Best Hotels in Vientiane for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £9 (2026)

Our top Vientiane hotel pick for 2026 is Amari Vientiane for polished five-star comfort by the Mekong — but the real story of Vientiane is at the other end of the price list, where real, bookable beds start at just £9 a night. This is one of the cheapest capital cities in Asia, and we've built this guide around all three price bands: 10 luxury hotels, 9 mid-range hotels, and 30 budget stays we verified as real, distinct, currently bookable properties — 49 in all, each linking straight to its live prices. Even the grandest five-star here is capped under £100 a night, which is the whole appeal of laid-back, riverfront Vientiane for UK travellers.

Jump to your budget: Luxury hotels · Mid-range · Budget stays from £9

Scout's 3 best budget picks right now: 🛏️ TT Hostel — from ~£9, the cheapest verified bed in this guide, with over 350 reviews. 🏮 Mali Namphu Hotel — from ~£21, a 3★ with nearly 1,100 reviews near Nam Phu square, the best-reviewed budget pick. 🌇 Viryla Boutique Hotel — from ~£23, over 1,200 reviews and a boutique feel at a guesthouse price. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Vientiane is Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital — a low-rise, walkable city strung along a bend in the Mekong River, looking across the water to Thailand. Where Bangkok roars, Vientiane ambles: golden temples, French-colonial baguettes and coffee, a sunset night market on the riverbank, and a pace that rewards a slow two or three days. The headline sights are Pha That Luang (the golden national stupa), Patuxai (the victory monument with city views), Buddha Park (a surreal sculpture garden out of town), the riverfront night market, and the moving COPE Visitor Centre. There are no direct flights from the UK — you connect one-stop via Bangkok, Singapore or Hanoi to Wattay International Airport (VTE), one of the closest capital-city airports to its own downtown anywhere in Asia. Compare live Vientiane hotel prices or search UK flights to Vientiane (VTE). The official Tourism Laos site helps plan your route, and UK visitors can check the UK government's Laos travel advice for current entry rules.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Vientiane

Vientiane's top tier is a bargain by capital-city standards — internationally branded five-stars, Mekong-view boutiques and heritage hotels, none of them breaking £100 a night. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

1. Amari Vientiane — Vientiane · 5★ · 514 reviews · from ~£57/night. The best-reviewed hotel in the luxury tier, a polished modern five-star with a riverside setting, pool and full-service dining. The reliable international-standard choice for travellers who want a proper hotel without the Bangkok price tag.

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane — Vientiane · 5★ · 332 reviews · from ~£56/night. Hilton brand consistency in the centre of Vientiane — rooftop pool, city views and the dependable service standards UK travellers know. A strong pick for those who want a familiar name and loyalty points on a Laos trip.

3. La Seine Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 312 reviews · from ~£47/night. A French-accented boutique five-star that leans into Vientiane's colonial heritage, with elegant rooms at a genuinely gentle price. For travellers who want character and design over big-brand scale.

4. Settha Palace Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 218 reviews · from ~£78/night. Vientiane's grande dame — a restored 1930s French-colonial mansion with a garden pool, period elegance and old-world service. The most atmospheric heritage stay in the city for a special occasion.

5. Muong Thanh Luxury Vientiane Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 161 reviews · from ~£46/night. A large modern five-star with extensive facilities at one of the lowest luxury-tier prices — a lot of hotel for the money. Suits travellers who want a full-service property, pool included, without stretching the budget.

6. Souphattra Heritage Vientiane — Vientiane · 5★ · 139 reviews · from ~£98/night. The most expensive hotel in this guide, and a heritage-styled flagship at the top of the tier — refined interiors and a boutique sense of occasion. For travellers who want Vientiane's plushest room and are happy to pay its (still modest) ceiling.

7. Crowne Plaza Vientiane by IHG — Vientiane · 5★ · 103 reviews · from ~£56/night. Modern IHG-branded comfort with a pool, gym and business facilities — a dependable international option for those who want brand reliability and central access at a bargain rate.

8. Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 53 reviews · from ~£59/night. A riverside five-star positioned for Mekong views and sunset over the water toward Thailand — the pick if a river outlook matters more than a big brand name.

9. Le Thatluang D'oR Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 47 reviews · from ~£49/night. A boutique five-star near the That Luang landmark, with contemporary rooms and a design-led feel. A quieter alternative to the big-chain hotels for travellers who value style and calm.

10. Lao Plaza Hotel — Vientiane · 5★ · 47 reviews · from ~£50/night. One of Vientiane's established landmark hotels, centrally placed with a pool and full facilities — a long-standing, reliable choice in the heart of the city.

Luxury disclaimer: from-prices are live rates pulled while writing and vary by date and season; you'll usually pay in kip or US dollars. See all Vientiane stays · search flights to VTE

The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Vientiane

The middle tier is where most travellers land: comfortable 4★ hotels with pools and solid review counts, most from under £50 a night. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

11. Lao Poet Hotel — Vientiane · 4★ · 929 reviews · from ~£67/night. The most-reviewed hotel in the mid-range tier by a wide margin — a stylish, design-forward 4★ with a rooftop pool in the city centre. The default pick for travellers who want boutique polish with a strong track record.

12. Eastin Hotel Vientiane — Vientiane · 4★ · 535 reviews · from ~£38/night. Excellent value for a well-reviewed 4★ — modern rooms, a pool and reliable service at a price that undercuts most of the tier. A smart choice for comfort-minded travellers watching the budget.

13. Green Park Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 4★ · 533 reviews · from ~£51/night. A garden-set boutique hotel with a resort feel and a leafy pool — a calm, green retreat a step out from the busy centre. For travellers who want tranquillity over a downtown address.

14. Mintra Hotel Vientiane — Vientiane · 4★ · 402 reviews · from ~£37/night. One of the best-value picks in the tier — a modern 4★ with a pool and comfortable rooms at a budget-adjacent price. Strong for travellers who want mid-range facilities without the mid-range bill.

15. Somerset Vientiane — Vientiane · 4★ · 245 reviews · from ~£44/night. Serviced-apartment style rooms with kitchenettes — ideal for longer stays, families or anyone who wants space and self-catering. A practical base for a slower Laos trip.

16. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane — Vientiane · 4★ · 225 reviews · from ~£44/night. Dependable international-chain standards under the Best Western umbrella — consistent, no-surprises comfort for travellers who value a known brand at a fair price.

17. The Vientiane Capitol — Vientiane · 4★ · 112 reviews · from ~£41/night. A modern mid-range hotel with a pool and central access, at a keen price. A solid all-rounder for travellers who want 4★ comfort in the heart of the city.

18. Grand Hotel Vientiane — Vientiane · 4★ · 93 reviews · from ~£44/night. A comfortable central 4★ with full facilities — a straightforward, well-located choice for travellers who want reliability close to the sights.

19. Vientiane Plaza Hotel — Vientiane · 4★ · 50 reviews · from ~£52/night. A full-service mid-range hotel with a pool and conference facilities, rounding out the tier. Suited to travellers who want business-standard amenities alongside their sightseeing.

Mid-range disclaimer: from-prices are live rates pulled while writing and vary by date and season; you'll usually pay in kip or US dollars. See all Vientiane stays · search flights to VTE

Cheap Hotels in Vientiane — 49 Real, Bookable Options From £9

This is the tier we built this guide for. Every property below is a real, currently operating stay we verified as distinct, with live rates on its JetMeAway page. From-prices were pulled on live searches while writing; weekends and peak season run higher. Budget rule #1 in Vientiane: the whole tourist core is walkable and cheap, so you don't pay a premium to be central — a £9 hostel and a £30 boutique can sit on the same street.

20. Mixok Guesthouse — Vientiane · 2★ · 73 reviews · from ~£14/night. A simple, well-located guesthouse in the walkable centre — basic rooms at a rock-bottom price, close to the riverfront and Nam Phu square. For travellers who want a cheap, central bed and nothing more.

21. Villa Sisavad Guesthouse — Vientiane · 2★ · 329 reviews · from ~£14/night. A well-reviewed budget guesthouse with a strong review count for the price — a dependable cheap stay in the central area. One of the best value-for-money picks at the bottom of the range.

22. VIENTIANE BB Hostel — Vientiane · 2★ · 103 reviews · from ~£15/night. A friendly, sociable hostel for backpackers and solo travellers — clean, cheap and central, with the kind of communal feel that suits a first stop in Laos.

23. Vientiane SP Hotel — Vientiane · 2★ · 196 reviews · from ~£16/night. A small budget hotel offering private rooms at hostel-adjacent prices — a good middle ground for travellers who want their own bathroom without stepping up to the mid-range tier.

24. Hoang Kim Hotel — Vientiane · 2★ · 23 reviews · from ~£17/night. A no-frills budget hotel with clean private rooms at a very low price — a practical, cheap base for travellers passing through on a wider trip.

25. Vientiane Golden Sun Hotel & Spa — Vientiane · 3★ · 23 reviews · from ~£21/night. A 3★ with its own spa at a budget price — a rare bit of extra comfort at the low end of the range. For travellers who want a touch more than a bare guesthouse without paying more.

26. Mali Namphu Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 1,098 reviews · from ~£21/night. The best-reviewed budget hotel in this guide — nearly 1,100 reviews for a charming courtyard property right by Nam Phu square. The safe default pick if you want proof, not just a promise, that a £21 room delivers.

27. La Ong Dao Hotel 1 — Vientiane · 3★ · 20 reviews · from ~£21/night. A tidy 3★ near the riverfront at a genuine budget rate — comfortable private rooms in a central spot, well placed for the night market and Wat Si Saket.

28. Mekong Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 103 reviews · from ~£22/night. A straightforward 3★ named for the river it sits near — clean rooms and an easy walk to the waterfront. A reliable, cheap central base for a couple of nights.

29. Family Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 395 reviews · from ~£23/night. A well-reviewed small hotel with a homely, family-run feel — nearly 400 reviews at a budget price. A friendly pick for travellers who want personal service over polish.

30. Vientiane Luxury Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 71 reviews · from ~£24/night. Don't let the name fool you — it's a comfortable central 3★ at a budget price, not a five-star. Good value for travellers who want a smart room close to the action.

31. COSI Vientiane Nam Phu — Vientiane · 3★ · 256 reviews · from ~£24/night. A bright, modern budget-design hotel by the COSI brand, right at Nam Phu square — contemporary rooms and a fresh feel at a bargain rate. One of the best-value central picks in the tier.

32. Douangpraseuth Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 50 reviews · from ~£25/night. A long-standing budget hotel in the centre with clean, simple rooms — a dependable cheap stay a short walk from the riverfront and the temples.

33. Azalea Parkview Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 81 reviews · from ~£26/night. A modern 3★ with tidy rooms and a central location at a keen price — a comfortable budget option for travellers who want a newer-feeling property.

34. Seasons Riverside Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 21 reviews · from ~£26/night. A riverside-oriented budget hotel putting you near the Mekong for sunset walks — good value for travellers who want a water-adjacent base without a luxury price.

35. Aaron Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 56 reviews · from ~£27/night. A comfortable modern 3★ at a fair budget rate, centrally placed for the sights. A solid, unfussy choice for travellers who want a reliable cheap room.

36. Vansana Riverside Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 21 reviews · from ~£28/night. A riverside 3★ with a pool at a budget price — a step up in facilities for travellers who want a swim after a day in the heat, near the Mekong.

37. Centerpoint Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 96 reviews · from ~£30/night. A smart boutique 3★ in a central spot — stylish rooms at a still-budget price, well placed for walking to the riverfront and Nam Phu. Good for travellers wanting design on a budget.

38. The Riva Vientiane Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 22 reviews · from ~£31/night. A modern 3★ toward the top of the budget band, with comfortable rooms and a central position. A reliable, newer-feeling option for a couple of nights.

39. Chanthapanya Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 590 reviews · from ~£32/night. A well-established 3★ with nearly 600 reviews and Lao-styled decor near the centre — one of the most trusted budget names in the city. For travellers who want a proven, character-rich stay.

40. Chandara Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 446 reviews · from ~£36/night. A well-reviewed boutique 3★ with elegant, traditional-styled rooms — over 400 reviews at the upper end of the budget tier. A refined pick that feels a class above its price.

41. Phasouk Vien Chantra Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 69 reviews · from ~£39/night. A comfortable 3★ near the top of the budget band, with tidy rooms and a central location. A dependable choice for travellers who want a step up from the cheapest guesthouses.

42. Souphattra Hotel Vientiane — Vientiane · 5★ · 25 reviews · from ~£71/night. A newer, five-star-rated boutique property — the priciest room in this budget list, but with upscale finishes that punch well above a typical budget stay. For travellers who want a plush room at a still-reasonable rate.

43. TT Hostel — Vientiane · unrated · 356 reviews · from ~£9/night. The cheapest verified bed in this entire guide — a sociable, well-reviewed hostel with over 350 reviews, right in the walkable centre. The pick for backpackers and solo travellers who want the lowest possible price without sacrificing a decent location.

44. Viryla Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · unrated · 1,243 reviews · from ~£23/night. The most-reviewed budget property in this guide — over 1,200 reviews for a boutique-feel hotel at a guesthouse price. The strongest signal-to-price ratio in the whole tier, and a smart safe pick.

45. Vanhseng Boutique Hotel — Vientiane · 3★ · 14 reviews · from ~£26/night. A small boutique 3★ with tidy, characterful rooms at a budget price — a quiet, central option for travellers who like a more personal, low-key stay.

46. Peaceful Hotel — Vientiane · unrated · 19 reviews · from ~£27/night. A calm, simply named budget hotel living up to its billing — quiet rooms at a fair rate in the central area. A relaxed base for a slow Vientiane stay.

47. The Park Vientiane — Vientiane · 3★ · 11 reviews · from ~£29/night. A modern 3★ with comfortable rooms at the mid-budget mark — a newer-feeling, no-surprises option for travellers who want a straightforward central stay.

48. Heuan Lao Guesthouse — Vientiane · 2★ · 1 review · from ~£12/night. One of the very cheapest beds in this guide — a simple traditional Lao-style guesthouse in the centre. For budget travellers who want a genuinely local, rock-bottom-priced room.

49. Chanthasom Guesthouse — Vientiane · 2★ · 6 reviews · from ~£13/night. A small, friendly guesthouse rounding out the budget tier — basic private rooms at one of the lowest prices in the city. A cheap, central bed for travellers who just need somewhere clean to sleep.

Budget tier summary: cheapest overall — TT Hostel £9; best-reviewed budget hotel — Mali Namphu Hotel, nearly 1,100 reviews, £21; most-reviewed of all — Viryla Boutique Hotel, over 1,200 reviews, £23; cheapest guesthouse — Heuan Lao Guesthouse £12. Budget disclaimer: from-prices are live rates pulled while writing and vary by date and season; you'll usually pay in kip or US dollars. Compare all Vientiane hotels with live prices → · search flights to VTE

What to See in Vientiane

Vientiane rewards a slow two or three days rather than a packed itinerary. Pha That Luang is the golden national stupa and the most important monument in Laos — its gilded spire glows at sunset. Patuxai, the victory monument on the main boulevard, has city views from the top for a small fee. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), about 25 km out of town near the Friendship Bridge, is a surreal riverside garden of giant Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. The riverfront night market unfurls along the Mekong each evening — street food, sunset over the water to Thailand, and easy grazing. The COPE Visitor Centre is a moving, free stop on the story of unexploded ordnance in Laos. Add Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew for the temple layer, all within the walkable centre. Dress modestly at temples — shoulders and knees covered.

Explore more of Laos

Vientiane is the natural launch pad for northern Laos — the China-Laos railway puts Vang Vieng about an hour away and Luang Prabang under two. Plan the rest of your trip:

• Best Hotels in Luang Prabang 2026 — the UNESCO-listed old royal capital, temples and the Mekong.
• Best Hotels in Vang Vieng 2026 — the karst-mountain adventure town on the railway line north.

Vientiane Hotels FAQs

Do UK travellers need a visa for Laos? Yes, but it's straightforward. UK passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Wattay International Airport (VTE) or the Friendship Bridge land border, or apply for the official Laos e-Visa online before travel. Both run around US$30-45 plus small processing fees. Bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the visa-on-arrival counter, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Vientiane? Vientiane is small and cheap across the board — there's no expensive district to avoid. The deepest budget cluster sits around the Nam Phu fountain square, the Mekong riverfront and the streets behind them, where real guesthouses and hostels run from £9-16 a night. Because the whole tourist core is walkable, you don't pay a premium to be central here the way you would in Bangkok or Singapore.

How much does a budget hotel cost in Vientiane in 2026? Real, bookable budget beds in this guide start at around £9 a night (TT Hostel) and run up to the low £30s for the top of the budget tier. Guesthouses like Mixok, Villa Sisavad and Heuan Lao sit in the £12-16 band, and well-reviewed 3★ hotels such as Mali Namphu and COSI Vientiane Nam Phu land in the low £20s. Vientiane is one of the cheapest capital cities in Asia for accommodation.

Are there direct flights from the UK to Vientiane? No — there are no direct flights from the UK to Vientiane. You fly one-stop through a regional hub: Bangkok, Singapore or Hanoi are the most common connections onward to Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE). Total journey time is usually 15-19 hours depending on the layover. Bangkok has the most frequent onward connections and is the easiest routing for most UK travellers.

What is the best time of year to visit Vientiane? November to February is the sweet spot — the cool, dry season, with comfortable daytime temperatures and low humidity. March to May is the hottest stretch, and the burning season can bring haze. The wet season runs roughly June to October with warm downpours that rarely last all day but can raise humidity. For temple-touring and riverfront evenings, aim for the November-February window.

How do I get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang? The China-Laos railway is the fastest and most comfortable option — high-speed trains from Vientiane reach Vang Vieng in about an hour and Luang Prabang in under two hours. Book seats a day or two ahead in peak season as they sell out. Buses and minivans also run both routes but take far longer on winding roads. The railway has transformed travel between Vientiane and northern Laos.

Can I cross to Thailand from Vientiane? Yes, easily. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong connects Vientiane to Nong Khai in Thailand, about 20-25 km from the city centre. Shuttle buses, tuk-tuks and taxis run to the border, and a cross-border train also links Vientiane to Nong Khai. From Nong Khai you can catch onward trains to Bangkok. Many travellers combine Vientiane with a Thailand leg using this crossing.

What is the currency in Laos? The Lao kip (LAK). Prices in this guide are shown in pounds only as rough from-prices for UK planning — you'll pay in kip or, at many hotels, US dollars or Thai baht. Cash is still king in Vientiane, especially at guesthouses, markets and tuk-tuks; carry kip for day-to-day spending and keep some US dollars for the visa and larger hotel bills. ATMs are common in the centre but can have low withdrawal limits.

Is Vientiane safe for tourists? Yes — Vientiane is one of the calmest, lowest-key capital cities in Southeast Asia, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The usual traveller sense applies: watch belongings in crowded markets, use registered transport at night, and cross the busy riverside roads carefully. The pace is slow and locals are welcoming. Standard travel-insurance and common-sense precautions are all you need.

What are the main things to see in Vientiane? The headline sights are Pha That Luang, the golden national stupa; Patuxai, the victory monument with city views from the top; the riverfront Chao Anouvong park and night market along the Mekong; the COPE Visitor Centre, which tells the story of unexploded ordnance in Laos; and Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a surreal sculpture garden about 25 km out of town. Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew add the temple layer.

How many days do I need in Vientiane? Two to three days covers Vientiane comfortably — enough for the temples, Pha That Luang, Patuxai, the COPE centre, a Buddha Park half-day and a couple of slow riverfront evenings. Many travellers use it as a relaxed first or last stop on a wider Laos trip, pairing it with Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang up the new railway line. It rewards a slower pace rather than a packed itinerary.

What should I wear when visiting temples in Vientiane? Dress modestly at temples and at Pha That Luang — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Carry a light scarf or sarong you can throw over shoulders, and slip-on shoes since you'll remove them before entering temple buildings. Laos is a conservative Buddhist country and respectful dress is expected at religious sites; it's also more comfortable in the heat than you'd think.

Is Vientiane walkable? The central tourist core is very walkable — the riverfront, Nam Phu square, the main temples, Patuxai and the night market are all within a compact area you can cross on foot in 20-30 minutes. For Pha That Luang, the COPE centre and Buddha Park you'll want a tuk-tuk, bicycle or the ride-hailing app. Vientiane's flat, low-rise layout makes it one of the more pedestrian-friendly capitals in the region.

What's the most expensive hotel in this guide? The top of the range here is Souphattra Heritage Vientiane at around £98 a night, followed by Settha Palace Hotel at about £78 — both 5★ properties. That's the ceiling: even Vientiane's finest hotels cost a fraction of a comparable five-star in Bangkok or Singapore, which is a big part of the city's appeal for UK travellers wanting luxury without the luxury price.

Which airport does Vientiane use? Wattay International Airport (VTE), about 3-4 km northwest of the city centre — one of the closest capital-city airports to its downtown anywhere in Asia. A tuk-tuk or taxi to central hotels takes only 10-15 minutes. Wattay handles regional flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Chinese hubs; there are no direct long-haul services from Europe.

Is the riverfront a good area to stay in Vientiane? Yes — the Mekong riverfront and the streets just behind it are the classic base. You get the evening night market, sunset views over the river to Thailand, and easy walking access to Wat Si Saket, Nam Phu square and the restaurants. Several picks in this guide, including the riverside hotels and the Nam Phu cluster, put you a short stroll from the water. It's the most atmospheric part of the city after dark.

Can I use US dollars and Thai baht in Vientiane? Often, yes — many hotels, tour operators and larger restaurants accept US dollars and Thai baht alongside the kip, given the city's proximity to the Thai border. That said, you'll get better value paying smaller purchases in kip, and market stalls and tuk-tuks expect local currency. Carry a mix: kip for daily spending, some US dollars for the visa and bigger bills.

Is Vientiane good for families? It's a calm, low-crime city that suits families wanting a gentle introduction to Laos — Buddha Park is a hit with children, the riverfront park has open space, and distances are short. The mid-range and luxury tiers (Amari Vientiane, DoubleTree by Hilton, Crowne Plaza) offer pools and family rooms. It's less about big attractions and more about an easy, unhurried pace, which younger families often appreciate.

Are the hotel prices in this guide guaranteed? No — they're from-prices pulled on live searches while writing, shown in pounds as a planning guide. Your actual rate depends on your dates, season and how far ahead you book, and you'll typically pay in kip or US dollars. Every hotel name links to its live JetMeAway page with a date picker so you can check the real, current price for your trip. No booking fees either way.

Should I book Vientiane hotels in advance? For the cheapest guesthouses and hostels, a day or two ahead is usually fine outside peak season — Vientiane rarely sells out. For the cool-season peak (November-February), Lao New Year (Pi Mai, mid-April) and the That Luang Festival (November), book the mid-range and luxury tiers earlier as the best-value rooms go first. Booking through JetMeAway shows live availability so you can see what's actually open on your dates.

What is the COPE Visitor Centre? COPE is a moving, free-to-enter centre that tells the story of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left in Laos and the work of fitting prosthetics for survivors. It's one of Vientiane's most memorable stops and gives important context to modern Laos. Donations support the rehabilitation programme. It's an easy tuk-tuk ride from the centre and worth an hour or two of any Vientiane itinerary.

How do I get around Vientiane? Walk the central core, then use tuk-tuks, the local ride-hailing apps or rented bicycles for anything further out like Pha That Luang, the COPE centre or Buddha Park. Agree tuk-tuk fares before you set off. There's no metro, and the flat terrain makes cycling pleasant in the cooler months. For the Friendship Bridge and the railway station, taxis and shuttle buses are the simplest options.

Is Vientiane worth visiting, or should I skip to Luang Prabang? It's worth a couple of days, especially as an easy entry point with the closest-to-downtown airport in the region and the railway link north. Vientiane is quieter and less postcard-pretty than UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, but its relaxed riverfront, golden stupa and the COPE centre reward a slower stop. Most travellers do both — Vientiane first, then the fast train up to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

What food is Vientiane known for? Lao cuisine centres on sticky rice, larb (a zesty minced-meat salad), tam mak hoong (green papaya salad) and grilled river fish, with a strong French-colonial baguette and coffee culture layered on top — you'll find excellent crusty baguettes and rich Lao coffee across the city. The riverfront night market and the streets around Nam Phu square are the easiest places to graze cheaply and well.

Does the China-Laos railway make Vientiane a good base? Yes — the high-speed railway has turned Vientiane into a natural launch pad for northern Laos. From the city you can reach Vang Vieng in about an hour and Luang Prabang in under two, then continue toward the Chinese border. It makes a Vientiane-Vang Vieng-Luang Prabang loop genuinely easy, so basing your first nights in Vientiane and training north is now one of the smoothest routes in the region.

How does Vientiane compare on price to the rest of Southeast Asia? Vientiane is among the cheapest capitals in Southeast Asia for accommodation — budget beds from £9 and top-tier five-stars capped under £100 a night, as this guide's data shows. Bangkok and Singapore run far higher at the luxury end, and even Vietnam's cities tend to price a notch above Vientiane's guesthouse tier. For budget-minded UK travellers, it's exceptional value.

How do I book these exact hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name in this guide links to that hotel's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates, taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live searches while writing, and you'll usually settle in kip or US dollars on the ground, so tap through for today's number on your dates. No booking fees either way.

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