Sleepy Vientiane

The city of Vientiane, like a large country town has many beautiful temples, interesting markets and a lovely calm, peaceful atmosphere. It is safe and friendly. A stroll along the riverbank, with its many eating places is a must to watch the sun set on the Mekong. A memorable sight.

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You can walk anywhere in Vientiane, night or day in perfect safety. The motos are cheap and plentiful.

The guesthouse was quite basic, but clean and comfortable. The people were friendly and helpful. Guesthouse accommodation was plentiful in Vientiane and we could have had a nice room at any number for $US8, with private basic ammenities.

There were many dining options in Vientiane, luxury hotels with french chefs, beer garden type courtyard cafes, and my favourites, the small table and chairs on the footpath along the riverbank, sometimes under a big shady tree or a trellis with flowering vines. Beer Lao, one of the best I have tasted was kept cold in ice boxes under the table. The local food, very similar to Thai food but with the french legacy of wonderful breads and pastries, was magnificent.

Vientiane is a quiet relaxed city.
The buildings are very interesting. Some of the homes built during the french colonisation of Laos are really lovely. Large timber homes with intricate fretwork and heavy shuttered windows, much filigree ironwork on high walls which enclose large gardens with very old exotic flowering trees and shrubs. The Lao homes are also of timber, but built in the Thai fashion. The textiles in Lao are very interesting, with much silk and fine cotton. The morning market has a wide range of all the products of Laos and is a good way to spend a few hours and probably a few dollars.