Vientiane Travel Tips - Vientiane Travel Guide

Vientiane was a real pleasure to walk around and snap photos. As Southeast Asian capitals go, it was a very relaxed place. One thing I like doing in all cities is trying to find different angles of popular attractions. Sometimes these views make the object unrecognizable but for me, that is not what matters. It’s finding an interesting aspect of something that maybe someone else missed.

Laos had been an unexpected joy. Despite the fact that anyone that I had spoke with that had been there extolled its many virtues, I had a hard time getting worked up about such a rural country. But squeezed between Asian megalopolis, Bangkok and the utter chaos of Vietnam, Laos would later present itself as precisely what everyone had said about it: a relaxing and completely enjoyable Asian backwater. From the Mekong River entry to being bowled over by utterly charming Luang Prabang, Laos did little to disappoint. The only regret I had was not seeing enough of it and this was a common observation by travelers we had met, due in part to the limited fifteen-day visa issued at the border on arrival.

So, it was with a bit of trepidation that we arrived in Vientiane, not knowing what to expect from the reputed easygoing capital. All we did know was it would be the last stop in Laos and for that reason it would be a time to be savored despite any impressions from the city itself. Though lacking the grandeur of Luang Prabang, it was surprisingly full of interesting sights. Combined with the mish mash of interesting local cuisine and western taste catered amenities, Vientiane was certainly an intriguing place to spend a few days and say goodbye to Laos. It was a place where you could eat a roasted fish on a stick one minute and sip a cocktail in a plush garden setting the next. The French Colonial influence was evidenced in not only the architecture but also in the fresh baguettes on most street corners, waiting to be served up with eggs or pate. Coconut curries could be bought by volume in plastic bags to go and smiling locals still seemed genuinely surprised you were there in the first place. (continued below in Fondest Memory)

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