Vientiane, the small capital
Vientiane is a small, peaceful capital located on the left bank of the Mekong River, which marks the border with Thailand. The city was founded in 1560 when King Setthathirath moved the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants) there. Since the early 2000s, Vientiane has experienced rapid expansion and is beginning to resemble what one might call a “capital.” There are many thriving shops, hotels, and restaurants in the city center. Nevertheless, Vientiane is still far from resembling the major capitals of Southeast Asia; it has more of a provincial town feel. You will discover the city and its many facets: old colonial houses with a bygone charm, restaurants on every corner, gleaming gold Buddhist temples, and lively markets from dawn to dusk.
Vientiane: ວຽງຈັນ
What to do in Vientiane?
Vientiane has many temples , the most famous of which are Wat Ho Phra Keo, a royal temple turned museum; Wat Wisaketh with its thousands of Buddhas; and Wat Simuang, the most sacred temple in the capital. Notably, there is the That Luang stupa, the most important national monument in the country, representing Buddhist faith and the sovereignty of Laos. If you travel to Laos in November, don’t miss the magnificent That Luang Festival! Another famous monument is Patuxay, built in memory of the war victims in Laos. Aboard a tuk-tuk, you will have the opportunity to explore Vientiane and pass by its colorful markets. Let yourself discover its local cuisine by tasting dishes such as Khao Larm, a delicious traditional dish made from sticky rice and coconut roasted in a bamboo tube, or Tam a Houng, the spicy papaya salad that will awaken your taste buds.
Where to Stay in Vientiane?
Here are some of our recommendations for hotels in Vientiane. The Hotel Beau Rivage is located on the banks of the Mekong with easy and quick access to the city center. It is ideal for strolling along the quays and watching the sunset. A stone’s throw from the night market and the Mekong, the Hotel Ansara is appreciated for its typical Lao charm and comfort. It also has a swimming pool. The Settha Palace is an exceptional hotel and one of the chicest in the city, built around 1932 and carefully renovated while preserving the charm and class of colonial-era architecture. You will succumb to its sumptuous pool and range of services that will make your stay exceptional. Do not hesitate to contact us to book your charming hotel in Vientiane. If the hotel of your choice is not included in your Laos tour, please let us know. Your satisfaction and desires are our priority, and we tailor the accommodations for your custom Laos trip according to your specific wishes.
What to see around Vientiane?
Outside the city, 25 km away, lies the Buddha Park, built on the initiative of a monk who wanted to represent the legendary figures of Buddhism and Hinduism. A short distance from the capital is the Panyanivej ecological farm, where you can discover all the stages of rice cultivation using traditional methods. If you take the road to Vang Vieng, we recommend stopping at Nam Ngum Lake for lunch. You will thus enjoy the remarkable panorama of the giant lake dotted with islets. Not far from this lake is the Phou Khao Khouay National Park, the biodiversity protection zone closest to Vientiane. We offer you the chance to discover it with a French-speaking guide, an orchid specialist who has been based in Laos for nearly 10 years. Finally, if you take the road to southern Laos, we recommend passing through Kong Lor in Khammouane province to explore its gigantic underground caves, over 7 kilometers long!
Visit Vientiane with Asia Safari Laos
Because every trip to Laos must be unique, our team of French-speaking advisors is at your service to organize your stay in Vientiane. We assist you in choosing your accommodations, transportation, and activities that best match your expectations. Our services allow you to discover Vientiane and its region through travel experiences off the beaten path.Vientiane: Our Custom Travel Ideas
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.
- Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
- Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
- Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
- 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities
When to visit Laos?
The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.
Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour
Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.
Our most requested Indochina combinations
Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.
Tips for preparing your multi-country tour
Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.
What sets us apart
We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.
Our commitment
Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.
Laos in figures
Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7
Laos must-sees
Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.
Lao culture
Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.
Nature and biodiversity
Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.
