Capital city in Vientiane Prefecture, Laos
Vientiane
The slowest capital in Southeast Asia: Mekong sunsets, temples, French bakeries and cheap beer. Cheap, quiet and easy for a base, with limited nightlife and public transport.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$538–987Comfortable, one person · ₭12M–22MDetails
- Value for money90/100Better value than 89% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 37°CDetails
- Air quality25.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet60 MbpsFixed broadband, Laos medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–36Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundLOCAWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash in kip.Details
Where to stay in Vientiane
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Chanthabuly and Mekong riverfront | First-timers: guesthouses, cafés, night market, temples |
| Ban Phonsinuan and Sisattanak | Long stays near embassies, expats and supermarkets |
| Ban Anou | Budget guesthouses and local food near the center |
| Thatluang | Quiet residential area near the main stupa |
Apps that work in Vientiane
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| foodpanda | Widest restaurant choice in the capital |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- LCR Ticket: Book Laos–China Railway train seats
- Taxis: Metered taxis are few. Use LOCA or agree the fare before getting into a tuk-tuk.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Laos.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash in kip. Cards at upmarket hotels, supermarkets and malls; Thai baht and US dollars accepted by some shops.
- Currency: Kip (LAK). US$1 ≈ ₭22,287.30 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: BCEL and other bank ATMs accept foreign cards but cap each withdrawal low and charge a fee every time.
- Tipping: Not customary; leaving small change is appreciated. Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour.
- Paying by phone: Lao QR (BCEL One) is everywhere but needs a local account; Thai banking apps can pay many Lao QR codes.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within 3 days before arrival and before departure at main airports and Friendship Bridge I.
- Get an e-Visa at laoevisa.gov.la at least 5 days ahead, or a visa on arrival at main airports and borders.
- Tourist visas last 30 days and can be extended twice in-country, up to 60 extra days; overstays bring heavy fines.
Emergency numbers
Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 · Fire 1190
Plugs
Type A, B, C, E, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at airports or carrier shops with your passport; data packs cost a few dollars. Unitel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Laos
Going to Vientiane solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.