Joanna James
Scintillatingly combining French-colonial elegance with oriental artistry, Vientiane, the world’s most laidback Capital City, captivates travellers with uniquely thought-provoking escapades in serenely gorgeous settings. Here’s what you can’t miss in vivacious Vientiane.
Whether you’re beguiled by spectacular Mekong River sunsets, breathtaking boulevards featuring East-meets-West architectural fusions, hiking trails enveloped by lush verdancy and silvery rockfaces, or rustic-chic cafés serving aromatic fair-trade coffee, well-seasoned homemade bagels, and tropically fruity salads or smoothies, Vientiane is gemmed with subtly exciting and whimsically picturesque experiences to be savoured with your favourite people. However, if you’re looking to immerse in heart-warming village culture while simultaneously purchasing original tribal handicrafts, Saoban Crafts Village is filled with unique tradition-infused keepsakes, from handwoven and hand-dyed silks, cotton, and ikat textiles to delicately intricate silver jewellery, bamboo accessories, and home décor pieces with stunning heritage motifs.
While there are plenty of irresistibly shoppable emporiums adorning this enchantingly tranquil city, from revelling in culturally inspired eveningwear with a modern twist at the Ministry of Silk paired with bespoke accessories that will render you weak in the knees to vibrant loom-woven souvenirs, ethnically embroidered pieces, organic essential oils, and one-of-a-kind artwork to be found at the numerous craft houses and villages, you can’t afford to miss the deliciously chaotic Vientiane Night Market. Here, you can splurge on affordable trendy clothes, electronics, accessories, and souvenirs while stuffing your face with mouthwatering street snacks like slurp-worthy noodle soup, flavoursome green papaya salad (tam som), and sweetly sticky khao tom.
If you’re looking for eye-opening insights into the country’s turbulent past, the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) will enlighten you about the process of treating and rehabilitating the victims of hidden landmines and how prosthetic limbs are made via a dedicated workshop. You can also enjoy an authentic and heartwarming bonding experience with underprivileged and differently-abled rural artisans at the Houey Hong Centre and Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre, leaving you with a sense of enrichment and a bag full of beautiful, eco-friendly handcrafted treasures.
While there are plenty of atmospheric historical enclaves to peruse, from the Lao People’s Army History Museum to the Laos Textile Museum, you can’t afford to miss an Insta-worthy photoshoot in front of the gracefully imposing Presidential Palace of Vientiane, with its timeless Beaux-Arts design elements and lushly manicured lawns. If you’re looking for avant-garde serviced apartments in Vientiane proffering prime access to its charming diversions, venture no further than the likes of Somerset Vientiane.
If you love the wildlife-rich seclusion of pristine national parks with a vibrant infusion of culture in the form of little wooden huts and bamboo benches, you can’t go wrong with a rejuvenating hike to the postcard-perfect, terraced azure rapids known as Tad Moun Waterfalls. An idyllic spot for the poetic recluse and adventurous nature lover, especially during the rainy season, there’s plenty of scenic exhilaration to be had, from floating in the deep, crystal-blue pools to adrenaline-high forest kayaking.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
