Vientiane, capital of Laos is Asia's biggest village.  Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. It is a city full of surprises.  Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues.  French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples.

Area: 180 km2
Population: 464000

The most famous landmark of Vientiane is That Luang (Royal Stupa) which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in 1935. The stupa is situated 3km north of the centre of the city.
The Victory Monument is situated at the north end of Lane Xang Avenue and resembles Paris' Arc de Triomphe - as it is sometimes known. During the day, the monument can be climbed and makes an excellent vantage point of the city.
Wat Xieng Khouang  - Buddah Park is situated about 25 minutes drive outside the centre of the city.  Although not an old temple, it is nevertheless fascinating for its huge structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu Philosophies.
Wat Sisaket - This temple features over 6,800 buddah images which are all ritually cleansed at the time of the Lao new year.  The temple was built in 1818 and is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane.
Lao Revolutionary Museum - The museum is housed in a large French colonial building and shows a collection of artefacts, photographs and paintings of the history of the Lao People's Revolution.
Wat Ho Prakeo - Situated next to the Presidential Palace, this temple was the temple of the former Lao Royal family.  Formerly, the temple was the home of the emerald Buddah that was stolen by the Thais in 1778 and now resides in Bangkok.

 (Source: visit-laos.com)