About The Port Of Vientiane > Bangkok
Vang Vieng sits amid dramatic limestone karsts along the Nam Song River, where forested hillsides conceal caves once used as wartime refuges, including the well-known Chang Cave. The surrounding countryside, dotted with rice paddies and small villages, offers an easy introduction to Laos's rural landscape before the road continues toward Vientiane.
Laos's low-rise capital blends French colonial-era buildings with Buddhist temples along the Mekong River. Pha That Luang, a gold-covered stupa considered the country's national symbol, anchors the city center, while the nearby Patuxay Monument, built in the mid-twentieth century to honor those who fought for independence, offers a quieter counterpoint. Many sites cluster within a compact downtown area, making a walking approach practical for visitors with limited time between stops.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Vientiane > Bangkok.
Explore Chang Cave
A short, well-marked trail and stairway lead into this limestone cavern once used as a wartime hideout; bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight for the roughly 30-minute visit.
Visit Pha That Luang
Climb the tiered courtyards of this gold-covered stupa, Laos's most revered national symbol, best appreciated slowly on foot with time to admire the surrounding cloisters.
Walk to Patuxay Monument
This Arc de Triomphe-inspired tower rewards those who climb its interior stairs with sweeping views over Vientiane's boulevards; it sits within easy walking distance of the city's main sights.
Last Minute Cruise Deals From Vientiane > Bangkok
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Spirit | 22 | $15,550 | ||
| Nov 22, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $9,421 | ||
| Jan 24, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $9,041 | ||
| Mar 21, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $8,186 | ||
| Apr 18, 2027 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $7,656 | ||
| Sep 22, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Spirit | 22 | $14,160 | ||
| Oct 20, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Spirit | 22 | $14,435 | ||
| Nov 3, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Spirit | 22 | $14,435 | ||
| Jan 23, 2028 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $9,163 | ||
| Feb 20, 2028 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $9,163 | ||
| Mar 19, 2028 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Harmony | 22 | $8,451 |
Cruise Lines That Call Here
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