Laos · 2026 itinerary
Vientiane 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Vientiane: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A long riverside park with a statue of King Anouvong. Good for watching the Mekong at sunset. No entry fee. Benches, walking paths, and food stalls at night.
🕐 Open all hours
Free entry💡 Bring a bottle of Beerlao from the 7-Eleven opposite and sit on the wall. The sunset here beats the touristy bars. Avoid midday heat.
Hotels near Chao Anouvong Park →An excellent small museum about unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War and the work of COPE to help victims. Free entry, but donations encouraged. A short tuk-tuk ride from the centre.
🕐 Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00, Sat 09:00–15:00
Free entry💡 The short film is worth 20 minutes. Allow 1 hour. The gift shop sells handmade items from survivors. Closed on Sundays.
Hotels near COPE Visitor Centre →Khop Chai Deu · ££
ໂຈມາ · ££
Deeper Into Vientiane
The oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, built in 1818. Entry is 10,000 LAK. Over 10,000 Buddha images line the cloister walls. The courtyard is quiet and shaded.
🕐 Daily 08:00–16:30
💡 Combine this with the nearby Haw Phra Kaew (free grounds). Come early to avoid heat and tour groups. Bring small notes for entry.
Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe-style monument built with US-funded concrete. Climbing to the top costs about 5,000 LAK. The view over the city and surrounding countryside is worth it.
🕐 Daily 08:00–16:30
💡 Take the stairs inside, not the lift. The top-floor kiosk sells cheap soft drinks. Go before 10am to avoid heat. The park below has free fountains in the evening.
Swedish Pizza & Baking House
Enjoy
Final Favourites & Departure
The national symbol of Laos: a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa on a grassy site. Entry is about 10,000 LAK (under £1). The surrounding grounds are free to wan
💡 Go late afternoon when the light turns the gold amber and the crowds thin out. The nearby morning market on That Luang Road sells cheap local snacks.
ຮ້ານອາຫານບ້ານລາວ
Ai Capone
Getting Around Vientiane
Tuk-tuks are everywhere but not metered. Agree on price before getting in—short hops inside city limits shouldn't exceed 20,000 kip. For the hostel, say 'near Wat Ong Teu' for a reference.
Bus 29 runs a loop from airport to Talat Sao market, a 10-minute walk from the hostel. It's cramped but cheap. Flag it down on the main road outside arrivals—no official stop.
Download the Loca app (Laos' version of Grab). It's reliable, shows upfront pricing, and avoids language barriers. Payment is cash on arrival—make sure you have small bills.
Negotiate the fare before you get in. Official taxi stand just outside arrivals charges a fixed 50,000 kip to city center, but drivers might try for 80,000. Metered taxis are rare—stick with fixed price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Vientiane?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Chao Anouvong Park and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Vientiane?
See our full best time to visit Vientiane guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Heuan Lao, Saysouly Guesthouse, Riverside Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.