OUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS EXPLORING VIENTIANE, LAOS

If I could count the amount of times I've heard 'Vientiane is the most boring capital city in all of Southeast Asia, I'd be rich by now ;) If one bases how boring a place is by the number of tourist attractions a city has to offer, Vientiane would indeed deserve a lackluster grade; however, considering the city offers cheap accommodations, a diverse spread of affordable food (both local and international) and a few noteworthy temples, museums and attractions worth visiting, it is the kind of city that is a decent stopover -- for a night or two -- for those heading north to Luang Prabang or south to Bangkok.

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We spent our time catching up on work (our hotel offered the first decent wifi connection we've had in weeks) and attempting to visit attractions such as Wat Si Saket and Patuxai (the Triumphal Arch). I say 'try' because -- as will become apparent in the video -- we missed out on entering both because we put food (an Indian feast) ahead of sightseeing. By the time we reached each it was already 16:00, which much to our chagrin was closing time.

The highlight of our wanders around town was catching sunset along the Mekong river where locals, expats and tourists enjoyed eating and exercising.

Although this video isn't a comprehensive guide to Vientiane, we feel it offers a glimpse into a city that is often overlooked on the tourist trail.

Today we're visiting Vientiane - the capital of Laos - and unlike other cities in Southeast Asia, which are the capitals of other big nations like Bangkok in Thailand, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia or Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam this is a very small and quaint capital city.

This city gets a little bit of a bum rap, which I don't think is entirely justified.

There are not a lot of attractions here per say but it is the kind of place where you can come and just out and relax. There is really good food and it is cheap. It is a good hub to get to different places in the country. You can get to Luang Prabang in the north or you can head south to Savannakhet or 4000 islands.

This afternoon we wanted to visit Wat Si Saket but unfortunately we left it a bit too late. The temple has already closed, so we can't actually go inside but we're going to give you a little tour of the surroundings. Get here before four PM people!

This is the place I was most excited to visit. We made it to the Triumphal Arch and we are going to be climbing all the way up. It is only a couple stories high.

Why the sad face? We seem to be a roll here because we just got here and apparently it is closed. It closed at four o'clock just like the temple closed at four o'clock and we missed it because we wanted to eat Indian food. We put Indian food before sightseeing. Well, actually you did. Oh, be quiet!

We had three major things planned. So far two of those have become absolute failures. Let's see if we can make it to the Mekong river before we miss sunset.

Normally when we travel to a destination we like to spend six to seven days basically close to a week because we do have online work and jobs. But Vientiane was unfortunately just a stopover so we only really had one day to go out and explore.

This is a bit of an unusual capital in the sense that it is very small and it doesn't necessarily offer a lot of attractions for visitors. However, I really enjoyed being able to spend a few days here and just relax and enjoy the surroundings because it has a very peaceful feel:

This is part of our Travel in Laos series. We're making a series of videos showcasing Lao culture, Lao arts, Lao foods, Lao religion and Lao people.

All photos and video taken by Samuel Jeffery (Nomadic Samuel) and Audrey Bergner (That Backpacker).

This video features the song 'XXXXXXXXXXXXX' from Kevin Macleod available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Commercial license.

[MarkWiens]

Great impressions, I've always enjoyed visiting Vientiane too!

[kvanly]

I like your videos.  They are very fun to watch!

[perdomot]

I feel for you guys because I've had to deal with closed sites too when I travel. The Imperial Gardens in Tokyo got me like that once just because I didn't read the info in the Lonely Planet guide book. 

[leebruce]

One of the best place visit my birth place

[LazyTravelDays]

You always make me smile, you have great personalities. Just the expression when you were late and it was because Audrey wanted to eat was priceless. She Has an amazing embarrassed smile..

[LaotianLibra]

You guys were before it’s time. So many Vlogs videos out of Laos, but yours was the first.

[KarniToTheKaz]

Old video but it's fucking great that you visited my country :)

[WLK]

You need to go back when you have more time. Explore not only Vientiane, but the surrounding country. Laos is an awesome place. The key is to relax.

[pancakeuk]

I enjoyed Vientiane, the nightmarket on the river is really and it has quite a few cool bars and such. I mean obviously its not packed with things to do but i don't regret my visit.

[teypilakhone]

i have come across and saw this vedio and another one which is Laung Prabarng. i really enjoy watching them and when i watch it i was like hahaha :) that is the place i grow up Vientiane before coming here for my studies in New Zealand. you missed one remarkable place in your video which is Thatlaung esplanade right?:)  Anyway i just want to say that i like you guys pronoun words like Vientiane, Savanakhet and Wat Sisaket haha. well done i like it

[WisdomTree]

really nice to watch, indeed Vientiane is small and has it's charm.
I was there in 2013, cheers.

[remotedarren]

New subscriber! Loved the video. You mentioned you run a business too, how difficult has it been finding WiFi on your travels?

[GravelGrunt]

I love the little city. First time there in 1974, and it hasn't changed that much since then - despite the change of government.

[LazyTravelDays]

Ive changed my channel name from lazytraveldays to mr choppy face just so you guys know im the same person when I comment its just my kids wanted me to change it. thanks guys.

[lunaeclipse]

For those that are disappointed of Laos after being to Thailand, well what do you expect? It’s a third world communist country. Keep in mind Laos is no Thailand
But it’s worth a visit! ❤️

[myassessmentadres]

But  it is  good  to  eat  first  before  you  go  sight  seeing.

[cdnsk]

I'm not a fan of Vientiane. It's basically a place to go thru now. I always seem to get a crappy hotel full of Chinese guys occupying the computer terminals. Now I just get my 2 month Thai Visa and head off somewhere more interesting like Luang Phrabang. The local museum is interesting. I see photos there of the Lao Commie Generals who are now multi Millionaires ... now doing business with the ex Royal Lao Army Generals. Business is Business!

[dapb]

you guys are pretty funny i can never tell when your being serious especially samuel.. Audrey is definetely slam

[bartfart]

This is the most Canadian Person Ever !!!
Its as if he has a maple leaf stamped on his head.
am I right?

[coopertroop]

New subscriber! Love your vids.... :) keep them up