Vientiane
Population: 200,000 (2005)
Province: Vientiane Prefecture
Map
How to get there: Bus, train and airplane
That Luang is the national symbol of Laos.
Was first built in 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307 years before A.D), by the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourchan. It was like a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide.
The original was built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument.

What That Foun
is located in the center of Vientiane nearby Patouxai. The temple was constructed around 510 BC). It was build by Phaya Chanthaboury Pasithisack (first governor of Vientiane) and used to keep the ashes of the two venrerable monks named: Pra maha Phouthavongsa and Pra maha Sasadee
That Dam
The That Dam is a large stupa in Vientiane, Laos. (it is located near the US embassy) Many Laotians believe it is inhabited by a seven headed nāga who tried to protect them from the armies of Siam, who invaded in 1827. It is also known as the Black Stupa, the English translation of the Lao name "That Dam".

Patuxai (Victory Arch)
literally meaning Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, which was built between 1957 and 1968. Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.
It it is typically Laotian in design, decorated with many Buddhist mythological figurines such as of kinnari (half-female, half-bird figures)


Temples
Vientiane is home of many temples (Wat is the Laotian word for temple and that you will also regularly see and hear).
Some older than others but many are worth a visit.
Many of these temples are hardly visited by tourists (especially the less famous temples and further from the center).
King Anou Vong Park
an atmosphere of sheer pleasure awaits visitors at the water front of the Mekong riverfront! Here you can sit and relax, enjoy the delicious food or find some souvenirs to bribg back home to your loved ones. Here youcan experience cultural and natural beauty right in the heart of Vientiane.
Boeddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
The Xieng Khouan Buddha Park was built in 1958 and contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees. Built about 28 kilometers south of Vientiane at the edge of the Mekong River, the town of NongKhai in neighboring Thailand can be seen on the opposite side.
Talat Sao (Morning Market)
Located on Lanexang Avenue opposite the Post Office, the Morning Market consists of 3 main buildings each with 2 floors. This lively shopping market has become the commercial center of Vientiane. A large variety of goods are sold including Lao Antiques, textiles, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and products imported from abroad. The market is open daily from 07:00H to 17:00H.

Museums
Vientiane has a few museums.
They picture a different picture of events in the Lao history, to visit one or more museums is a good plan.
National Museum of Laos
Short movie about Vientiane: