Vientiane is one of the sleepiest capital cities in the world, with wide boulevards and little traffic.

The capital of Laos is very accessible by air or overland from Bangkok and is the springboard for travel into the north or south of Laos.

Vientiane has a few attractions including the stunning gilded That Luang Stupa and Laos’ own version of the Arch de Triumph. This impressive golden temple complex dates back to the 16th century.

Sunsets by the Mekong are always spectacular and most visitors find themselves by the Mekong for sun-down.

There are numerous restaurants, riverside markets and pavement cafes from where you can experience the serene atmosphere for which the city is known.

The Laos National Museum is another of the city’s cultural highlights, where some fascinating exhibits reveal the history of Laos through the ages.