Where to Stay in Vientiane
Laos
|Pop. 197K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Old Quarter is the best neighbourhood to stay in Vientiane. A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Ideal for first-timers, couples, culture. Budget travellers can get by on LAK 300000/day.
Areas to Avoid in Vientiane
Safety rated "safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Quarter | A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere. | Mid-range | first-timers, couples | Generally safe during the day with moder... |
| Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road) | The bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong. | Mid-range | first-timers, foodies | Generally safe due to high foot traffic,... |
| Sikhai Area (East of City Center) | A more residential and developing area with a local feel, offering a quieter escape. | Budget | digital nomads, budget | Generally safe for residents and visitor... |
Old Quarter
Mid-rangeA charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Generally safe during the day with moderate caution needed for traffic; at night...
Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
Mid-rangeThe bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong.
Generally safe due to high foot traffic, but exercise caution with pickpockets a...
Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
BudgetA more residential and developing area with a local feel, offering a quieter escape.
Generally safe for residents and visitors, but be mindful of traffic and ensure ...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Vientiane
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Old Quarter
A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Our top picks in Old Quarter
Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
The bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong.
Our top picks in Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
A more residential and developing area with a local feel, offering a quieter escape.
Our top picks in Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
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Things to Do in Vientiane
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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Vientiane at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Vientiane
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Rent a bicycle to explore Vientiane at your own pace; it's a fantastic way to discover hidden temples and local life away from the main roads.
Getting Around
Always agree on the fare with tuk-tuk drivers *before* you get in; for longer distances, using Grab is often more transparent and cost-effective.
Watch Out For
Overpriced tuk-tuk fares (always negotiate)
Solo Female Travel
Vientiane is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less populated areas, but violent crime is rare.
Hidden Gems in Vientiane
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Wat Si Saket
This is Vientiane's oldest temple, famous for its cloisters filled with thousands of tiny Buddha images. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle and a glimpse into Lao Buddhist art and history.
Patuxai Park
FREEWhile the Patuxai monument itself is well-known, the surrounding park is a local favorite for evening strolls and enjoying street food. It's a vibrant spot where locals gather to relax and socialize.
Vang Xang
A short drive from Vientiane, this archaeological site features ancient stone carvings, including elephants and monks, set amidst a beautiful natural landscape. It offers a serene historical experience away from the crowds.
Talat Sao Morning Market
FREEBeyond the tourist souvenir stalls, explore the inner market for a truly local experience. You'll find everything from fresh produce and household goods to delicious street food snacks that locals frequent.
Quai Fa Ngum
FREEThis riverside promenade comes alive in the late afternoon and evening. Locals gather here to exercise, enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River, and grab affordable snacks and drinks from numerous vendors.
Le Banneton
This charming French bakery and cafe is a beloved spot for both locals and expats seeking excellent coffee and delicious pastries. It's a quiet oasis for a relaxed breakfast or light lunch.
Things to Do in Vientiane
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Vientiane tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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What It Costs in Vientiane
Daily budget per person in LAK
💡Premium destination pricing
LAK 300000/day
LAK 750000/day
LAK 1500000/day
Where to Stay in Vientiane
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Mekong Riverfront5 min
- Wat Si Saket10 min
- Patuxai15 min
Pros
- +Central location
- +Beautiful architecture
- +Good range of restaurants and cafes
Cons
- -Can get very hot and humid
- -Limited nightlife options
Top stays in Old Quarter
Ansara Hotel
$$$Elegant boutique hotel with a pool, set in a beautifully restored colonial villa.
My Design Hotel
$$Modern hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop pool offering city views.
La Seine Boutique Hotel
$$Charming hotel with a French colonial feel and a peaceful courtyard.
Oneder ROCKS Boutique Hotel
$$Aesthetic hotel with unique decor and a central location.
Best for
Walk to
- Night Market5 min
- Various Temples10 min
- Old Quarter15 min
Pros
- +Abundant dining and drinking options
- +Lively atmosphere
- +Convenient for tourist services
Cons
- -Can be noisy
- -Traffic congestion
Top stays in Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
Best for
Walk to
- Local Markets10 min
- Bus Station20 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation
- +Authentic local experience
- +Quieter than the center
Cons
- -Less walkable to major tourist attractions
- -Fewer dining and entertainment options
- -Requires transport to get to the center
Top stays in Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
Areas to be cautious
- Very far outskirts, especially unlit industrial zones: Lack of tourist infrastructure, poor lighting at night, and potential for petty crime; not relevant for typical tourist activities.
Insider tip: Rent a bicycle to explore Vientiane at your own pace; it's a fantastic way to discover hidden temples and local life away from the main roads.
Where to Stay in Vientiane
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Old Quarter
A charming, historic area with French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Stay in Riverside (South of Setthathirath Road)
The bustling heart of Vientiane, offering a mix of tourist amenities and local life along the Mekong.
Stay in Sikhai Area (East of City Center)
A more residential and developing area with a local feel, offering a quieter escape.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Vientiane
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List Your PropertySafety in Vientiane
SafeSolo Female Travel
Vientiane is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less populated areas, but violent crime is rare.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, particularly along the riverside and main boulevards. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dark or deserted streets.
Emergency
191
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced tuk-tuk fares (always negotiate)
- 2Fake temple donation requests
- 3Minor pickpocketing in crowded markets
Compare hotel deals in Vientiane
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Vientiane
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Laos
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Laos and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Vientiane
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi (approx. 100,000-150,000 LAK, 30-45 mins); Hotel shuttle (varies).
🎫
Day Pass
Not available; single rides are common.
Single: Tuk-tuk rides vary greatly, negotiate before boarding (approx. 20,000-50,000 LAK within city).
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitGrab
📶
WiFi
Good15-50 Mbps
Public Transport
Tuk-tuks are the primary form of public transport; also 'songthaews' (shared mini-bus taxis) on fixed routes.
Ride-share
Grab is available and often cheaper than hailing a tuk-tuk directly (typical ride 15,000-40,000 LAK).
Transport Tip
Always agree on the fare with tuk-tuk drivers *before* you get in; for longer distances, using Grab is often more transparent and cost-effective.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; check hotels or cafes like Common Ground Cafe (daily cost approx. 30,000-50,000 LAK for a day pass if available).
Rent a Car in Vientiane
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Dec
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Hotels & Accommodation in Vientiane
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Who Is Vientiane Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors
Offers a central location with easy access to key historical sites, charming architecture, and a good introduction to Vientiane's atmosphere.
Foodies
This area is packed with diverse dining options, from street food stalls at the night market to riverside restaurants.
Budget Backpackers
Provides more affordable accommodation options and a glimpse into local life, though requires transport for major attractions.
Couples
The romantic colonial architecture, relaxed riverside strolls, and quiet cafes make it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Digital Nomads
Offers a quieter environment and potentially more affordable long-term stays, with access to cafes that offer decent Wi-Fi.
About Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. Comprising the 5 urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture, the city is located on the banks of the Mekong, close to the border with Thailand. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule.
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Vientiane Guides by Traveller Type
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