The name "Vientiane" can be translated as Sandalwood City. The capital of Laos is a small city where many of the major government offices are located. Though there are not many interesting things in the city, some parts of the city close to Mekong river is attractive.

There are some temples, market places that worth a visit in the city. All the foreign embassies are also situated in Vientiane.

Wattay airport in the north of city is served by several international flights from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Yunnan province of southern China. The domestic flights are available to all capital towns of the provinces. Inter provincial buses leave and arrive the bus station in the city center near the morning market. Travel by boats on the Mekong river to places in Xayabouri, Luang Prabang, Borikhamsay and Khammouane are possible.