Vientiane

A Vientiane holiday may very well turn out to be a spiritual journey for you. Laos is a Buddhist country. As a result, there are many Buddhist temples dotted throughout Vientiane. The “That Luang” or the Great Stupa, located 4kms northeast of Vientiane has long been considered to be Laos' national symbol. This structure, considered sacred by the locals, comprises of two temples. The main stupa stands proud at a height of 148feet. The original monument that stood here was believed to have contained the breastbone of the Lord Buddha. The structure that stands there now was built by King Setthathirat in 1566 on the site of a 13th century Khmer ruin. The building was designed based on Buddhist beliefs, with many images of Buddha present throughout. Wat Si Saket, the oldest Buddhist monastery in all of Laos, is home to over 8000 Buddha relics. Tourists on holiday in Vientiane can observe the locals in prayer, give alms to the monks or, just appreciate the beauty of this Bangkok-styled temple believed to have been built in 1818. Wat Mixai, or the Temple of Victory was built in the heart of Vientiane to celebrate Laos' victory over Burma in the 16th century. The temple's name also draws from the Buddha's victory over the distracting demon Mara. It may not have a history as vast as the other temples in the city, but this Thai-styled temple is very much worth a visit. About 25kms southeast of Vientiane, you will come across the Buddha Park. The Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan, is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. Statues of many Hindu Gods can be found in the park as well, including one of the King of Hindu Gods, Indra, riding a three-headed elephant. The most popular place of worship in Vientiane is the Wat Si Muang.  According to legend, it is named after a pregnant woman who had sacrificed herself for the temple to be built and whose body remains under the central pillar of the temple to this day. A must see while on holiday in Vientiane.

Laos, and the city of Vientiane, has a history that stretches back centuries. The best way to learn about this history is to visit the Lao National Museum. The museum contains exhibits that give tourists a detailed idea of Laos' illustrious and, at times troubled history. Starting from the days of Laos' royal family and wars with many of its neighbors, to its days as a French colony and ending with the rise of Laos as a communist nation, this museum, although not in the best of shapes, has it all. The Patuxai Victory Monument cuts a distinctive figure in the skyline of this tiny city. This structure which bears a strong resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a more recent remnant of Laos' grand past. Built in 1958, this monument pays homage to the country's national identity, culture, and its freedom. This large building comprises of four arches and five towers, each of which represents a separate principle of Buddhism. It is seven stories high and tourists can even go right to the top of the monument. A local favorite for strolls, visitors can learn about what makes this little-known country so great and proud by paying a visit.

Despite having a reputation for being a city stuck in time, night life in Vientiane is still fun albeit more low-key than that in neighboring Thailand. There are bars aplenty in this city, many of which, such as the Bor Pen Nyang, overlook the Mekong River. There are a few nightclubs like the Future nightclub as well. For those not looking to party on their Laos holiday in Vientiane, the Vientiane night market near the Mekong River is a popular destination. This is the place where locals and tourists alike mingle, shop and eat together with a constant buzz in the air.

The city might not be advanced, but Vientiane's culinary scene is as diverse as it gets. The restaurant business here is booming, with most restaurants on the river bank. Eating freshly caught fish from the river is a surreal experience. The cuisine in Vientiane is a mix of French and Thai-inspired dishes. Restaurants like the That Dam Wine House provide a high-end experience whereas restaurants like Vieng Sawan serve delicious food at ridiculously low prices, and so does the Vangthong Food Market, which has a burgeoning reputation as a foodie heaven.

Vientiane has a tropical climate typical of this region.

There are only two distinct seasons; Dry season and rainy season. So, which are the months you need to avoid while planning your holidays in Vientiane and when should you definitely book your ticket? In any case, remember to always carry plenty of sunscreen.

"Bring a Raincoat" Wet Season

The end of May marks the beginning of the wet season in Vientiane. Initially, infrequent showers which don't last more than a few hours are observed. Average temperature is around 27 °C. It starts raining more frequently from October, reaching a peak in September. During these months, it rains for hours at a time, multiple times during the day. Temperatures plummet to the lower 20s. Ticket prices will be lower during the wet season, but the monsoon will more than likely foil all your travel plans. Vientiane is best avoided during this season which lasts till the beginning of November.

"Perfect for a Holiday" Dry Season

With November comes the dry season. This is undoubtedly the best time for a holiday in Laos. Although temperatures can get as high as 30°C, with April being the hottest month, rain is rare between the months of November through April of the next year. Thus, with some sunscreen and bottles of water, you can finish your Vientiane holiday to Laos without too many distractions. But as it is the peak season, ticket prices will be higher this time of the year.