The Vientiane Heritage Route offers a framework for discovering the city’s history through its buildings. Launched in December 2024, the route includes 59 important historical and cultural buildings in Vientiane. A map, an interactive website and an electronic brochure help visitors find their way. As the route materials may be updated, check the map and digital guides before your visit.
Buildings from different periods
Individual buildings bring different chapters of the city’s history to life. At the site of the That Luang Stupa, King Saysetthathirath had the original stupa built in 1566. Wat Sisaket was built by King Anouvong in 1818, and Patuxay in 1957. That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is an ancient stupa in the heart of Vientiane. A local legend connects it with a protective mythical Naga. From the terrace of Hor Phra Keo, you can look out over the Presidential Palace and its garden.
Museums: Revolution, art and textiles
The Lao National Museum presents exhibitions about the revolution and the present day. It was established in 1980 as the Lao Revolutionary Exhibition Hall in the former residence of the French governor in Vientiane Capital. The building’s former use and the themes of the exhibitions thus come together. The Lao National Fine Arts Museum has a different focus: its exhibits include Lao wood carvings, Buddha figures and paintings.
At the Lao Textile Museum, you can see antique silk pieces made by different ethnic groups. The museum is located in Nongthatai Village in Chanthaboury District of Vientiane Capital. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance. The COPE Visitor Centre, meanwhile, presents the UXO conflict in Laos through prosthetics exhibits, sculptures made from bomb materials and stories from people affected. It is on Khouvieng Road, on the grounds of the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation, opposite the Green Park Hotel. The different forms of exhibition offer different ways into the subject.
Along the Mekong: River views and public green spaces
Vientiane Capital lies on a bend in the Mekong. The Mekong promenade offers views of the sunset over the river. Anouvong Park is a public park by the Mekong, suitable for walking, relaxing and exercise. The two places give the river different roles: the promenade foregrounds the view, while the park is a place to use public space. As a general guide to the city’s sights, they are concentrated in a small area of the business district that is easy to explore on foot.
The Buddha Park offers a different kind of discovery: it is a sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues. Its main attraction is a 40-metre-long reclining Buddha statue. The size and location of this figure provide a clear landmark within the park among its many religious images.
Festivals, coffee and experiences along the way
Two annual events take place in different months: Boun Pha That Luang is held each year around mid-November in Vientiane Capital. The annual boat races draw spectators to the riverside in mid-October. Exact dates, programmes and event arrangements may change. Check the information for the year you plan to travel.
Coffee is another discovery to consider. The Coffee Tour Vientiane includes a coffee gallery, live roasting, a coffee tasting and a latte art demonstration. As booking conditions may change, check the current terms before booking. Café Sinouk serves homemade Lao and international dishes as well as snacks; the food selection may also change.
If you would like to discover historical sights by bicycle, you could consider a half-day cycling tour. It begins with hotel pickup and fitting a bicycle for the participants. Tour arrangements may change, so check the current terms before booking.
Discover more destinations: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Kenue Kang, Don Noun, Ban Chèng, Tha Ngon, Thalat, Toulakhom, Ban Nam Phuong, Xang.
Back to the main travel overview: Laos.
