Laos · 2026
Weekend in Vientiane
How to spend 2 days in Vientiane — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Chao Anouvong Park
Free 1.0km from centreA 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.
Tip: 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.
COPE Visitor Centre
Free 2.5km from centreAn 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
Tip: The short film is worth 20 minutes. Allow 1 hour. The gift shop sells handmade items from survivors. Closed on Sundays.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Wat Si Saket
0 Daily 08:00–16:30The 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.
Tip: Combine this with the nearby Haw Phra Kaew (free grounds). Come early to avoid heat and tour groups. Bring small notes for entry.
Patuxai Monument
0 Daily 08:00–16:30Vientiane'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.
Tip: 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.
Pha That Luang
0 Daily 08:00–16:30The 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 wander.
Tip: 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.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Vientiane
Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel
Wattay International Airport → Central Bus Station (near Funky Monkey Hostel)
Anywhere in Vientiane → Funky Monkey Hostel
Wattay International Airport → Funky Monkey Hostel
Where to Stay for a Vientiane Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Vientiane — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Vientiane?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Vientiane. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Vientiane?
See our full best time to visit Vientiane guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Vientiane?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Vientiane for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Vientiane for a weekend?
The main transport options in Vientiane include Local Tuk-Tuk and Airport Shuttle Bus. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.