View source for Place:Vientiane

{{short description|Capital and chief port of Laos}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Vientiane
| native_name              = ວຽງຈັນ
| official_name            = ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ
| native_name_lang         = lo
| settlement_type          = Capital city
| image_skyline            = {{multiple image|total_width=300px|perrow=1/2/1|border=infobox
 | image1                  = Vientiane - Patuxai - 0003.jpg
 | alt1                    = 
 | image2                  = 20171118 Vientiane 3220 DxO.jpg
 | alt2                    = 
 | image3                  = Vientiane-Wat Sisaket-02-Sim-gje.jpg
 | alt3                    = 
 | image4                  = Pha That Luang - Vientiane (Laos) I.jpg
 | alt4                    = 
 }}
| image_caption            = From top, left to right: Patuxai; view of Vientiane from the Patuxai; Wat Si Saket; Pha That Luang
| image_map                = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=5}}
| pushpin_map              = Laos#Southeast Asia#Asia
| pushpin_relief           = 1
| coordinates              = {{coord|17.98|N|102.63|E|type:city_region:LA-VT|display=it}}
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|Laos}}
| subdivision_type1        = Prefecture
| subdivision_name1        = Vientiane Prefecture
| timezone1                = UTC+7 (ICT)
| established_title        = Settled
| established_date         = 9th century<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lao.unfpa.org/en/publications/results-population-and-housing-census-2015-english-version |title=Results of Population and Housing Census 2015 |format=PDF |author=Lao Statistics Bureau |date=21 October 2016 |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630042237/https://lao.unfpa.org/en/publications/results-population-and-housing-census-2015-english-version |url-status=live }}</ref>
| leader_title             = Mayor
| leader_name              = Athsphangthong Siphandone
| area_total_km2           = 3,920
| elevation_m              = 174
| elevation_ft             = 570
| population_total         = 1,003,004<ref name="Vientiane Capital Statistics Center">{{cite web |url=https://psc-vt.lsb.gov.la/ |title=Vientiane Capital Statistics Center |author=Lao Statistics Bureau |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113130029/https://psc-vt.lsb.gov.la/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| population_as_of         = 2023 Estimate
| population_density_km2   = auto
| website                  = 
}}
'''Vientiane''' ({{IPAc-en|v|i|,|ɛ|n|t|i|ˈ|ɑː|n}} ; {{lang-lo|ວຽງຈັນ}}, ''Viangchan'', {{IPA-lo|wía̯ŋ t͡ɕàn|pron}}) is the capital and largest city of Laos. Comprising the five urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture, the city is located on the banks of the [[Earth:Mekong|Mekong]], right at the border with Thailand. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule and, due to economic growth in recent times, is now the economic center of Laos. The city had a population of 1,001,477 as of the 2023 [[Census]].

Vientiane is the home of the most significant national monuments such as Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. Other significant Buddhist temples can be found there as well, such as Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly housed the Emerald Buddha.

==Etymology==
"Vientiane" is the French spelling derived from the Lao ''Viangchan'' {{IPA|/ʋíːəŋ tɕan/}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Askew |first1=Marc |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DNJ_e6FKjrwC&q=vientiane+sandalwood+moon&pg=PA46 |title=Vientiane: Transformations of a Lao Landscape |last2=Long |first2=Colin |last3=Logan |first3=William |publisher=[[Company:Routledge|Routledge]] |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-134-32365-4 |pages=15, 46 |language=en |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116182326/https://books.google.com/books?id=DNJ_e6FKjrwC&q=vientiane+sandalwood+moon&pg=PA46#v=snippet&q=vientiane%20sandalwood%20moon&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The name was previously written "{{lang|lo|ວຽງຈັນທນ໌}}" (in Thai, เวียงจันทน์) but now usually written "{{lang|lo|ວຽງຈັນ}}". In Lao, ''viang'' ({{lang|lo|ວຽງ}}) refers to a 'walled city' whereas ''chan'' ({{lang|lo|ຈັນ}}, previously {{lang|lo|ຈັນທນ໌}}) derives from Sanskrit ''candana'' ({{lang|sa|चन्दन}}, {{IPA|/t͡ɕand̪ana/}}), 'sandalwood' and can be translated as the 'walled city of sandalwood'. Some Laotians mistakenly believe it refers to the 'walled city of the moon' as ''chan'' can also represent 'moon', although this was previously distinguished in writing as "{{lang|lo|ຈັນທຣ໌}}".<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Goscha |first1=Christopher E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u9LzLvtbxmkC&q=vientiane+sandalwood+moon&pg=PA205 |title=Contesting Visions of the Lao Past: Laos Historiography at the Crossroads |last2=Ivarsson |first2=Søren |publisher=NIAS Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-87-91114-02-1 |pages=34 n.62, 204 n.18 |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116182439/https://books.google.com/books?id=u9LzLvtbxmkC&q=vientiane+sandalwood+moon&pg=PA205#v=snippet&q=vientiane%20sandalwood%20moon&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Other romanisations include "Viangchan" and "Wiangchan".<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |encyclopedia=Collins English Dictionary |title=Definition of 'Viangchan' |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/viangchan |access-date=11 June 2019 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=Glasgow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611151032/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/viangchan |archive-date=11 June 2019 |url-status=live |quote=Viangchan in British. (ˌwiːɛŋˌtæn). noun: another spelling of Vientiane}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Ban-talat-Mon-inscription.jpg|thumb|180px|Ban Tha Lat, Mon inscription (9th CE), was found in 1968, in an area where other pieces of archaeological evidence testified to an ancient Mon presence. It is now at Ho Phra Kaeo Museum, Vientiane, Laos<ref>{{citation |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/265360818.pdf |title=The Diffusion of Lao Scripts |page=6 |first=Michel |last=Lorrillard |access-date=26 February 2021 |date=12 November 2019 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920183344/https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/265360818.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://pdfslide.net/documents/inscription-laos.html |title=Mon inscription in Laos |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307100856/https://pdfslide.net/documents/inscription-laos.html |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
[[File:Buddha sculptures at That Luang.jpg|thumb|Buddha sculptures at Pha That Luang]]
[[File:Vat Phra Kèo.JPG|thumb|Haw Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha]]

===Dvaravati city state kingdoms===
By the 6th century in the Chao Phraya River Valley, Mon peoples had coalesced to create the Dvaravati kingdoms. In the north, Haripunjaya (Lamphun) emerged as a rival power to the Dvaravati. By the 8th century the Mon had pushed north to create city states, in Fa Daet (modern Kalasin, northeastern Thailand), Sri Gotapura (Sikhottabong) near modern Tha Khek, Laos, Muang Sua (Luang Prabang), and Chantaburi (Vientiane). In the 8th century CE, Sri Gotapura (Sikhottabong) was the strongest of these early city states, and controlled trade throughout the middle Mekong region. The city states were loosely bound politically, but were culturally similar and introduced Therevada Buddhism from Sri Lankan missionaries throughout the region.<ref name="Viravond">{{cite web |url=http://www.reninc.org/bookshelf/history_of_laos_viravong.pdf |title=HISTORY OF LAOS |author=Maha Sila Viravond |access-date=December 29, 2017 |publisher=Refugee Educators' Network |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403030051/http://www.reninc.org/bookshelf/history_of_laos_viravong.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Manich">{{cite web |url=http://www.reninc.org/bookshelf/history_of_laos_manich.pdf |title=HISTORY OF LAOS (includlng the hlstory of Lonnathai, Chiangmai) |author=M.L. Manich |access-date=December 29, 2017 |publisher=Refugee Educators' Network |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517084823/http://www.reninc.org/bookshelf/history_of_laos_manich.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=seglAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA328 |title=Historical Dictionary of Laos |author=Martin Stuart-Fox |date=6 February 2008 |page=328 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=9780810864115 |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124021606/https://books.google.com/books?id=seglAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA328 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/57571 |title=The That Phanom chronicle : a shrine history and its interpretation |author=Phra Thep Rattanamoli |date=1976 |access-date=27 February 2021 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207203220/https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/57571 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|6,7}}<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bCMgBlhtm8sC |title=Culture and Customs of Laos |date=2009 |first=Arne |last=Kislenko |access-date=26 February 2021 |page=19 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=9780313339776 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124021606/https://books.google.com/books?id=bCMgBlhtm8sC |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://vietlongtravel.com/news/laos-history/the-mon-and-khmer-kingdoms |title=The Mon and Khmer Kingdoms |date=31 March 2015 |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924092038/https://vietlongtravel.com/news/laos-history/the-mon-and-khmer-kingdoms |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Myth===
The great Laotian epic, the ''Phra Lak Phra Lam'', claims that Prince Thattaradtha founded the city when he left the legendary Lao kingdom of ''Muong Inthapatha Maha Nakhone'' because he was denied the throne in favor of his younger brother. Thattaradtha founded a city called ''Maha Thani Si Phan Phao'' on the western banks of the [[Earth:Mekong|Mekong River]]; this city was said to have later become today's Udon Thani, Thailand. One day, a seven-headed Naga told Thattaradtha to start a new city on the east bank of the river opposite ''Maha Thani Si Phan Phao''. The prince called this city ''Chanthabuly Si Sattanakhanahud''; which was said to be the predecessor of modern Vientiane.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Contrary to the ''Phra Lak Phra Lam'', most historians believe Vientiane was an early Mon settlement, which later came under the domination of the Khmer Empire. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the time when the Lao and Thai people are believed to have entered [[Place:Southeast Asia|Southeast Asia]] from Southern China, the few remaining Mon and Khmer in the area moved or assimilated into the Lao civilization, which would soon overtake the area.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

===Khmer domination===

The earliest reference of the name Vientiane can be seen on a Vietnamese inscription of Duke Đỗ Anh Vũ, dated 1159 during the Khmer-Viet conflict. The inscription says that in 1135, Văn Đan (Vientiane), a vassal of Zhenla (Khmer Empire), invaded Nghe An, but was repelled by the Duke; the Duke led an army chased the invaders as far as Vũ Ôn? (unattested), and then returned with captives.<ref name=Taylor1995>{{cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=K. W. |title=Essays Into Vietnamese Pasts |year=1995 |publisher=Cornell University Press |isbn=978-1-501-71899-1}}</ref>{{rp|65}} This name may have traced it origin to ''Wèndān'', a supposedly kingdom located in the Khorat Plateau, mentioned by a ninth-century Chinese writer described a trade route which started at [[Place:Hanoi|Hanoi]] and crossed the western mountains to Wèndān.

===Lan Xang and French colonial rule===
In 1354, when Fa Ngum founded the kingdom of Lan Xang.<ref name=Coedes>{{cite book |last=Coedès |first=George |editor=Walter F. Vella |others=trans.Susan Brown Cowing |title=The Indianized States of Southeast Asia |year=1968 |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |isbn=978-0-8248-0368-1}}</ref>{{rp|223}} Vientiane became an important administrative city, even though it was not made the capital. King Setthathirath officially established it as the capital of Lan Xang in 1563, to avoid Burmese invasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20101120-248232.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816032318/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20101120-248232.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 August 2011 |title=Vientiane marks 450 years anniversary |access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref> When Lan Xang fell apart in 1707, it became an independent [[History:Kingdom of Vientiane|Kingdom of Vientiane]]. In 1779, it was conquered by the Siamese general Phraya Chakri and made a vassal of Siam.

When King Anouvong raised an unsuccessful rebellion, it was obliterated by Siamese armies in 1827. The city was burned to the ground and was looted of nearly all Laotian artifacts, including Buddha statues and people. Vientiane was in great disrepair, depopulated and disappearing into the forest when the French arrived. It eventually passed to [[Place:French colonial empire|French]] rule in 1893. It became the capital of the French protectorate of Laos in 1899. During the French colonial period, the city was rebuilt and various Buddhist temples such as Pha That Luang, Haw Phra Kaew were repaired.

During French rule, the Vietnamese were encouraged to migrate to Laos, which resulted in 53% of the population of Vientiane being Vietnamese in the year 1943.<ref name="MartinStuart-FoxA">{{Cite book |last=Stuart-Fox |first=Martin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8VvvevRkX-EC&pg=PA51 |title=A History of Laos |date=1997 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-59746-3 |page=51 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=24 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824000153/https://books.google.com/books?id=8VvvevRkX-EC&pg=PA51 |url-status=live }}</ref> As late as 1945, the French drew up an ambitious plan to move massive Vietnamese population to three key areas (i.e. the Vientiane Plain, the Savannakhet region, and the [[Earth:Bolaven Plateau|Bolaven Plateau]]), which was only interrupted by the Japanese invasion of Indochina.<ref name="MartinStuart-FoxA" /> If this plan had been implemented, according to Martin Stuart-Fox, the Lao might well have lost control over their own country.<ref name="MartinStuart-FoxA" />

During [[Social:World War II|World War II]], Vientiane fell with little resistance and was occupied by Japanese forces, under the command of Sako Masanori.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite web |title=Far East and Australasia |url=http://www.cpamedia.com/politics/japan_in_laos/ |access-date=25 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121140017/http://cpamedia.com/politics/japan_in_laos/ |archive-date=21 November 2010}}</ref> On 9 March 1945, French paratroopers arrived and reoccupied the city on 24 April 1945.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite book |date=2002 |publisher=Psychology Press |title=The Far East and Australasia 2003 |isbn=9781857431339 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e5Az1lGCJwQC&pg=PA736 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510180225/https://books.google.com/books?id=e5Az1lGCJwQC&pg=PA736 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-05-10 |series=Regional surveys of the world |chapter=Laos: History |last=Stuart-Fox |first=Martin |pages=735–742 |access-date=2023-02-20}}</ref>{{rp|736}}

===Independence===
The city became the national capital of the newly independent Lao state in 1953.

As the Laotian Civil War broke out between the Royal Lao Government and the Pathet Lao, Vientiane became unstable. In August 1960, Kong Le seized the capital and insisted that Souvanna Phouma become prime minister. In mid-December, Phoumi Nosavan then seized the capital, overthrew the Phouma Government, and installed Boun Oum as prime minister. In mid-1975, Pathet Lao troops moved towards the city and Americans began evacuating the capital. On 23 August 1975, a contingent of 50 Pathet Lao women symbolically liberated the city.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> On 2 December 1975, the communist party of the Pathet Lao took over Vientiane, defeated the Kingdom of Laos, and renamed the country the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which ended the Laotian Civil War. The next day, an Insurgency in Laos began in the jungle, with the Pathet Lao fighting factions of Hmong and royalists.

Vientiane was the host of the incident-free 2009 Southeast Asian Games. Eighteen competitions were dropped from the previous games held in Thailand, due to Laos' landlocked borders and the lack of adequate facilities in Vientiane.

==Geography==
Vientiane is on a bend of the [[Earth:Mekong|Mekong]] River, at which point it forms the border with Thailand. The city government administers the five urban districts of the Vientiane Prefecture.

===Climate===
Vientiane features a [[Earth:Tropical savanna climate|tropical savanna climate]] ([[Earth:Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Aw'') with a distinct wet season and a [[Earth:Dry season|dry season]]. Vientiane's dry season spans from November through March. April marks the onset of the wet season which in Vientiane lasts about seven months. Vientiane tends to be very hot and humid throughout the course of the year, though temperatures in the city tend to be somewhat cooler during the dry season than the wet season.
Lowest recorded temperature was 3.3C in January 1955, highest 42.5C in May 2023.

{{Weather box
| location = Vientiane (1991–2020, extremes 1907–present)
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 36.0
| Feb record high C = 38.0
| Mar record high C = 40.2
| Apr record high C = 41.4
| May record high C = 42.5
| Jun record high C = 39.5
| Jul record high C = 39.0
| Aug record high C = 37.2
| Sep record high C = 37.5
| Oct record high C = 36.8
| Nov record high C = 36.0
| Dec record high C = 36.0
| year record high C = 42.5
| Jan high C = 29.0
| Feb high C = 31.0
| Mar high C = 33.4
| Apr high C = 34.8
| May high C = 33.6
| Jun high C = 32.6
| Jul high C = 31.8
| Aug high C = 31.4
| Sep high C = 31.7
| Oct high C = 31.7
| Nov high C = 30.8
| Dec high C = 28.9
| year high C = 31.7
| Jan mean C = 22.9
| Feb mean C = 24.8
| Mar mean C = 27.4
| Apr mean C = 29.1
| May mean C = 28.7
| Jun mean C = 28.4
| Jul mean C = 27.9
| Aug mean C = 27.6
| Sep mean C = 27.6
| Oct mean C = 27.2
| Nov mean C = 25.5
| Dec mean C = 22.9
| year mean C = 26.7
| Jan low C = 18.2
| Feb low C = 19.3
| Mar low C = 21.7
| Apr low C = 24.2
| May low C = 25.0
| Jun low C = 25.4
| Jul low C = 25.3
| Aug low C = 25.0
| Sep low C = 24.6
| Oct low C = 23.9
| Nov low C = 21.5
| Dec low C = 19.2
| year low C = 22.8
| Jan record low C = 3.3
| Feb record low C = 7.6
| Mar record low C = 10.0
| Apr record low C = 13.8
| May record low C = 19.0
| Jun record low C = 20.0
| Jul record low C = 19.5
| Aug record low C = 20.6
| Sep record low C = 18.8
| Oct record low C = 12.9
| Nov record low C = 8.9
| Dec record low C = 5.0
| year record low C = 3.3
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 7.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 16.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 43.8
| Apr precipitation mm = 89.4
| May precipitation mm = 225.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 263.8
| Jul precipitation mm = 299.8
| Aug precipitation mm = 340.8
| Sep precipitation mm = 265.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 87.4
| Nov precipitation mm = 15.4
| Dec precipitation mm = 5.0
| year precipitation mm = 1663.2
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 2
| Feb precipitation days = 2
| Mar precipitation days = 5
| Apr precipitation days = 7
| May precipitation days = 15
| Jun precipitation days = 18
| Jul precipitation days = 20
| Aug precipitation days = 21
| Sep precipitation days = 17
| Oct precipitation days = 8
| Nov precipitation days = 2
| Dec precipitation days = 1
| year precipitation days = 119
| Jan humidity = 70
| Feb humidity = 68
| Mar humidity = 66
| Apr humidity = 69
| May humidity = 78
| Jun humidity = 82
| Jul humidity = 82
| Aug humidity = 84
| Sep humidity = 83
| Oct humidity = 78
| Nov humidity = 72
| Dec humidity = 70
| year humidity = 75
| Jan sun = 221.0
| Feb sun = 214.7
| Mar sun = 209.2
| Apr sun = 213.9
| May sun = 188.8
| Jun sun = 140.7
| Jul sun = 116.0
| Aug sun = 124.3
| Sep sun = 157.7
| Oct sun = 209.5
| Nov sun = 225.3
| Dec sun = 224.9
| year sun = 2246.0
| source 1 = [[Organization:World Meteorological Organization|World Meteorological Organization]],<ref name=WMOCLINO>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716235244/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Laos/XLS/VientianeCapital.xls |archive-date=16 July 2021 |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Laos/XLS/VientianeCapital.xls |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020 |publisher=World Meteorological Organization |access-date=2 August 2023}}</ref> Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes 1907–1990),<ref name = DWD>{{cite web |url=http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489400_kt.pdf |title=Klimatafel von Vientiane (Viangchan) / Laos |work=Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world |publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst |language=de |access-date=23 January 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305194059/https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_489400_kt.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Pogoda.ru.net,<ref name=pogoda>{{cite web |url=http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate4.php?id=48940 |script-title=ru:КЛИМАТ УЛАН-БАТОРА |publisher=Pogoda.ru.net |language=ru |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116182330/http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate4.php?id=48940 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Yearbook of Indochina (1939–1940)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://seadelt.net/Asset/Source/Document_ID-250_No-01.pdf |title=The Yearbook of Indochina (1939-1940) |access-date=16 June 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616061212/https://seadelt.net/Asset/Source/Document_ID-250_No-01.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| source 2 = NOAA (humidity 1961–1990)<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/LA/48940.TXT |title=Vientiane Climate Normals 1961–1990 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=29 November 2013 |archive-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717060122/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_II/LA/48940.TXT |url-status=live }}</ref>
| date = August 2010
| source = 
}}

==Tourism==
[[File:Wat Si Muang.jpg|thumb|Wat Si Muang]]
[[File:Buddha park, lao pdr.jpg|thumb|Buddha Park]]
The capital attracts many tourists to its many temples and Buddhist monuments. A popular attraction for foreign visitors is Pha That Luang, an important national cultural monument of Laos and one of its best known stupas. It was originally built in 1566 by King Setthathirath and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is {{convert|45|m}} tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha.<ref name="autogenerated2">[http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=328 Lao National Tourism Administration – Tourist Sites in Vientiane Capital] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723080908/http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=328 |date=23 July 2011 }}</ref>

Another site that is also popular amongst tourists is Wat Si Muang. The temple was built on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine, the remains of which can be seen behind the ordination hall.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web |url=http://asiaforvisitors.com/laos/vientiane/watmuang/index.html |title=Wat Si Muang |access-date=18 July 2015 |archive-date=10 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210070521/http://asiaforvisitors.com/laos/vientiane/watmuang/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was built in 1563 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl, Nang Si. Legend tells that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. In front of the temple stands a statue of King Sisavang Vong.<ref name=autogenerated3 />

The memorial monument, Patuxai, built between 1957 and 1968, is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> While the Arc de Triomphe in [[Place:Paris|Paris]] inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including Kinnari, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of the city.

Buddha Park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat and contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees. The park is {{convert|28|km}} south of Vientiane at the edge of the Mekong River.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://asiaforvisitors.com/laos/vientiane/buddha-park.php |title=Buddha Park – Vientiane – Laos – Asia for Visitors |access-date=18 July 2015 |archive-date=1 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601051330/http://asiaforvisitors.com/laos/vientiane/buddha-park.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Vientiane is home to one of the three bowling alleys in Laos (the other two are in Luang Prabang and Pakse).

Other sites include:
* Haw Phra Kaew, former temple, now a museum and small shops
* Lao National Museum
* Kaysone Phomvihane Museum
* Talat Sao Morning market
* That Dam, large stupa
* Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, a Buddhist monastery
* Wat Sri Chomphu Ong Tue, a Buddhist temple
* Wat Si Saket, Buddhist wat
* Wat Sok Pa Luang, a Buddhist temple
* Settha Palace Hotel, established 1932
* The Sanjiang Market<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2008/01/23/china-gives-southeast-asias-poorest-first-time-access-to-consumer-goods.html |title=China Gives Southeast Asia's Poorest First Time Access to Consumer Goods – China Briefing News |work=China Briefing News |date=23 January 2008 |access-date=7 May 2012 |archive-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514142017/http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2008/01/23/china-gives-southeast-asias-poorest-first-time-access-to-consumer-goods.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Vientiane Patouxai Laos.jpg|thumb|center|900px|Vientiane from Patuxai]]

==Education==
The [[Organization:National University of Laos|National University of Laos]], one of three universities in the country, is in Vientiane.<ref>{{cite web |title=National University of Laos (NUOL) |url=http://www.laoairlines.com/?contentkey=pages&id=6 |website=National University of Laos (NUOL) |publisher=NUOL |access-date=8 December 2014 |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801181723/http://www.laoairlines.com/?contentkey=pages&id=6 |url-status=live }}</ref>

International schools include:
* Vientiane International School
* Lycée français international de Vientiane Josué-Hoffet (French)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aefe.fr/reseau-scolaire-mondial/rechercher-un-etablissement/laos-vientiane-lycee-francais-international-de |title=Lycée français international de Vientiane Josué-Hoffet |publisher=AEFE |access-date=2023-06-16 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616063152/https://www.aefe.fr/reseau-scolaire-mondial/rechercher-un-etablissement/laos-vientiane-lycee-francais-international-de |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Russian Embassy School in Vientiane
* Kiettisack International School

==Broadcasting==
* Lao National Radio has a large mediumwave transmitter with a 277-metre guyed mast at {{coord|18|20|33|N|102|27|01|E}}.
* China Radio International (CRI) FM 93.0.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://laos.cri.cn/ |title=China Radio International |access-date=11 February 2011 |archive-date=4 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204123650/http://laos.cri.cn/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
Vientiane is the driving force behind economic change in Laos. In recent years, the city has experienced rapid economic growth from foreign investment.<ref>[http://laovoices.com/2010/05/20/work-begins-on-major-new-vientiane-shopping-centre/ Work begins on major new Vientiane shopping centre | Lao Voices] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503191245/http://laovoices.com/2010/05/20/work-begins-on-major-new-vientiane-shopping-centre/ |date=3 May 2011 }}</ref> In 2011, the stock exchange opened with two listed company stocks, with the cooperation of {{wipe|South Korea}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laos stocks soar on debut – yes, both of them |url=http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2011/01/11/lao-stocks-soar-on-debut-yes-both-of-them/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727133539/http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2011/01/11/lao-stocks-soar-on-debut-yes-both-of-them/ |archive-date=27 July 2011 |work=Financial Times}}</ref>

==Transportation==
===By bus===
There are regular bus services connecting Vientiane Bus Station with the rest of the country. In Vientiane, regular bus services around the city are provided by Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vcsbe.com/en/ |title=Timetables |website=Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise |publisher=VCSBE |access-date=8 December 2014 |archive-date=1 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601044816/http://vcsbe.com/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Daily non-stop bus services run between Vientiane and Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen in Thailand.

===By rail===
[[File:Meter Taxi in Vientiane 01.jpg|thumb|Older taxis in Vientiane are being replaced by newer Chinese-made cars, like this [[Company:Soueast|Soueast Lioncel]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Matthias Gasnier |url=http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/13/laos-2012-update-chinese-models-keep-spreading/ |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=10 November 2013 |title=Laos 2012 Update: Chinese models keep spreading |publisher=bestsellingcarsblog.com |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207224702/http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2012/08/13/laos-2012-update-chinese-models-keep-spreading/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
The First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, built in the 1990s, crosses the river 18&nbsp;kilometres downstream of the city of Nong Khai in Thailand, and is the major crossing between the two countries. The official name of the bridge was changed in 2007 by the addition of "First", after the Second Friendship Bridge linking Mukdahan in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos was opened early in 2007.

A metre gauge railway link over the first bridge was formally inaugurated on 5 March 2009, ending at Thanaleng Railway Station, in Dongphosy village (Vientiane Prefecture), 20&nbsp;km east of Vientiane.<ref>{{cite news |title=Inaugural train begins Laos royal visit |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/inaugural-train-begins-laos-royal-visit.html |work=Railway Gazette International |date=5 March 2009 |access-date=3 August 2009 |archive-date=22 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722164527/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/inaugural-train-begins-laos-royal-visit.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guardian-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/26/first-train-laos-thailand-rail |title=First train to Laos |author=Andrew Spooner |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=13 March 2011 |archive-date=11 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111183805/http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/feb/26/first-train-laos-thailand-rail |url-status=live }}</ref> As of November 2010, Lao officials plan to convert the station into a cargo rail terminal for freight trains, allowing cargo to be transported from Bangkok into Laos more cheaply than via road.<ref name="trweekly-nov10">{{cite news |url=http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/11/laos-rethinks-rail-project/ |title=Laos rethinks rail project |date=9 November 2010 |access-date=13 March 2011 |publisher=TTR Weekly |author=Rapeepat Mantanarat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727101636/http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2010/11/laos-rethinks-rail-project/ |archive-date=27 July 2011}}</ref> This rail link is being extended into Vientiane city, with the new Khamsavath Train Station scheduled to open in mid-2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vongphachanh |first=Manyphone |date=2022-07-25 |title=Khamsavath Station in Vientiane Capital Ready to Operate Soon |url=https://laotiantimes.com/2022/07/25/khamsavath-station-in-vientiane-capital-ready-to-operate-soon/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Laotian Times |language=en-US |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813010028/https://laotiantimes.com/2022/07/25/khamsavath-station-in-vientiane-capital-ready-to-operate-soon/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Boten–Vientiane railway (sometimes referred to as the ''China–Laos railway'' or ''Laos–China railway'') is an {{convert|414|km|mi}} {{RailGauge|1435mm|allk=on}} electrified railway in Laos, running between the capital Vientiane and the town of Boten on the border with {{wipe|China}}. The line was officially opened on 3 December 2021.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=中老铁路今日通车-图片新闻-中华人民共和国交通运输部 |url=https://www.mot.gov.cn/tupianxinwen/202112/t20211203_3629446.html |access-date=2021-12-03 |website=www.mot.gov.cn |archive-date=3 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203084113/https://www.mot.gov.cn/tupianxinwen/202112/t20211203_3629446.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===By air===
Vientiane is served by Wattay International Airport with international connections to other Asian countries. Lao Airlines has regular flights to several domestic destinations in the country (including several flights daily to Luang Prabang, plus a few flights weekly to other local destinations).<ref>{{cite web |title=Route Map |url=http://www.laoairlines.com/?contentkey=pages&id=6 |website=Lao Airlines |access-date=8 December 2014 |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801181723/http://www.laoairlines.com/?contentkey=pages&id=6 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Thailand, Udon Thani International Airport, one of Wattay's main connections, is less than 90&nbsp;km distant.

==Healthcare==
The "Centre Medical de l'Ambassade de France" is available to the foreign community in Laos. The Mahosot Hospital is an important local hospital in treating and researching diseases and is connected with the [[Organization:University of Oxford|University of Oxford]]. In 2011 the Alliance Clinic opened near the airport, with a connection to Thai hospitals. The Setthathirat International Clinic has foreign doctors. A free, 24/7 ambulance service is provided by Vientiane Rescue, a volunteer-run rescue service established in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=https://vientianerescue.org/ |website=Vientiane Rescue |access-date=11 October 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011225953/https://vientianerescue.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* Kanya Kounvongsa (born 1990), Laotian football player

==See also==
* [[History:Kingdom of Vientiane|Kingdom of Vientiane]]
* National Library of Laos
* Auguste Pavie
* Vat Yotkeo
* 1987 Vientiane bombing

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Askew, Marc, William Stewart Logan, and Colin Long. ''Vientiane: Transformations of a Lao Landscape''. London: Routledge, 2007. {{ISBN|978-0-415-33141-8}}
* Sharifi et al., ''Can master planning control and regulate urban growth in Vientiane, Laos?''. Landscape and Urban Planning, 2014. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204614001777 DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.07.014]
* Flores, Penelope V. ''Good-Bye, Vientiane: Untold Stories of Filipinos in Laos''. San Francisco, CA: Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc, 2005. {{ISBN|978-0-9763316-1-2}}
* Renaut, Thomas, and Arnaud Dubus. ''Eternal Vientiane''. City heritage. Hong Kong: Published by Fortune Image Ltd. for Les Editions d'Indochine, 1995.
* Schrama, Ilse, and Birgit Schrama. ''Buddhist Temple Life in Laos: Wat Sok Pa Luang''. Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2006. {{ISBN|978-974-524-073-5}}
* Women's International Group Laos. ''Vientiane Guide''. Vientiane: Women's International Group, 1993.

==External links==
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Vientiane}}
{{Subject bar|commons=yes|commons-search=Vientiane|d=yes|d-search=Q9326|voy=yes|voy-search=Vientiane|wikt=yes|wikt-search=Vientiane|portal=Laos}}


[[Category:Capitals in Asia]]

{{Sourceattribution|Vientiane}}