The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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VIENTIANE
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WALKING TOUR: VIENTIANE
WALKING TOUR VIENTIANE
START: Patuxai Monument
FINISH: Mekong at the end of Kun Bulom Road
TIME: 3 to 4 hours, not including eating or shopping stops.
BEST TIMES: Morning or late afternoon (midday can be hot and dusty)
Vientiane is a terrific walking city. This tour hits Vientiane’s highlights, which you can
leisurely explore with stops for food and drink. Be sure to read the full listings for each
stop, above.
Begin your tour with a climb to the top of:
1 Patuxai Monument
This structure resembles Paris’ Arc de Triumph,
with distinctive Lao features. Dedicated
to those who fought for independence
from France (patuxai means victory in
Lao), the monument offers panoramic
views of the city.
Then stroll down Lane Xang Avenue heading south
toward the Mekong staying on the left side of the
road. You will soon arrive at:
2 Talat Sao (the Morning Market)
Located at the eastern corner of Lane Xang
Avenue and Khu Vieng Road, Talat Sao
consists of many small shops, restaurants,
and fruit and vegetable stalls. You can
browse through jewelry, silk and clothing,
wooden crafts, musical instruments, electronics,
appliances, housewares, CDs and
DVDs/VCDs, and groceries if you wish.
There is also the Ethnic Handicrafts Market
next door packed with colorful clothing
and heavy ethnic jewelry.
Cross over Lane Xiang Avenue and walk northwest up
Bartholomie Road. This will bring you to:
3 That Dam
The “Black Stupa” is set in a quiet traffic
circle with next to no traffic. This is one of
the oldest monuments in the city—though
it’s never been dated, it’s estimated to have
been constructed in the 15th century.
Walk south down Chant Khammouane Road and turn
right. Walk a few minutes up to the Nam Ou Fountain.
TAKE A BREAK
Nam Ou Fountain is a pleasant
place to relax and enjoy a snack.
If the weather is not too hot, sit at an
outside terrace.
Walk back up Setthathirath Road. On your right, you
will see the:
4 Presidential Palace
The Beaux Arts–styled Presidential Palace
was originally built for the French governors,
and later housed the monarchy during
their reign after Laos gained its
independence. It is closed to the public.
Opposite the Presidential Palace is:
5 Wat Si Saket
This wat is renowned for its jataka murals
(scenes depicting the lives of Buddha
before his final incarnation) and the many
Buddha images set in niches in the cloister.
Just a little farther up on the other side of the road is:
6 Haw Pha Kaeo
This temple was rebuilt in 1942 after the
original was destroyed in the Sino-Laos
war, and houses a fascinating collection of
religious art.
Now head south on Mahasot Road, until you reach
the riverfront and Fa Ngum. Stroll along the banks of
the Mekong, stopping where you will for a tipple of
your choosing until you reach Nokeo Khumman Road.
This will take you to:
7 Temples Along Setthathirath
As you turn left at Setthathirath Road,
you’ll find a cluster of temples, including