Where to eat, when you are in Vientiane

See the locations on Vientiane Restaurants Google Map


Picture by Backpack Foodie
At the night market


Night Market Ban Anou: Near crossing of Chao Anou and Khoun Bourom Road.


Night Market along the Mekong: Many stalls in the west of the street along the Mekong


Food stalls: Along Lane Xang Road, north of Talat Sao and between Hathsadi and Khou Vieng Road.


Picture by Many Moon Honeymoon
Everything ready for a delicious streetfood-meal


Cafés:

Joma Bakery: 14/4 Setthathirat Road. Very nice sandwichs and great coffee, say reviews on tripadvisor.com. "Delicious pastries, sandwiches, quiche, muesli, fruit, shakes", adds Lonely Planet. Daily papers from Laos and Thailand and Wi Fi, mentions chiengfa.com

Picture by larique


Scandinavian Bakery: 74/1 Pangkham Road. "The cinnamon rolls and chocolate croissants are to die for", comments Muggles1 on tripadvisor.com. See picture on travelblog.org.


Maison du Café: 70 Pangkham Road. Coffee from Laos, Brazil, Kenya and Colombia. And also tea! And also a travel agent, discovered the tranquilo traveler


Chinese:

Heng Boun and Chao Anou Road are the heart of Vientianes chinatown.


Ban Haysok: 34-36 Heng Boun road.


Guang Dong: 91-93 Chao Anou Road. Cantonese dishes. "Good food", says one review on tripadvisor.com


Peking Duck: Good review with pictures by thenhbushman.com


French:

Le Silapa: 17/1 Th Sihom. Excellent, according to reviews on tripadvisor.com


La Cave des Châteaux: Big wine choice, romantic terrace. The wine is wunderful and the kitchen excellent according to reviews on tripadvisor.com. See picture by talesfrom30b


Le Provencal: Nam Phou. "Pizza margheritas freshly baked in a wood fired oven. Yummy.", comments edfaigman on tripadvisor.com. Don't await too much, it's a French bistro, not more.


La Terrasse: 55/4 Nokeokoummane Road. "French-European food, great desserts, good family restaurant, very popular with expats, excellent bread", notes the blog Apocalypse Lao.


Italian:

Aria Italian Culinary Arts: Excellent, according to reviews on tripadvisor.com


L'Opera: Homemade pasta.


International:

Douang Deune: Francois Ngin Road. "Excellent Lao, Vietnamese, and Thai food" with Western classical music, notes frommers.com


Khop Chai Deu: 54 Setthathirad Road. In an old French colonial villa, Lao and European dishes. "Khop Chai Deu is the crossroads for expats, backpackers, and tourists", describes frommers.com and notes tasty barbecue and good Lao sections - also "an extensive range of fried insect dishes including crickets and larvae". See their Facebook page. See a video about their lunch buffet


That Dam Wine House:

The Spirit House: Good cocktails with Mekong View, say reviews on tripadvisor.com


Japanese:

Yulala Café: Heng Boun Road. "Cute japanese restaurant and best chocolate desserts", say reviews on tripadvisor.com


Fujiwara: 2/2 Luang Ptabang Road. An epic Sushi menu, notes lonelyplanet.com


Lao:

Just for fun: 51/2 Pamkham Road. Vegetarian dishes. "A good option for committed veggies", comments frommers.com and also a Lao handicraft store.


Kong View Restaurant: On the riverside, west of Vientiane - take a Taxi.


Nang Kham Bang: Khoun Boulum Road. Very godd review by mmm-yoso!!!


Nok Noy: Fa Ngum Road (corner of Nokeokoummane Road). Noodle shop.


Kualao: 141 Samsenthai Road. In an old colonial villa.


Lotus Restaurant: Nokeokoummane Road. In a house in colonial style.

Makphet: Setthathirat road. This restaurant trains homeless youth and is run by Friends International. It sells also a cookbook "From Honeybees to Pepperwood". "A foodies heaven", say reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Picture by Backpack Foodie
A vegetable dish by Makphet

Picture by Backpack Foodie
Laap - a meat based salad with mint


Mekong Sunbar Restaurant: 1/13 Fa Ngum Road.


Nok Noy Noodle:


Pho Zaab: Lao noodle soup - beef and pork noodles with herbs, lime juice and chili


Vilaylac:


Thai:

Full Moon Café: "Boasting Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian daily specials, this is the place to go if you're not sure which Asian country's cuisine you want to sample", recommends Frommers
.


Linda Sathaphorn: 306/18 Saphanthong Road. Very popular by Thais. with a shaded courtyard, notes lonelyplanet.com


Phikun: Good and quick according to one review on tripadvisor.com


Vietnamese:

Lucky's: Samsenthai Road.

Nam Neong: Next to hotel Lao. Here you wrap meat and vegetables or fish into Vietnamese rice paper.

PVO Café: 344 Samsenthai Road. "Tasty do-it-yourself spring rolls" comments nileguide.com

Picture by mikecogh


Read also the restaurant guide by the Blog "Apocalypse Lao".

Not to miss, when your are in Vientiane

See the locations on Vientiane Google Map


Picture by mypuffin
Gate to That Luang


Nam Phou: A square with e fountain and lots of restaurants around in the middle of Vientiane.


Anousavari Monument: Also: Patuxai, meaning: Victory Gate. Climb up and have a good view accross Vientiane. The monument, built between 1957 and 1968, is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. It looks like Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but its design is Laotian. You discover many Buddhist mythological figures like kinnari (half-female, half-bird).

Picture by Hugo Martins


That Luang: A stupa, the most important religious monument of Laos, with 30 small stupas around and Vat That Luang Neue in the north and Vat That Luang Tai in the south. That Luang has been built by King Settathirat in 1566. During That Luang Festival (2011 from 10-12 November) hundreds of monks representing all Lao temples gather to accept alms from the people and fireworks are displayed at night.

Picture by David Whitmore

Picture by mypuffin

Picture by Bruno [BRA]

Picture by Philip Roeland
Vat That Luang Neua

Philip Roeland
Vat That Luang Neua


Vat Sisaket: The oldest temple in Vientiane, built by King Anou in 1818. You find here more than 2,000 small Buddha statues in the niches, made of wood, stone, silver and bronze. The ordination hall in the centre is decorated with mural paintings of the past lives of Buddha.

Picture by Peter Broer

Picture by Many Moon Honeymoon

Picture by daibera


Vat Si Muang: Also: Si Mueang. The sim (ordination hall) is divided into two rooms. In the front room you find usually a monk giving blessings. The back room houses the main altar. On the top of the alter you see a gilded stone - the city pillar (lak muang). The temple was built on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine, remains can be seen behind the sim. In front of the temple you see a statue of King Sisavang Vong (he ruled from 1904 to 1959). He holds a palm leaf manuscript, the first legal code of Laos. See a video by nfsutton.

Picture by Philip Roeland

Picture by Peter Broer


Vat Ong Teu: The large bronze Phra Ong Teu Buddha image gives the temple its name. It has been constructed by King Settathirat in the 16th century. The complex consists of a sim (ordination hall), a ho rackhang (bell tower), a ho kong (drum tower), a that (stupa), and a kuti (monks’ living quarters). When Siam sacked Laos in 1827-28 Wat Ong Teu was destroyed. After 1843 the French reconstructed the monastery and added a school. Until today the vat is a school for Theravada Buddhism. Read more about the architecture of Wat Ong Teu. See a video and listen to the drums

Picture by dalbera



Vat Inpeng:

Picture by GothPhil

Picture by whl.travel


Ho Phra Keo - the temple of the Emerald Buddha: Setthathirat Road. Open: From 8 till 12 am and 1 till 4 pm. A temple has been built here in the 16th century. The Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue, about 66 centimetres tall, carved from a single jade stone, was kept here during 215 years. King Setthathirat brought it to Vientiane, when he moved the capital from Lanna (today Chiang Mai) zu Vientiane. 1788 it was taken to Thailand by King Taksin. Today the Emerald Buddha is kept in Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok (read more). The temple building was destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt between 1936 and 1942. But the doors are from the original building. The verandah houses Buddha statues from all over South-East Asia. Ho Phra Keo now houses a museum which contains a copy of Pha Bang, the gilded throne, Khmer Buddhist stelae, bronze frog drums, wooden carvings and palm-leaf manuscripts. See the gallery by laostravelguide

Picture by mypuffin
Bronze Buddha in the subduing Mara position. See another picture by Adam Carr

Picture by dalbera


Vat Mixai:

Picture by Backpack Foodie

Picture by GothPhil


Vat Hai Sok: It has an impressive five-tiered roof, topped with elegant golden spires. The windows and facade are beautifully carved in wood. Gilded multi-headed nagas flank the steps. See pictures on orientalarchitecture.com. See also the video by inranfle.

Picture by iambents

Picture by iambents

Drum tower


Lao National Museum: On the first floor the museum presents one of the original Jars from the Plain of Jars and various stone and bronze age implements. The second floor explains the 18th Century Laotian Kingdom.


Talat Sao Mall and Market: In the corner of Thanon Lane Xang and Thanon Khu Vieng. The morning market has two floors two floors: textiles, electronics and watches on the first, clothing, gold, and jewelery on the second floor. Talat Sao Mall has three floors, escalators, some cafés and a food court.


Talat Khua Din Market:

Picture by Hanoi Mark
See more pictures by mmm-yoso!!!


Sunset over the Mekong River:

Picture by fredalix


Chou Anou Road:

Picture GothPhil


Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park): 24 km south of the town centre, off Thanon Tha Deua. Open from 8 am to 4.30 pm.

Picture by thich8

Buddha Park, a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, has been built in 1958 by
Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, who - as priest - merged Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and had many followers. He moved to Thailand at the time of the 1975 Lao revolution. In 1978 he realized the same kind of park at Wat Khaek in Nong Khai. A concrete monument in the grounds of Buddha Park has three levels with interior spiral stairs. The three levels represent hell, earth and heaven. Buses with the direction Xieng Khuang depart every half and hour from Talat Sao terminal.

Picture by LightOnDude

Picture by chericbaker


Herbal sauna at Vat Sok Pa Luang: Also: Luong. This forest temple is in Muang Sisauanak and well known for its herbal sauna and massage. For the sauna you get a sarong-like loin cloth. When you come out you are supposed to drink herbal tea and not to wash off the perspiration for at least several hours - some say six- to allow the herbal steam to soak into you pores. The sauna is open from 1 to 8 pm. Read also the experience of bohemiantraveler.com. The nearby Wat 51 Amphon (Thanon Si Amphon) also does herbal saunas. Wat Sok Pa Luang is also known for its course of instruction in vipassana (Buddhist meditation). The abbot and teacher is Ajahn Sali Kantasilo, a Thai who came to Laos.

Picture by Scorchamac From the street you only see this door to Vat Sok Pa Luang

Picture Ben Beiske
The steam for the sauna is produced by a wood-fire.

Trekking around Kiet Ngong and Phapho wetlands - in Xe Pian National Protected Area

See the locations on Xe Pian National Protected Area and Kiet Ngong Wetlands Google Map by #treasuresoflaos

Picture by Pretre
Xe Pian Wetlands, seen from Wat Phu Asa

Picture by intothegreen

Picture by Pretre
Lizard outside Kingfisher Lodge

Picture by gardnergp
Near Khiet Ngong

One of the largest and least altered wetland in the region with swamps, lakes and marshes at the foot of Phou Asa, a large rock outcrop renown for its intriguing ruins and superb views of the dense semi-evergreen forests below: This is the area between Kiet Ngong Village and Pha Pho village, in the the 2,400 km2 Xe Pian National Protected Area (also: Se Pian). See Map of Beung Kiat Ngong Wetlands. These wetlands are connected to several small streams: Houay Ta-kuan, Houay Ta-euang, Xe Khampho, Xe Pian and Xekong River. During the wet season these areas are all connected and they are a passing way for varieties of fish to move upstream. About 43 species have been reported, for example Walking catfish (Clarias spp.), Snakeheads (Channa striata) and Swamp eel (Monopterus albus). Read more on Ramsar Wetlands. See on Facebook.


Xe Pian NPA is considered to be one of the most important areas in Indochina for waterbirds. Here you find the vanishingly rare Giant Ibis, the White-winged Wood-Duck, the Sarus Crane, the Lesser Adjutant and the White-shouldered Ibisother. It's also known for large mammals. Although Rhinoceros, Kouprey, Eld’s Deer, and Hog Deer have already disappeared from the area, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Banteng, Leopard, Sun Bear, Black Bear and Dhole (Wild Dog) are still found here. These species are very difficult to see, more visible are Yellow-cheeked Gibbons and hornbills.

Almost 10'000 people live within Xe Pian NPA, many practicing traditional agriculture and collecting forest plants. Kiet Ngong’s traditional houses, wooden temple and working elephants offer a window into Lao rural life.

Activities: Elephant rides from Kiet Ngong Village to the top of Phou Asa and back are popular. They can be booked through the Visitor Information Centre in Pakse or Champassak District or with a tour company. Phou Asa can also be reached by a walk along a 7 km long forest trail. The summit provides a view over large areas of southern Laos. The forests of Xe Pian and Dong Hua Sao (another National Protected Area) appear to stretch out endlessly from the Kiet Ngong wetland. To the north you see the Bolaven Plateau with its waterfalls. Ahead to the east is the Xe Khong floodplain in Attapeu, and lining the horizon are the Annamite Mountains on the Vietnamese border. At the top of the mountain is a ring of stone pillars. You can take elephant-back treks as well from the village Pha Pho (read here) and here.

According to ecotourismlaos.com village guides are available to take visitors on half- or full-day walks to Phou Asa and its surroundings, interpreting its many medicinal plants and non-timber forest products. The eco-trail begins at the foot of Phou Asa and offers 3-4 hours of steady walking through tall semi-evergreen forest. Some trees along the trail are labeled, and there are good places to rest or observe birds. An important natural resource, which can be seen on the walk, is the Mak Chong (Malva Nut) tree. It only grows in original forest and reaches its greatest abundance in southern Lao. "In some years, the Mak Chong harvest from Xe Pian alone may be sold for more than US$ 1,000,000 in China. Local harvesters only receive a tiny fraction of that revenue, but it is a significant source of income nonetheless", writes ecotourismlaos.com.

During the dry season (November-April) there is a trail around the wetland to Donlay Island, which takes about two hours if walked slowly. On the way you will pass the Giant Rock (Hin Huoa Yak in Lao), a sacred place with a superb view. The trail continues to Phapho Village. Donlay Island can also be reached by canoe.

Mountain Biking to Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area is another possibility. From Kingfisher Ecolodge at Kiet Ngong you cycle 20 km to Lao Gna village, do a forest walk and have a picnic lunch with villagers.

On offer is also Ta Ong Trail, a 2 days Journey by canoe along the Ta Euang river from Palay Bok village, whose guides will teach you about medicinal plants and wildlife spotting. You stay overnight withfamilies in Ban Ta Ong, a Brow village known for its traditional giant crossbow. At dawn you walk through thick forests for birdwatching and, if you are lucky, to listen to the song-like calls of the endangered yellow-cheeked crested gibbon. Read about a trekking tour from Pha Pho to Ta Ong.



Where To Sleep:
In Kiet Ngong village there are five small, local-style huts about 250 m south of the last house in the village (1 km from the temple). And a home-stay offers the contact with a local family.

Kingfisher Ecolodge: A bit outside the village. Bungalows with beautiful view of the wetlands. During winter time bring some additional covers with you. In the ecohouses two rooms share a bath. Very good reviews von tripadvisor.com.

Boun Hom Guesthouse in Pha Pho village: Phone: 030 5346293. Read here.


How to get here:
It takes 1 hour from Pakse to Kiet Ngong. In Ban Thang Beng you turn east. You can travel by taxi or a songthaew bus from the southern bus station in Pakse (8 km east of town). Get off the public bus at Km 48 junction with Route 18 in Thang Beng village. Here you can visit the Xe Pian NPA Office. From here you follow Route 18 for 7 km eastwards then you turn right for the last 1,5 km toBan Kiet Ngong. To get to Ban Pha Pho, continue along Route 18. After 5 km turn right at Ban Kele and take a dirt road for 15 km to Pha Pho. There is also a bus from Atapeu on Route 18.
Another possibility is to travel on the Xekong River along the border of Cambodia and then up in the Xe Pian River. Three waterfalls along the Xe Pian River - Tad Saepha, Tad Samongphak and Tad Saeponglaican - can be reached by foot or by boat with a local guide. Tad Phapong, a waterfall on the Xe Xou River, is accessible by trekking or boating and is noted for its many colorful rocks that line the riverside.

Bolaven Plateau: Waterfalls everywhere -and a Zip-Line system in the Jungle

See the locations on Bolevean Plateau Google Map by 3treasuresoflaos


Tadhang Waterfall:

Picture by Tozbee


Ban Tad Lo:

Picture by Tozbee


Tad Lo Waterfall:

Picture by Tozbee

Picture by La Isla Magica


Tadlo Lodge:



Tad Fane

Tad Fane Resort: From 32 USD. From here you look at the twin waterfall Tad Fane.

Picture ruben i


Tham Champee

Near Tad Fane this waterfall is formend by Houay Champi River, falling down 15 metres. There are rafts to get to the falls.


Tad Yeuang

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Not far from Tad Fane.


Sihom Plantation: A farm for coffee, pepper, some fruits and Sihom Sabai Guesthouse. Basic rooms. Read more on laobumkin.blogspot.com. Good review on tripadvisor.com

Tree Top Explorer at Jungle Hotel: You discover a system of zip-lines starting from platforms high in the trees. With the zip-line you "fly" over cliffs, waterfalls and the green roof of the forest in Dong Hua Sao National Park. You trek in pristine forest and through coffee plantations or discover the forest from a sky-high walkway. The camp has electricity generated by the waterfall. Jungle Hotel Paksong is a tiny village in the midst of dense forest with six tree houses and a restaurant. Some of the houses are up to more than 20 m above the ground. Beds and mosquito nets are there, but no air-con or fridge. Ban Nongluang is a small farming village. From here reaching the zip-line complex and campsite requires another few kilometer trek on a trail inside the Dong Hua Sao National Park. You wear your own baggage, but you can also organize a villager, who transports your baggage. Read the reviews on tripadvisor.com carefully. There are a lot of tips, what you can await and what not. Sww this video on youtube. Then read Ziplines in the jungle: a high-wire act in Laos. See Facebook Page. Tree Top Explorer is owned and managed by Lao-based Green Discovery Tours.

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Champasak, Vat Phou and Lingaparvata

See the locations on Champasak and Vat Phou Google Map by treasuresoflaos


Vat Phou and the holy mountain

Picture by marhas
The museum of Vat Phou shows this picture by Pierre Pichard.

Vat Phou has been founded by the Cham, according to the historians and was later one of the first temples of the Khmers outside Cambodia. The oldest ruins date from the fifth and sixth century. Vat Phou nestles at the base of Mount Phou Pasak, that got the name Lingaparvata, because on top a 60 metres high monolith reaches into the sky. This natural outcropping has led the people to consider it a sacred place long ago. It resembles to linga of Shiva, the god of the Hindu. To some visitors it resembles also a female breast. "Parvata" means "mountain," so "Lingaparvata" is literally "Linga Mountain." It is the same word-root as "Parvati" the name of Shiva's consort, a mountain-goddess, notes art-and-archaeology.com. Willard Van De Bogart tells the story of Lingaparvata, the story was also published with a lot of book references. Read also the official site description by the Museum of Vat Phu.

See a Wat Phu site map by globelheritagefund.org

Picture by marhas First yuu see one of the barays - a Khmer word for a lake. The barays symbolize the ozeans around the holy mountain Meru.

Picture by marhas
The first terrace of the temple complex

Picture by marhas
The way for the processions towards Vat Phou with Lingaparvata (right).


Picture by Alex Bunjes


Picture by marhas
Ho Thao, the palace on the south side of the procession way, a room for men.


Picture by Veigo
Ho Nang, the palace for women


Picture by marhas
Decoration above the door


Picture by marhas
The walkway to the second terrace, flanked by milestones


Picture by marhas
The stairs up to the second terrace


Picture by marhas
A Dvarapala, a guardian on the second terrace.


Picture Family Craps


Picture by marhas
Way up to the stairs of the third terrace.


On top of all the stairs: the temple:

Picture Pigalle


Picture Pigalle
Over the main door


Picture by Veigo


Picture by Veigo


Picture by Veigo
At the left side of the main door


Picture Picture by Family Craps
Shiva, Vishnou et Brama


Picture by marhas
Look down: the processions way, the palaces and the barays.


See a Vat Phu Video by danychico

Since 2001 Vat Phou is part of Unesco World Heritage. Read more:
Official Unesco World Heritage-Page about Wat Phu


Every year for Makha Bousa (fullmoon day of the third lunar month) thousands of people celebrate the Vat Phou Festival.



Where to stay in Champasak

See the locations on Champasak and Vat Phou Google Map
Anouxsa Guesthouse: Good reviews on tripadvisor.com, "Champsak's best choice", comments travelfish.org


Daovone Guesthouse: From 5 USD. 6km south from the ferry crossing, closest guesthouse to Vat Phou.


Dok Champa Guest House: From 4 USD.


Kham Phuoy Guesthouse: "Excellent bamboo bungalows with concrete floors that would be close to the pick in town if they were on the riverbank", says travelfish.org

Picture by marhas


Saythong Guesthouse: "Fine restaurant", notes travelfish.org, but "shabby" room.

Picture by marhas


Souchitra Riverside: "Good mix of budget and upmarket accommodation", comments travelfish.org. Critical review on tripadvisor.com

Picture by marhas
Maekhay Restaurant inside Souchitra Guesthouse on the Mekong


Vong Paseud Guesthouse: From 5 USD.



Don Daeng Island

See the locations on Don Daeng Google Map

Picture by Jérôme Guilmot
Mekong beach on Don Daeng

Picture by Jérôme Guilmot
Rural life on Don Daeng

Don Daeng is a tranquil island in the Mekong River with sandy beaches, where the traditional Lao rural life with rice farming, coconut and sugarcabe plantation, fishing and basket weaving is going on. A path leads around the island - suitable for bicycling. You find some small stores, where you get a noodle soup.


Where to stay on Don Daeng

La Folie Lodge: From 95 USD. See pictures by mbmplayhard, jenjenes5527.
See also this Video on Youtube

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In the village Ban Hua Don Daeng you can stay overnight in a community lodge or with local families (mat, pillow and blanket on the floor). Conract the District Tourism office in Champasak or the Provincial Tourism Office in Pakse (phone +0856 031 212 021).


Vat Tomo - another Khmer remple

See the locations on Vat Phou and Vat Tomo Google Map

Vat Tomo (also called Ou Moung or Huei Thamo): On a boat trip you discover these temple ruins, set in a forest, about 11 km southeast of Vat Phou, on the east side of the Mekong near Ban Tomo. Vat Tomo consists of a laterite enclosure wall, two gateways in good condition and the original temple, which has collapsed. The ruins of the shrine's brick towers lie in the center of the enclosure. The temple dates from the 7th or 8th centuriy and and has been reconstructed in the 11th/12th century, during the Angkorian period. It seems it has been built first as the female counterpart to the Shiva Temple at Vat Phou, according to an inscription it was in 889 dedicated to Rudrani, the shakti of Shiva. "It houses a rare mukhalinga, a stone linga with two clearly-defined albeit gloomy faces", notes Andy Brower in his blog, who has good pictures. "It is the only one in Southeast Asia with four faces of Shiva looking in the four cardinal directions", writes Willard G. Van De Bogart.
Read also the description by travelfish.org. More pictures on kuradashieigakan.com.