Vientiane: a gentle capital to recharge

We used Vientiane as a resting point in our Laos adventure—relaxing by the pool, visiting the COPE Center to teach our children about the country’s history and enjoying an evening stroll along the Mekong. The pace of life felt slower than in other capitals, giving us time to recharge before heading north.

Family travel tip: Spend a day exploring temples and museums like Pha That Luang and the COPE Center, but also plan for leisurely riverside walks and café stops.

Do you include quiet capitals in your travel plans? If you’re curious about Laos, our planning service can build a route that mixes culture, history and relaxation. Altogether, we spent about $170 for the day. Highlights: Our stay was $44, a solid deal for the comfort we got., Breakfast came to $9, simple but satisfying., Dinner cost $26, proof that tasty doesn’t mean pricey., Transport ran us $91, cheaper than many cities.