Vientiane Facts

With a population of only half a million people, Vientiane is a relatively compact capital, so most districts that are of interest to visitors are fairly close to each other and easily accessible by foot or bicycle. For longer journeys tuk-tuks or taxis are the way to go, or the more intrepid traveler can hire a motorcycle. In terms of orientation, Vientiane is divided into villages, or bans, the names of which can be useful to know when trying to direct a tuk-tuk driver.

Around Talat Sao The two-story, covered Morning Market (Talat Sao) is the true center of Vientiane, with the main post office, bus station and tourist information office nearby, as well as a number of banks and government...

...(Wee-en- chan) is one of the few world capitals that lacks the look and feel of what most Westerners would consider a "city," much less a capital. Quiet, provincial, sleepy: These are terms that come to mind on seeing Vientiane for the first time. And if you drive into town, you might not even realize when you're actually in the city proper, as "metropolitan" Vientiane blends seamlessly with the countryside. Just a short ride in any direction from Lane Xang, the main north-south avenue, will quickly carry you into the beginnings of rural Laos.

But for better or worse, the slow march to modernity seems inevitable, as the massive influx of foreign aid and manpower from both foreign governments...