Special offers - Ansara Hotel - Hotel in Vientiane
VIENTIANE ATTRACTIONS

Lao cooking classes in the garden by the Mekong river : www.lao-experiences.com

Essential sightseeing

First timers or having little time to be spent in the capital?

Would a visit to Paris be complete without a glimpse at the Eiffel Tower?
In Vientiane, you cannot afford missing to pass by:

  • That Luang Stupa, the symbol of the nation, present on all bank notes and official documents, it is a highly sacred and venerated stupa. It was constructed on the site of previous Indic and Khmer temple in 1566 when King Setthathirat moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. It now shelters a holy relic of Lord Buddha.
  • Patuxai Monument (or Anousavary, as it is often referred to by the Lao people), this astounding building that reminds of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
  • Vat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha statues housed in the Sim of the cloister of the temple
  • Ho Phra Keo museum of sacred arts, formerly a Vat built in 1565 as a royal chapel and repository for the celebrated statue of the Emerald Buddha which was captured by the Siamese during the invasion and sack of 1778, where it is now on display at Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo.

A stroll around Nam Phou fountain, the central point of Vientiane with its myriad of cafes, tailors, souvenir shops, massage institutes and restaurants is a must.

Keep walking toward the Mekong and enjoy the vistas of the sunset while sipping a drinking on the riverside. Nothing fancy here but certainly a relaxing time ahead, very “Lao style”.

All of the above can be done in a half day and if you really want to take it easy and have a deeper immersion into the experience, you can stretch it to a full day for an even better feel about the town.

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Less popular but certainly not least interesting:

Vientiane recommended by the connoisseurs, those who live it intensely every day.

  • COPE Centre

During the Vietnam War, the conflict spilled over into Laos in a secret war leaving it one of the most heavily bombed countries in history. Many of these bombs and other devices did not explode at the time. So, even though the war ended in 1975, the country is still littered with a significant amount of UXO's (unexploded ordnance) which also contributes to poverty, hunger and disability on a daily basis.
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    • Vientiane Orchidees

    The Orchid Farm was created in 2006, born from a passion for orchids and the desire to be part of the conservation of the unique Lao biodiversity while at the same time impacting economic and social development.
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    • Orchids Trek

    For a full day of discovery of Laos’ intact natural beauty with a strong focus on wild orchids, this excursion is for you!

    You will be escorted by a botanical specialist and you will spend the day in the great outdoors of the National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) of Phou Khao Kwai.
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    • Tak Bat

    OK, witnessing or participating to a Tak Bat (alms offering to the monks) is arguably more spectacular in Luang Prabang due to the important lines of monks and novices walking up and down the streets, but with its perfect location, Ansara Hotel offers a prime opportunity to experience a genuine alms giving right in the heart of town at the nearby less touristy-appealing Buddhist temples, or “vats” in Lao language. This daily food collection takes place daily early in the morning, at dawn around 6 am. Worshipers display mats in front of their home and offer various items of food that will be dropped in the monks’ bowls.
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    Other miscellaneous interesting options;
    • Vientiane is home to several Spa & Massage institutes
    • Get some clothes tailored – reasonable prices and great selection of fabrics including cottons and silks
    • Enjoy a walking tour of least travelled paths around the hotel and take the time to live a truly “Vientianese” life
    • Golfing? It is surely possible at:
      - 18 holes Dansavanh Golf Course and Country Club (including carts)
      - 18 holes “SEA Games Golf course”, nearby the new National Stadium
      - 18 holes Youth Garden Golf Course, Km 14, past the Friendship Bridge
      - 9 holes Santisuk Lane Xang Golf Club, of Vientiane, en route to Friendship Bridge and Thailand.
    • Buddha Park, also locally known as Xieng Khuan, is located 25 km out of town, past the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong to Thailand. With over amazing concrete statues of hindu and Buddhist influences, check it out for yourself and make up your opinion about it. One of a kind experience.
    • Lao cooking classes in the garden by the Mekong river : www.lao-experiences.com