Vientiane

Overview

Southeast Asia's smallest capital has only about 540,000 inhabitants resulting in something unusual for an Asia city, the possibility of some peace and quiet. Countless temples and pagodas with important Thai and Khmer shrines and relics mirror the country's chequered past. Vientiane is also a place for passionate pedestrians - there is probably no other city in this region that can so easily and pleasantly explored on foot.

Vientiane is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup.

History