Vientiane
— The relaxed capital.
"Tree-lined boulevards and quiet riverside cafes define this sleepiest of capital cities. A place to sip dark coffee and watch the river slide by."
- Pha That Luang golden stupa
- Patuxai Victory Monument
- Relaxed sunset riverfront
- French-inspired cafes
Vientiane holds the unique distinction of being perhaps the sleepiest and most relaxed capital city in the world. The Mekong acts as a natural boundary, separating the city from Thailand, but it also serves as its primary source of leisure and reflection.
Tree-lined boulevards and French-inspired cafes define the urban landscape, creating an environment that encourages slow, deliberate living. In the late afternoon, the city comes alive along the riverfront. Locals and travelers alike gather on the wide promenades to witness the sun sink below the horizon, painting the sky and the water in brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
The river here does not dictate a frantic pace of trade; instead, it offers a gentle, reassuring presence. Vientiane is a place to linger over dark coffee, explore gilded stupas like Pha That Luang, and simply watch the world glide by on the quiet currents of the Mekong.
Journeys featuring Vientiane
Our travel artisans can tailor any itinerary to spend more time discovering the secrets of Vientiane.
Ships Sailing Vientiane
Discover the exquisite vessels that navigate these waters, offering unparalleled luxury and intimate access to the region's hidden wonders.
Anouvong
Named after the last king of Vientiane, the Anouvong carries a quiet nobility through the upper Mekong. The slow bends of the Laotian river suit her temperament — unhurried, golden, and impossibly serene.
Bohème
The Bohème attracts a certain kind of traveller — curious, unhurried, with a sketchpad or a camera never far from hand. She moves through Laos's most painterly stretches of river with the spirit of an artist and the comfort of a luxury vessel.
Mekong Pearl
The Mekong Pearl navigates the upper river with elegance — 18 well-appointed cabins, a generous sundeck, and guides who have been walking these villages for years. Laos's ancient rhythm becomes your own.
Laos Pandaw
A classic Pandaw vessel built to the original 1947 blueprint — all teak and brass, with the open veranda decks that let the Laotian breeze in at all hours. Her itineraries reach the remote northern stretches most ships never attempt.
