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Vientiane · Laos Vientiane Audio Tours
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Vientiane tours
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Self-guided audio tours written by people who actually live there.
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The Vientiane everyone knows.
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A few words on Vientiane
The quietest capital city you will ever walk through.
Vientiane sits on the banks of the Mekong River, looking across at Thailand, and has the relaxed pace of a provincial town despite being the capital of Laos. That quality is not accidental. The city was sacked and nearly erased by the Siamese in 1828, leaving only ruins, and much of what exists today was built or rebuilt in the French colonial era and in the decades since 1975 when the communist Pathet Lao took power. The main boulevard, Lane Xang Avenue, was modelled on the Champs-Elysees, and at its end stands Patuxai, a Victory Gate that residents call the vertical runway because it was built using cement meant for a new airport.
The most important sight is Pha That Luang, the Great Golden Stupa built first in the 16th century by King Setthathirath and considered the national symbol of Laos.
It is entirely different from the monastery complexes of Bangkok or Angkor, a singular golden tower rising from its own compound that at sunset turns a deep amber. Wat Si Saket, which survived the 1828 destruction because the Siamese used it as their headquarters, has thousands of tiny Buddha images in niches around its cloister walls, a quantity that makes a strange impression. Vientiane is a city for people who like their history without crowds.
Vientiane
Vientiane FAQ
Before you walk.
Citizens of most Western countries, including the US, EU, UK, and Australia, can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport for around $30 USD. E-visas are also available online. Some ASEAN countries have visa-free arrangements. Requirements do change, so verify before travel.
The central area of Vientiane around the riverfront, Nam Phu fountain, and the main temple complex is compact and walkable, though the heat makes midday walking uncomfortable most of the year. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and cheap for getting between sights. Pha That Luang is about 4 kilometres from the city centre, best reached by tuk-tuk or bicycle.
Laotian food is related to Thai but uses more sticky rice and has a different balance of flavors. Or lam, a stew made with whatever is available and flavored with dried buffalo skin and sakhaan pepper, is distinctly Lao and available at traditional restaurants. Tam mak hoong, a green papaya salad with freshwater crabs, is the local version of Thai som tam. The night market along the Mekong riverfront has good cheap food most evenings.
There is no pedestrian bridge, but the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge a few kilometres from the city centre carries vehicles and buses. A regular bus service runs across for a few thousand Lao kip. The crossing is straightforward and many visitors make a day trip to Nong Khai in Thailand and return the same day.
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This tour was such a great way to see the city. The stories were interesting without feeling too scripted, and I loved being able to explore at my own pace.
Jess
Tbilisi Tourstarstarstarstarstar
This was a solid way to get to know Brighton without feeling like a tourist. The narration had depth and context, but didn't overdo it.
Christoph
Brighton Tourstarstarstarstarstar
Started this tour with a croissant in one hand and zero expectations. The app just vibes with you, no pressure, just you, your headphones, and some cool stories.
John
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