Vientiane, the capital of Laos, may surprise you at first glance. No skyscrapers, no chaos typical of Asian metropolises. Instead, peace, smiles, ubiquitous palm trees, and a slow pace of life. This city will remind you of a long breath you took while traveling through the bustling cities of Southeast Asia. It stretches along the Mekong River, which separates Laos from Thailand. Every evening, locals and tourists gather here to watch the sunset. And it is pink, golden, sometimes even crimson.
The philosophy of life in Laos?
“Bo pen njang,” which translates as “Never mind.”
This city will teach you to slow down. No one is in a hurry here, no one gets upset. And that’s why you’ll fall in love with Vientiane. Just sit down in one of the cafés, order a strong Laotian coffee, and watch life go by.
If you love temples, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Vientiane is actually nothing like a capital city. With a population of around 750,000, it feels more like a small town. Which is good for sightseeing, don’t you think? And there’s plenty to see!
WAT SISKAKET
Wat Siskaket (Wat Sisaketsata Sahatsaham) is the oldest preserved monastery in Vientiane. The monastery was built by King Anouvong in the 19th century. You will find elements here that are found in Thai monasteries. This ultimately saved the temple. Just four years after the temple was completed, Vientiane was invaded by Siamese troops. Much of the city was looted, but a few buildings (including Wat Sisaket) were spared because of their architectural similarities to temples in their country. Ironically, this saved the Laotian treasure.
When you cross the gate of this temple, it is as if you have stepped into another century. Silence, broken only by the occasional cawing of a raven from the temple roof, the soft whistling of a bamboo wind chime, and the scent of incense lazily wafting between the old walls.
BUDDHA IN EVERY NICHE
What makes Wat Sisaket truly unique is its monastery corridor lined with thousands of Buddha statues. When you enter the main courtyard, you are surrounded by galleries. Four long arcades with niches in which countless small and large Buddhas sit, stand, meditate, and smile. There are thousands of small niches in the outer wall. Some of these small statues date back to the 15th century. And in front of these miniature images are conventional-sized Buddha statues in a sitting position.
If you look closely, you will notice that the statues are not arranged randomly. Each niche in the wall hides two smaller Buddhas. Often in a meditative position, sometimes with slender fingers stretched toward the ground. This is called the bhumisparsha mudra gesture, the touch of enlightenment.
This motif recalls the moment when Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his awakening.
Above them sit rows of larger statues, many covered in gold paint that is slowly peeling away to reveal the bronze underneath. It’s all rather strange. These worn, chipped statues often have more power than the new ones. It’s as if they have more soul than perfection.
It is said that there are over 6,800 of them here. Each one is different, each with its own expression. Some are barely a few centimeters tall, others are life-size. Carved from wood, hammered from bronze, some from silver or stone. Together they form a hypnotic image. A sea of faces looking inward, not outward.
TOUCH OF TIME
When the sun shines through the roof, golden reflections dance across the faces of the Buddhas. The silence is almost tangible. It is broken only by the footsteps of a monk sweeping the courtyard. And I realize that I am standing in a temple that has seen hundreds of years of prayer, war and peace, departures and returns.
Some statues have broken arms, others missing heads, and yet they appear completely calm. Perhaps that is precisely why. They embody the Laotian approach to life. Nothing is permanent, everything changes, but inner peace can remain.
WALL PAINTINGS
The murals depict scenes from the Jataka tales, stories about the Buddha’s previous lives, another common feature of Laotian architecture. Unlike frescoes, which are painted on wet plaster, these murals were painted on dry stucco and are very fragile, as both the surface and the paintings flake off over time.
Interestingly, Wat Sisaket has been officially declared a museum. At the entrance, you can clearly see a sign with the name Sisaket Museum. And why not? Inside the monastery walls, there are also the crumbling remains of an old library and small stupas containing the ashes of former believers.
However, don’t forget that this place is first and foremost a temple, home to several monks and novices who practice monastic life.
A SHORT MEDITATION IN SILENCE
I sat down on a bench at the back of the monastery corridor. The air was warm, smelling of dust and incense. After a while, I noticed that the silence was not empty, but rather filled. All around me were the eyes of Buddha statues, looking down and inward. It was as if they were teaching me to do the same.
And so I realized that Wat Sisaket is not just about history and art. It is a place of wordless meditation. Each statue is a silent voice saying, “Look inside. That is where everything begins and ends.”
PRACTICAL TIPS
🕒 Opening hours: usually 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but the best light is in the morning.
🎟️ Admission: symbolic – a few tens of thousands of kip.
🧘 Dress code: The same rules apply here as in all temples, i.e., shoulders and knees must be covered. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a scarf with you.
📸 Photography: Permitted, but with respect. Do not photograph monks at prayer, as this is considered inappropriate.
MY TIP:
After the tour, have a coffee at the nearby Le Trio café and let the silence of the temple linger for a while.
ADDRESS: Rue Setthathirat near Nam Phu, Postal BOX 1730, Vientiane, Laos
DISCOVER A DESIGN GEM
HER WORKS
During my travels in Laos, I set aside an afternoon for a leisurely stroll through the streets of the city.
After a few steps among palm trees and unexpectedly busy corners of the city, you will come across, as I did, a small but inspiring shop called “Her Works.” Behind its inconspicuous door lies a space that perfectly combines beautiful stories.
As soon as you enter the store, you are welcomed by the warm atmosphere of wood, light, and colors. Shelves full of fabrics, handbags, decorations, and jewelry. Everything has a distinctive character that suggests these are no ordinary souvenirs. The shop is the work of the Her Works brand, whose philosophy is simple: to support minority ethnic communities in Laos and give their creativity a modern, high-quality form.
Photos of the production processes hang on the walls. Women weaving, dyeing fabrics, embroidery details, hands creating. And that’s why the space doesn’t feel “just like a store,” but rather like a gallery where the products become a narrative. The range is surprisingly rich. You will find light shirts, skirts, and dresses. They often feature elements of traditional ethnic patterns, but also have a modern cut. Refined woven handbags, belts, and scarves with distinctive colors and textures. Both practical and stylish. Woven pillows, handmade ceramic pieces, and patina decorations that would fit into any interior design, not just as souvenirs.
ETHNIC GROUPS IN LAOS
The great news is that Her Works collaborates with eight ethnic groups in Laos: Akha, Iumien, Hmong, Lao Loum, Lue, Lantan, Taidam, and Katu. Each of them brings its own traditional techniques and motifs. For example, the Akha ethnic group is known for its silver decorations and embroidery. The Hmong are known for their colorful batik patterns. The Lantan group is known for its delicate indigo fabrics. The Taidam group is known for its geometric ornaments, and the Katu group is known for its hand-woven cotton fabrics with deep colors.
The brand helps them create modern products, ranging from clothing and handbags to home decorations. It gives them a fair share of the profits, thereby protecting their cultural heritage and livelihoods.
So I decided to support them too and chose a small woven wallet with a striking blue and orange pattern.
MY TIP:
Come in the afternoon when there are fewer tourists and you can browse the entire store at your leisure. Ask about the origin of the product, which ethnic group made it, the technique and the material. They will usually tell you a short story. If you are planning a larger purchase, consider the option of shipping abroad. The store offers shipping “Live in Laos? Receive complimentary shipping for orders over …”, which may come in handy. That way, you don’t have to carry everything in your backpack.
TEMPLE WAT HAYSOKE
Wat Haysoke is an important Buddhist temple. Its history dates back to the 19th century. It was built during the reign of King Zakarin. It has undergone several renovations, while retaining its charm and spiritual significance. The temple complex includes a main hall, stupas, and various ancillary buildings, which feature intricate carvings and vibrant murals depicting Buddhist teachings. Its peaceful atmosphere and historical charm attract both believers and tourists.
When you step into this peaceful oasis, it’s like entering a completely different world. During my visit, I was captivated by the intricate carvings and the tranquil atmosphere that surrounded the entire complex. It is clear that Wat Haysoke plays a vital role in the religious life of the local community, with ceremonies and festivals adding to its charm and cultural significance.
THE SEVEN DAYS BUDDHA
According to Laotian Buddhist tradition, the day of a person’s birth influences their character, personality, and destiny. Each day of the week has a special Buddha statue that protects people and brings them good luck. Laotians believe that the day of a person’s birth influences their character in the following ways:
Sunday – The person will have many wives but an unhappy life.
Monday – The person will be a happy and wealthy man.
Tuesday – The person will be happy and have a long life.
Wednesday – The person will be a wealthy man and marry a good wife.
Thursday – The person will be a wise man, but his life will be short.
Friday – A person will be happy and have a long life.
Saturday – A person will marry many wives, have many children, and live a long life.
So, what do you think? Do you already know what kind of life you will have?
HOUSES OF GHOSTS
Many Laotians believe that spirits dwell in trees, rivers, and mountains, and they make offerings to them in the form of small shrines and ceremonies. A spirit house is a small shrine located in front of houses and buildings. It serves as a dwelling place for the spirits that protect the site. The Lao people regularly make offerings to it. They often sacrifice small portions of food and drink, such as water, juice, or rice. They offer wreaths of flowers as a sign of respect. They light incense sticks and candles. It is part of the ritual of prayer.
LAOS ARCH OF TRIUMPH
PATUXAI
The heart of the city is Patuxai, a monumental triumphal arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, this structure from the 1960s has its own story. It was built from concrete that was originally intended for the construction of an airport.
Climb to the top and enjoy a magnificent view of Vientiane and its palm-lined boulevards. Inside, there is a small market selling souvenirs and Buddhist frescoes. Patuxai is not just a monument, but a symbol of national pride and Laotian perspective.
PHA THAT LUANG
No travelogue about Vientiane would be complete without Pha That Luang, the most sacred temple in the country.
The golden stupa, glistening in the sun, is the symbol of Laos. According to legend, it houses a relic of Buddha. Locals come here to meditate, light incense sticks, and offer flowers. In the evening, the whole area is bathed in golden light. It is one of the most peaceful places you will find in Southeast Asia.
MY TIP:
Visit the temple shortly before sunset, when warm light reflects off its walls and the entire complex takes on an otherworldly appearance.
VIENTIANE NIGHT MARKET
As soon as the sun sets, the Vientiane Night Market opens. It is a colorful market full of lights, smells, and smiles. Here you can buy grilled fish, laab (a traditional Laotian salad made with meat, herbs, and lime), or freshly squeezed mango juice.
You’ll find everything here, from street food and souvenirs to T-shirts with the slogan “Same Same But Different.” The best are the small stalls with grilled fish, fruit cocktails, and Beerlao, a Laotian beer that tastes best by the river when the warm evening air smells of jasmine.
CAFÉS AND LAO HOSPITALITY
Vientiane will surprise you with its café culture. Laos is famous for its coffee from the Bolaven Plateau, which has a strong and rich flavor. It is served with condensed milk and often with ice. Cafés here are not just a tourist attraction. They are places where monks, students, and civil servants meet. Everyone spends a moment of peace here, far from the hustle and bustle of the world.
The Laotians will welcome you with a peaceful smile and typical politeness. No one will pressure you, no one will try to force anything on you. And that is precisely the charm of Vientiane. Its humanity is not learned, but natural.
Try Common Grounds, Joma Bakery Café, or Naked Espresso. You’ll find great coffee, a pleasant atmosphere, and a slow pace, just like the rest of Vientiane.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM VIENTIANE?
Vientiane is not just a city of monuments that you tick off your guidebook. It is a city that teaches you to look around, smile at strangers, and stop measuring time.
When you stand on the banks of the Mekong River in the evening, with a beer in your hand and the wind in your hair, you will understand why Laos is called the land of a million elephants. It reflects strength, calm, and wisdom. Just like Vientiane itself. No one pushes themselves on you here, but that makes it get under your skin even more. It is neither noisy nor hurried. It is a place where tomorrow can easily mean yesterday… and for the first time in your life, you won’t care.
If you liked the article, I would be happy if you share it or leave a nice comment below the article.
I would also like to invite you to join me on Instagram and Facebook.
ARTICLES
Loved this colorful and calm tour of Vientiane! Your descriptions really capture the slow rhythm and quiet beauty of Laos’s capital. Inspiring read
Thank you very much for your comment. I really appreciate it.