VIENTIANE, LAOS

With a population of only half a million people, Vientiane is a relatively compact capital, so most districts that are of interest to visitors are fairly close to each other and easily accessible by foot or bicycle. For longer journeys tuk-tuks or taxis are the way to go, or the more intrepid traveler can hire a motorcycle. In terms of orientation, Vientiane is divided into villages, or bans, the names of which can be useful to know when trying to direct a tuk-tuk driver.

Around Talat Sao The two-story, covered Morning Market (Talat Sao) is the true center of Vientiane, with the main post office, bus station and tourist information office nearby, as well as a number of banks and government offices on the surrounding streets. While the market itself is a shopper's paradise, plenty of other buying opportunities are worth checking out in this area. Opposite the southern side of the Talat Sao and next to the post office is the Ethnic Handicraft Market, featuring goods from every province in the country. On the eastern side of Talat Sao is the central bus station for travelers heading north, ... more