Vientiane, the sleepy capital city, is the point of arrival for most visitors to Laos. Despite being the country’s largest city, Vientiane has a population of only 450,000. There is a timeless feel to the dusty streets, riverside cafes and ancient temples of this beguiling city.

Among the many temples or vats to be found in Vientiane is the country's holiest site, That Luang. The striking gold painted That Luang, or Great Stupa, is a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. The site has been one of religious significance for many centuries with the building of the present structure beginning in the year 1566. Each November one of the most important festivals of the year takes place at That Luang during the week of the full moon when hundreds of monks gather within the temple compound to receive alms from the people of Vientiane.  

One of the oldest vats surviving in Vientiane is the beautiful Vat Sisaket, set amongst gardens of coconut palms, mango trees and bougainvillaea. The remarkable thing about Vat Sisaket however is its cloisters containing thousands of miniature Buddha statues sitting on long shelves that line the walls.

Just down the road from Vat Sisaket is Vat Phra Kaeo, now converted into a museum, but formerly the temple of the Lao Royal family. Vat Phra Kaeo is worth visiting for its fine collection of Laotian Buddhist sculpture. Other interesting Vientiane temples include Vat Ong Teu with its huge 16th century bronze Buddha and Vat Simoung, where a magical Buddha is believed to have the power to grant wishes. 

Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe, is known by various names including the Patuxai and the Anousavari Monument. Visitors can climb the stairway to the top for good views over Vientiane.

For souvenir shopping the place to head for is Talaat Sao, known in English as the Morning Market. You can find the best range of local handicrafts here including sin, the Lao silk sarong, woodcarvings and jewellery.

Night time entertainment is quite a low-key affair in Vientiane but there are a variety of restaurants serving both asian and western cuisine. The restaurants and bars along the riverside offer great sunset views over the Mekong.