Hotels in Vientiane

Choosing where to stay in Vientiane

How many nights should you plan?

One or two. Vientiane is a capital you take at walking pace: Pha That Luang, Wat Sisaket, the COPE Visitor Centre and sunset over the Mekong fill a comfortable day. A second night makes sense if you arrive on a long-haul flight and want to start the trip rested, or if you are heading south to Champasak and would rather not rush the morning.

Riverside or city centre?

On Quai Fa Ngum you get the Mekong at your feet, the sunset and the night market. In the centre, around Samsenthai Road and That Dam, you are closer to the temples, the museums and the restaurants. Nothing is far: the two areas are ten minutes apart on foot.

What does a good hotel cost in Vientiane?

Less than in most South-East Asian capitals. A well-run four-star room sits in the mid range, and the international five-star properties remain accessible by regional standards. We book at contracted agency rates, usually below the published online prices — ask us for a comparison.

When is the best time to come?

November to February is the pleasant season: dry, and mild in the evenings. March to May is hot, and the Mekong drops to its lowest level. The rains, from June to September, come as short heavy showers rather than all-day downpours, and the river regains its full width — Boun Ok Phansa, the boat racing festival in October, is one of the best moments of the year to be in town.

How do you get to Vientiane?

Wattay International Airport is fifteen minutes from the centre, with connections through Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The high-speed train puts Vang Vieng an hour away and Luang Prabang two hours away, and the Friendship Bridge links the city to Nong Khai in Thailand. Asia Safari arranges every transfer, and English-speaking guides are available on request.