Compared to many capital cities in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region, the Lao PDR’s capital Vientiane has a more relaxed atmosphere and charming, unpretentious vibe. What it lacks in grand architecture or bustling city life, it makes up with plenty of local character – with some particularly memorable sights set a short drive away from the city center!
Here are five unique destinations that provide a glimpse into the culture, history, and natural beauty surrounding Vientiane – all worth setting aside an afternoon or whole day to see for yourself!
Handicraft heaven: Houey Hong Vocational Center
Set just 25 minutes from the city center, the Houey Hong Vocational Training Center (Facebook page) offers an enriching experience for those interested in traditional Lao weaving.
This center provides livelihood training in textile weaving and natural dye techniques, educating hundreds of Houey Hong Village women in a profitable trade. Visitors can tour the facility to see these skills in action – even better, you can also participate in half-day or full-day workshops.
These hands-on sessions allow you to create your own silk scarf using natural dyes, or try your hand at weaving on a traditional Lao loom. The center also offers advanced courses in the ikat resistance dyeing technique.
Hike for the view: Phou Phanang Reserve
If outdoor activities are more your style, the Phou Phanang Reserve offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. Located just west of Vientiane, this area features trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including a rewarding two-hour hike to a viewpoint with stunning vistas of Lao PDR and Thailand.
This trail – called the “Wealth Coffee Viewpoint” – originates from its namesake coffee shop and winds up through the Phou Phanang National Biodiversity Conservation Area, gaining 300-plus meters of elevation along the way. As the trail is not well-marked, you are advised to go with a tour group, and bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.
Meeting the spirits: LAODI Distillery Tour
This Japanese-Lao joint venture produces a variety of rums, including traditional white and brown rums and flavored varieties like coffee, Japanese plum, and passion fruit. The two-hour distillery tour, available by appointment, includes a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process.
The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can sample their range of rums and liquors. It’s a fascinating excursion for those interested in potent spirits, artisanal craftsmanship, and the innovative blending of Japanese and Lao distilling techniques.
The facility stands some 50km from the city center, taking an hour to drive there. Tours are free, but must be arranged by appointment: email ikiyomi@rhumlaodi.com to schedule a visit.
Rustic cascade: Tad Moun Waterfalls
This hidden natural wonder features gentle rapids rather than dramatic falls, but it’s a serene place to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings. Rustic huts along the river offer local Lao food, or you can bring your own picnic.
The best time to visit is between June and October (the rainy season) when the water is at its clearest, and the local eateries are fully operational. Getting here calls for a 45-minute drive from Vientiane to cover the 30km distance; you’ll need to pay about LAK 10,000 (USD 1.30) to enter.
Find the hidden Buddhas: Vang Sang Buddhas Archeological Site
For a more adventurous outing, the Vang Sang Buddhas site will do: located some 70 kilometers from Vientiane, this secluded site can be accessed by an almost two-hour-long drive along a dirt road and a short hike. Those who make the jaunt will discover a collection of Buddha statues carved into the rock, some as tall as 10 feet.
These statues are believed to date back to between the 10th and 16th centuries; they’re well-hidden in the woods, providing an air of mystery that you won’t find in more heavily-visited temples.
