Welcome to my Hometown! - Vientiane, Laos - by Maniphet Keopanya

Hello there! My name is Maniphet Keopanya, but you can call me Cookie. I’m from the country in the South-East Asia called Laos. Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is my birth place; it is a charming and peaceful town situated in the heart of the country. It is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Vientiane has a unique blend of old and new, with its traditional temples and modern infrastructure. In this blog, I will tell you more about Vientiane.

Vientiane is a charming village situated on a bend of the Mekong River, with numerous temples and accessible attractions, such as the Buddha Park, featuring surreal Buddha statues, and the Monk Chat, a monthly event that allows visitors to hang out with monks.

Patuxai is the city's main monument which was built longgg long time ago. I recommend to go up to the highest floor to see the wonderful view of Vientiane, because it is located in the middle of the city.

And then you can enjoy the city by taking the transportation called “Tuk-Tuk” and head to the night market at Mekong river side which is a must-visit for local food. While Vientiane is not a typical tourist city, it provides visitors with a taste of urban life in Laos. Although the city has experienced recent growth and development, it has resulted in more options for restaurants and bars that serve the local “Beerlao” brew (this beer is a must to try too!).

One of the most striking things about Vientiane is its tranquil atmosphere. The city is not as bustling as other capital cities in Southeast Asia, and it is known for its laid-back lifestyle. The streets are lined with trees and greenery, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll. The city's pace of life is slow, and locals enjoy sitting and chatting with each other over a cup of coffee or tea.

I would say that Vientiane is a city that is easy to get around, small enough to explore on foot, and it is also easy to rent a bicycle or motorbike. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic is generally light, making it a pleasant place to drive. Now when you know more about my hometown, just come and visit our beautiful city =) Don’t miss it out!