Vientiane is one of Southeast Asia’s most relaxed capitals, set beside the Mekong River with Thailand visible across the water. It has a gentle, low-rise feel, where gilded temples, French colonial traces, government buildings, cafés and riverside life sit together at an easy pace.

The city is best enjoyed without rushing. Pha That Luang is the great national monument of Laos, a golden Buddhist stupa and one of the country’s most important religious symbols. Nearby Patuxai, often compared with the Arc de Triomphe, reflects both Lao history and French influence, with views across the city from the upper levels.

Vientiane’s temples are among its main pleasures. Wat Si Saket is especially atmospheric, with cloistered walls filled with hundreds of Buddha images, while Haw Phra Kaew, once associated with the Emerald Buddha, now serves as a museum of religious art. The city also has a growing café and restaurant scene, with French bakeries, Lao cooking, riverside bars and small local eateries all easy to enjoy.

A visit to COPE Visitor Centre gives important insight into the continuing impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the rehabilitation work carried out for those affected. It’s a sobering but worthwhile stop, adding depth to any visit.

Evenings are best spent by the Mekong riverside, where locals stroll, exercise, browse the night market and gather as the heat softens. Vientiane isn’t a city of grand drama, but its quiet charm, Buddhist heritage and slower rhythm make it a pleasant and meaningful stop in a Laos itinerary.