Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Vientiane. Meet your guide and driver, receive a brief orientation, and board your private orange EV tuk-tuk.
Head to Wat Sisaket, the only monastery in Vientiane that survived the destructive Siamese invasion of 1828 intact, largely due to its Siamese-style architectural influence. See the main hall (Sim) surrounded by a cloister wall featuring thousands of small niches holding tiny silver, terracotta, and bronze Buddha statues, totaling over 6,800 figures. View the detailed ceiling paintings, carved wooden roof structures, and the wooden snake-shaped water conduit used during Lao New Year cleansing ceremonies.
Next, visit the Ho Phrakeo Museum (Ho Phra Kaew), originally built in 1565 by King Setthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha (which now resides in Bangkok’s Grand Palace). Although no longer an active temple, it functions as a museum displaying some of the finest Lao religious art. Walk past hand-carved teak doors, inspect bronze Buddha statues depicting various mudras (positions), and admire ancient stone inscriptions and royal artifacts set in formal gardens.
Continue to Wat Si Muang Temple, built in 1563 and considered the home of Vientiane's guardian spirit. Observe local devotees conducting traditional Baci ceremonies, tying sacred cotton threads around wrists for good luck, and offering yellow candles and incense. The vibrant interior features painted murals depicting the life of the Buddha.
Then, visit the Vientiane City Pillar (Hor Lak Muang), a modern shrine that houses the city’s foundational pillar along with over 40 ancient stone pillars uncovered during municipal excavations. Gain insight into pre-Buddhist animist beliefs integrated into Lao Buddhism. The site represents the sacred geographical center and civic foundation of Vientiane.
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy regional specialties such as Larb (minced meat salad with herbs), sticky rice in woven baskets (Tipkhao), and Tam Mak Hoong (spicy green papaya salad).
After lunch, visit the COPE Visitor Centre. Walk through interactive exhibits detailing the impact of cluster munitions on rural Laos. View displays of custom prosthetics, watch documentary films in the screening room, and learn about ongoing UXO clearance and physical rehabilitation efforts.
Next, head to Pha That Luang Vientiane (Golden Stupa), a gold-covered Buddhist stupa that was originally established in the 3rd century and expanded by King Setthathirath in 1566. Walk around the outer cloisters to view ancient sculptures and paintings. Admire the central golden spire framed by surrounding temples, including Wat That Luang Neua and Wat That Luang Tai.
Finally, visit Patuxai (Victory Monument), constructed between 1957 and 1968 to honor those who fought for independence from France. Though modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, its design is distinctly Lao, featuring motifs of mythical Kinnari figures and lotus leaves.
