By Bede Halsey
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, in South East Asia, and is a tourist hotspot for many travellers visiting this area of the world. There are many things to see and do when you visit this fascinating city, and below you will find some of the top attractions to help you plan a trip.
Visit The Patuxai Victory Monument
The Patuxai Victory Monument was built in 1957 and was designed to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and is in Patuxai Park. You can explore the gardens surrounding the monument, and you can also climb up it so you can see the ornate decorations which include the symbols of Hindu gods.
Explore The Vientiane Night Market
If you are after some delicious and exotic food, then a walk around the Vientiane Night Market is the perfect place to explore the culinary delights that are on offer. The market usually opens around sunset, and you will find lots of things to buy as well as food, including textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, paintings, and a myriad of other things.
Enjoy A Massage
After a hard day exploring what Vientiane has to offer, there is no better way to relax than enjoying an authentic Vientiane massage. The local style of massage uses herbal saunas and steam rooms before you get to relax with a massage, and the experience will leave you wanting for more. There are many places offering massages all over the city, so no matter where you stay, you will be close to an excellent massage parlour.
Visit The Charity COPE
COPE, which is also known as the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, is a local charity that helps treat people injured by unexploded ordnance leftover from the Vietnam war. Although Laos did not take part in the war, millions of landmines and bombs were dropped on the country, which still affects the locals today. Explore the workshop where prosthetic limbs are created and wander around the educational gallery, which highlights the suffering of people that these leftover bombs inflict.
Enjoy A Cycle Tour Of The City
One of the best ways to get around the city is by bicycle, and you can either hire one and explore on your own, or join a guided tour of the city which will show you the highlights on offer. There are half-day and full-day tours available, and they are suitable for every physical ability level.
Vientiane has a lot to offer visitors, much more than is highlighted above, and when you visit, you will assuredly create memories that are going to last with you for a long time to come. For more information on what to see ad do when visiting Vientiane, please click here.
