hotel that looks like a castle built in colonial style. The hotel has excellent amenities, a good French restaurant and a sidewalk café.