Our most recommended things to do in Vientiane

From Vang Vieng:Tham Xang & Tham Nam with Kayaking or Tubing

1. From Vang Vieng:Tham Xang & Tham Nam with Kayaking or Tubing

See the very best that Vang Vieng’s landscape has to offer while enjoying an action-packed day of adventure. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel then heads to Tham Xang, also known as Elephant Cave. The cave lies on the bank of the Nam Song River and is an important Buddhist temple with a remarkable limestone formation inside. Listen to your guide share fascinating insight into the history of this charming cave which dates back thousands of years. Next, pass through a small Lao farm village, bursting with luscious green rice fields. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear spring water that lies at the mouth of Tham Nam water cave, then go tubing up to 500 meters inside. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, fill up with a tasty BBQ lunch served on banana leaves. After lunch, it’s time to start making your way back to the city along the river, either by kayaking or tubing. For the kayaking option, your guide drives you to the starting point in Khmu Village, 10 km north of the city. From here, start the 3-hour kayaking journey down to the Vang Vieng, stopping at idyllic bars along the river for refreshments and a well-deserved rest. The journey follows a few twists and turns, and you’ll pass by local fishermen at work on this gentle journey. Arrive in the city just in time to view the beautiful sunset over the mountains. The tubing option starts at Ban Phou Din Daeng, which is 4 km north of Vang Vieng. Sit back and relax as your tube glides along the river, and soak up the surrounding scenic views from start to finish. Your guide explains how to control your tube on the water, and leads the group downstream in a kayak.

Vientiane: Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch

2. Vientiane: Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch

Following hotel pickup at 9am start your day by visiting the Buddha Park, which is located 25 km outside of Vientiane city. The park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including a giant reclining Buddha. Next, head back into the city and visit the COPE Visitor Centre, which is dedicated to educating visitors about the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Lao people's lives. The Patuxai Monument is a triumphal arch that was built in the 1960s and resembles Paris's Arc de Triomphe. You can climb to the top for great views of the city. Learn about Laos's history and culture at the Lao National Museum, which is located in a beautiful French colonial building. Have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Wat Sisaket, which is the oldest temple in Vientiane and is famous for its thousands of Buddha statues. Finally, end your day at That Luang, which is Laos's national symbol and the most important religious monument in the country. The golden stupa is stunning at sunset.

Laos: eSim Mobile Data Plan

3. Laos: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip to Laos hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in Laos and Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. Most devices released after 2019 are compatible with eSIM (e.g. iPhone XR, XS of models beyond, Google Pixel 4 and beyond). If you are unsure, please check the compatibility guideline photo to confirm eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. Carriers to use: Star Telecom

Vientiane: Private Full-day Must-See Sights & Sunset Tour

4. Vientiane: Private Full-day Must-See Sights & Sunset Tour

In the morning, get picked up by your guide and head to Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving Buddhist temple. The temple is famous for its cloister wall that houses more than 6,800 Buddha icons of all sizes. You may also be able to witness the many locals that come to pray in the morning, enlightening you to traditions of the area. Stop at Wat Prakeo, which once held the Emerald Buddha and now functions as a museum, and the Patuxay Monument, a symbol of the country's resilience and independence, to learn of Laos' complex history. Take time to lunch before walking through Vientiane's laid-back streets, enjoying the refreshingly easygoing atmosphere of the capital. Pass through a number of gorgeous temples before arriving at Talad Sao, Vientiane's central market. With two distinct areas, a modern shopping mall and the sprawling original market, Talad Sao offers an abundance of treasures for you to discover. Bring your day to a stunning conclusion by heading to the Mekong River, where the sun paints the water in brilliant orange hues as it sets below the horizon.

Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane

5. Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane

Pre-book a safe and reliable, private one-way airport transfer with a 24-hour service betweeWattay International Airport and your accommodation in Vientiane city center, with porter services included. Save yourself from having to carry heavy bags and navigating the public transportation system in a new city. Be greeted by your driver who will wait for you at the airport arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. With your driver tracking your flight and waiting for an extra 2 hours from your expected time of arrival, you don't have to stress about possible flight delays. For transfers from the city to the airport, get picked up right at your accommodation with a generous waiting time of up to 30 minutes. Take comfort in knowing that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high-quality standards. Avoid long taxi lines, busy public transport, and language barrier confusion – simply sit back and relax while your driver gets you to your destination on time.

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