Vientiane Beyond the Obvious, Vientiane, Laos

For many travelers heading to Laos, Vientiane is nearly synonymous with the Setthathilath street (one of the city’s beating hearts thanks to its many atmospheric temples) and the Lane Xang avenue (which connects the Presidential Palace with the Victory Monument of Patuxay).

While Setthathilath street and Lane Xang avenue are no doubt charming, I also enjoy a walk to discover some of the lesser known sites of Vientiane. Without further ado, this guide will walk you through the hidden charms of Vientiane beyond the obvious!

This large temple complex is set right at the heart of Vientiane, just within a short walk away from the Victory Monument of Patuxay, yet it remains hidden to most tourists in Vientiane. Established in 1565, Wat Phoun is home to a museum which holds to heart the history of Buddhism in the country of Laos.

Set in the little known commune of Phat Thich, this pagoda feels completely local and devoid of tourists despite being located close to the heart of the city! The temple has a huge stone Buddha statue which dates all the way back to the Ly Dynasty. It also houses the Historical-Cultural Monument of Phat Thich Pagoda which offers a good partial view of the city. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).