Have you ever visited a city and just wanted to fold the map to… go a little slower, enjoy a little more - the slow pace of life, not crowded, especially at night? If not, follow MLifeOn to visit Vientiane, Laos and experience.
Vientiane, Laos is not too flashy and crowded, but attracts tourists with its gentleness and slowness.
Capital of Tranquility
Vientiane is located in the southwest of Laos, bordering the Mekong River and facing Thailand's Nong Khai province. Contrary to our image of a bustling capital, Vientiane has the appearance of a small, peaceful city, with tree-lined streets, traditional stilt houses and a slow pace of life.
The city is the administrative, cultural and religious center of Laos, home to many Buddhist architectures, museums and historical sites. But above all: despite being a capital, Vientiane still retains its simplicity and intimacy - more like a large village than a metropolis.
Places not to be missed
The “slowness” of traveling to Vientiane, Laos is not about speed but about destination. In this capital city, there are so many destinations that make you want to slow down:
Wat Si Muang
As the most sacred temple in Vientiane, Wat Si Muang (Mother Si Muang Temple) is not too prominent in architecture or scale, but is always crowded with people coming to pray, especially women praying for children and peace.
The space of the temple brings a feeling of closeness, as if you are entering a familiar place. The sound of bells, the smell of incense, candlelight... all create an atmosphere that is both sacred and gentle.
Wat That Phoun
Hidden among the streets with few people passing by, Wat That Phoun is an ancient temple with traditional Lao architecture. Not crowded, not bustling, this place is an ideal stop for those who want to find tranquility.
You can sit under the shade of the trees, listen to the wind blowing through the tiled roof, or simply quietly look at the Buddha statues that have been stained by time. This work is not only for sightseeing, but also a place to meditate and listen to yourself.
Patuxai
Located in the middle of the central intersection, Patuxai or Arc de Triomphe is a structure that resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but is transformed with traditional Lao patterns. From afar, the structure appears both majestic and soft, like a poetic blend of East and West.
Climb to the top of the tower, you will see the whole view of Vientiane: golden pagodas, tree-lined streets, and the quiet Mekong River in the distance. It is a moment that makes you want to slow down to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery before your eyes longer.
View from Patuxai
Pha That Luang
You can’t mention Vientiane without mentioning Pha That Luang (That Luang) - the golden stupa, the national symbol and pride of Laos. This is where Buddha’s relics are kept, where major festivals take place and is a pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhists every year.
The architecture of the stupa is both majestic and elegant, with a layer of gold shimmering in the afternoon sun. Standing in front of Pha That Luang, you don’t just see a building, but also see a culture alive in every detail.
Perhaps it is the presence of many destinations as above that has partly created the gentle, slow appearance of Vientiane, Laos as it is now.
Vientiane “sleeps early”
What surprised us most when traveling to Vientiane was… this city “sleeps” very early. Most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions close after 5 pm. There are no brightly lit streets, no loud music, no bustling crowds like in Ho Chi Minh City - where we live, the place known as “the city that never sleeps”. The capital of Laos chooses to “live quietly” when the sun sets in the West.
Vientiane, Laos, after 5 pm, is like a lofi song - slow, gentle and strangely shy.
At first, we were a bit disappointed, partly because we were too used to the bustling, bustling pace of life, and partly because we were looking forward to seeing Vientiane light up to explore the interesting corners of night life. But when that feeling of emptiness began to creep in, it was also the moment we realized: Not brightly lit, not bustling, but Vientiane, Laos has a very different beauty - a gentle, slow beauty that only those who "take the trouble" can feel and see.
People in a hurry will not see this very unique and strange beauty. Vientiane needs people who are "hard-working" - willing to go, willing to search and willing to experience to see the colorful, flavorful and fragrant touches hidden in the night markets.
When the light comes from the markets
Although the city sleeps early, there are still places that stay awake with tourists - those are the tourist night markets. The most prominent is the night market on the banks of the Mekong River, where you can stroll, watch the sunset, and enjoy street food as the night gradually falls.
Vientiane night market is not too big, but enough for you to explore all evening. There are all kinds of items for sale: handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and especially a diverse culinary world. From khao jee (a type of grilled sticky rice), lap (a type of meat salad), to fragrant grilled dishes. Each dish is an experience - not only delicious, but also carries the flavor of local culture.
We sat for hours at the market, eating, chatting and watching the Mekong River flow quietly - doing nothing special, but fully feeling the poetry of the slow pace of life in this city.
The beauty of “slow” travel
“Slow” travel does not mean less experience - but more experience. In Vientiane, you do not need to race against the schedule. You can spend the morning visiting the temples, the afternoon walking around the neighborhood, and the evening visiting the night market - eating, chatting, watching people, seeing Vientiane in a gentler, slower version.
That slowness helps you connect with the place you are going to - not only with your eyes, but with your heart. So that when the trip ends, you will suddenly remember the sound of temple bells, remember the sunset on the Mekong River, remember the aroma of grilled meat skewers at the night market, ... You will forever remember the feeling of slowing down in a strange capital.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, to slow down, think deeper and feel more - Vientiane is definitely a city you should not miss. No need for a long check-in list, no need for a tight schedule down to the hour. Just a pair of soft shoes, a mind open enough to welcome peace, and an evening wandering among the yellow lights of the night market on the banks of the Mekong.
Vientiane does not rush you to explore, but gently invites you to stay a little longer. And sometimes, that is what makes a trip memorable.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Trung Huynh
