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 local 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!
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. 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 English-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
- Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.
When to visit Laos?
From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.
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 travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries
Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
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.
Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.
What sets us apart
A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.
Our commitment
We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.
Laos in figures
Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.
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 has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.
Nature and biodiversity
The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.
