Flights to Vientiane

Top Experiences for Visitors

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is an impressive Buddhist monument to visit after your flights to Vientiane. It was originally built as a Hindu temple in the 1st century and was reconstructed in the 1500s when the king moved Laos’s capital to Vientiane from Luang Prabang. Pha That Luang glows in a golden hue and is seen as a national symbol to experience when you have return flights to Vientiane.

Patuxai

Patuxai was constructed in the mid-20th century to honour those who fought in the country’s war for independence against France. Ironically, the monument resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but it features traditionally Laotian architectural features. Visitors with flights to Vientiane can see the monument at one end of the long Lane Xang Avenue, opposite the Presidential Palace.

Wat Sok Pa Luang

With a rather small population, Vientiane offers a much calmer experience compared to other capital cities of Asia. Wat Sok Pa Luang is a great place to get a feel for the local way of life and relax. The temple hosts meditation classes led by local monks. There is also a sauna onsite at the temple where visitors with tickets to Vientiane can enjoy a therapeutic massage.

Riverside Night Bazaar

Visiting a local market is a great way to immerse yourself in Laotian culture after your cheap flights to Vientiane. The Riverside Night Bazaar is located beside the Mekong River and is made up of market stalls selling a wide variety of items. Visitors with flights to Vientiane can shop for souvenirs, clothing, artwork, and more. While there aren’t food stalls within the market, there are plenty of restaurants and street food stalls just outside the Night Bazaar where you can try local dishes, such as tam lao and luk sin pa.

Ho Phra Keo

The popular Laos National Museum is currently under construction after moving locations; however, there are plenty of other places to learn about the history of Laos following your cheap flights to Vientiane. Ho Phra Keo was built in the 1560s to serve as home to the famous Emerald Buddha. After 200 years, the statue was moved to the Bangkok temple with the same name. Today, people with return flights to Vientiane can visit the temple to learn about the country’s history and see Laotian artefacts, including art, sculptures, ancient manuscripts, and a gilded throne.

Etiquette Tips

Dress conservatively while visiting temples

If you’ll be visiting temples after your flights to Vientiane, make sure to keep your knees and elbows covered. It’s also required to take off your shoes when entering a temple and remove anything that covers your head, including hats and scarves.

It’s disrespectful to argue or disagree with a local

In Laos, the idea of ‘saving face’ is very important. If you face any conflict with a local (for example, if you are being overcharged), remain calm while politely disagreeing with them. Do not raise your voice, and keep smiling through the conversation.

Never touch a Buddhist monk

You are guaranteed to see some monks after arriving on your flights to Vientiane. It is seen as extremely disrespectful to touch a monk or their clothing or to hand something directly to them. Smile at the monks you see, but give them their space unless they approach you for a conversation.

The Best Time to Visit

Although Laos has a tropical location in Southeast Asia, its climate is drier than those of its neighbours. Vientiane is warm year-round with average temperatures between 30° and 33°C. The season that you are most likely to experience high humidity and rainfall in Vientiane is between May and September. However, this is also the city’s low season and the time you are most likely to score a great hotel deal to accompany your cheap flights to Vientiane. The rest of the year experiences beautiful weather, with January being the driest and coolest month.
In order to surround yourself with local culture and traditions, plan your flights to Vientiane during one of the city’s major holidays and festivals. Popular festivals to attend after booking an airfare to Vientiane are Boun Ma Kha Bu Saar in February, Boun Pi Mai (the Laos New Year celebration) in April, and Boun Haw Khao Salaak (a Full Moon festival) in September.

How Much Time to Spend in Vientiane

When you book cheap flights to Vientiane, plan to spend at least two full days exploring the capital. Vientiane is fairly small, and this will allow you to see many of its landmarks and soak in the culture. A few days after arriving into Wattay International Airport (VTE), head out to explore more of Laos. The smaller city of Luang Prabang is another popular place to visit for travellers with return flights to Vientiane. Outside of the cities, Laos is home to some gorgeous mountains and national parks. Overall, it is recommended to spend about ten to fourteen days exploring the diverse areas of Laos.