Vientiane

About

Likely founded as a Khmer settlement in the 9th century, Vientiane was an important administrative city, but wasn’t made the capital of Lan Xang until the 16th century, and between 1707 and 1779 it was even the center of its own kingdom. Like the rest of Laos, Vientiane was colonized by the French in the 19th century, and left with a tangible Franco-feel, particularly with its wide boulevards, cafe culture, and wine shops - they even have their own Arc de Triomphe that you can scale for great views of the city! In the heart of the city, French colonial villas have been transformed into upscale restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and, in the case of the French governor’s mansion, the National History Museum. Saffron robed monks are a common sight, and of the city’s many temples, the fortress-like, gilded, That Luang is the holiest site in the country.