Hotels near Wattay International Airport - VTE, Vientiane

Wonderful area to explore, many Temples, Patuxay Victory Monument is not far away and great at sunset to early evening when water fountain puts on a great light show. Riverfront night markets fun park plenty of choices for food.

Great to gain insights on real life in Lao, as a supplement to tourist-centred Luang Prabang. Vientiane doesn't seem to have a centre, but Nam Phu Park is a key focus, and good to walk from there to the Presidential Palace (unfortunately under reconstruction), the Cathedral (ditto), Patuxai (not at all like Arc de Triomphe, truly Laotian), tourist info (great pictures, fab free map) and lots of Wats and restaurants (Doi Ka Noi and Soukvimarm Cuisine Lao being must-eat-ats). Too far to walk, but well worth a tuktuk ride to Kaysone Phomvihan National Museum and his former home (round the corner on the ex-CIA plot where the Lao parliament sits today). Amazing insights on forging national Identity, culture and politics. Beware that lunchtime closing is strictly enforced at 12, and that there are no local restaurants, but Cafe 25 (between the two museums) is worth visiting too - an expensive but air-conditioned oasis. Lao people welcoming and helpful throughout.

When reached Lao they required a Visa. I was surprised as Vietnam did not ask for one.Then they charged 1800Baht for not having a photo. 13 hours to get there by the new train. No warning of photo or visa required by the Train authority. I was ripped of often as I was told they accepted Baht they only gave change in Kip and Often they short changed me. I think they should stop this train until they stop asking for Visa and if they insist on a photo they should have a photo machine taking Baht. Horrible place and Nice streets but not French colonial at all as I had been told. Do Not Go there it is the worse place I have have ever been.

Vientiane was enjoyable although the city streets are not very clean. We travelled around using Loca and they were very relaible. Our visit to the Victory Monument was a highlight for me, check that you go there when the musical fountains are on, they are stunning when viewed from the top of the Monument. The Supa is also a must see. We ate in the local Thai restaurants and the food was always great! The night market is a place for good buys and if you have children there is a lovely funfair at night.

The most magical place. Can't won't fault it. Perfection. Looking to see if I could come and have a long term rental.....beautiful people. Totally safe and I'm 70.....{ Had two raw silk Lao skirts made at Maly Indigo..which I wore all the time. Masses of comments about them. As hand woven..Appreciated. That I had bought hand made. Did a cookery course. Totally enjoyed. But for me this trip was to meet my Laos English grandson...... wonderful just wondered

We stayed in Vientiane for 2 nights, three full days, and if the hotel hadn't been so nice I think we would have very quickly run out of things to do. Once you have seen the temples, and the museum, there is nothing else to do here. Very very dusty, a lot of pollution and most of the businesses are Chinese industrial businesses. Hard to find small businesses or cafes owned by locals. It is an interesting place to visit and the people are lovely and talkative, and welcoming, some great restaurants, but I probably would say you only need 2 nights here.