Vientiane is the capital of Laos, sited on the eastern bank of the Mekong River. This is the largest city in the country, and most travelers are fascinated by the city’s exotic Eurasian setting.
The confluence of several cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience. Three-lined boulevards, historical French dwellings and Buddhists temples dominate central Vientiane and impart a unique timeless character.
Vientiane’s That Luang Stupa is the most impressive and biggest stupa is the most impressive and biggest stupa in Laos, featured on the Lao national insignia. The stupa was constructed in 1566 by King Sethathirat. The Siamese damaged it was restored in the 1930s. In mid-November, religious rites as well as a fair are held here, during the That Luang festival.
Vientiane province offers impressive scenery. At Vangvieng, 160 km North of Vientiane itself, breathtaking limestone formations nestle along the Song river. The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most famous of which is Tham Jang. Many of these caves can be reached by foot from Vangvieng. There are impressive waterfalls at Nam Tom Tat Khu Khana, Nam Tok Tat Nam Suang.