Surely the quietest capital city in the world!? (Vientiene)

Member Name: Pablo_Sevilla

Product:	Vientiene
Date:	29/05/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relaxing, great riverside food and sunsets, nice low-key little bars, a lot of charm

Disadvantages: Lacks big sights, finding budget accomodation can be a hassle.

I actually really quite like Vientiane.

Admittedly it lacks any big attractions like other Asian capital cities, but for me this small city by the Mekong river on the border with Thailand is an attraction in itself.

It has a lot of charm because at first you are hard pressed to believe that such a small and quiet city like this is actually the capital city.

You'll notice lots of VW Beatles and old Russian made Soviet-era cars, the Lao nation being officially a Communist state (though it's well and truly opened up and liberalised it's market), gliding through the streets alongside Honda scooters.

The riverside area sells very cheap and excellent Laotion food. The currys are usually very tasty and the shrimp pretty good too. It's also a great place to watch the sunset over the Mekong over a Beer Lao (the amazing world-renowed national beer) or two.

There is a herbal sauna outside of town with massages located in a peaceful active Buddhist monastary. Every Tuesday there are free guided vipassana meditations here led by the monks.

There is a swimming pool for 2$ a day opposite the fountain square. There are also some great bars around here (with Beer Lao on tap) and decent resturants. It's also a good place for a drink in the evening especailly if you fountain is switched on.

It's also worth climbing the big arch in the centre of the city as it gives a nice view of the city and surrounding countryside.

Accomodation can be hard to find if you don't book ahead, this is especially true in high season. Phoning a guesthouse ahead is absolutely essential or you may find yourself having to pay a lot for a mid-range option as the budget guesthouses are almost always full.

A very quaint and charming capital city.

Summary: Quaint charming capital of Lao