Laos

Cost of living

What a month costs

Vientiane is one of the cheapest capitals in Asia. Street food and rent stay low, but imported goods, good schools and quality housing cost far more than the local prices suggest.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Vientiane

1. Pha That LuangThe great gilded stupa and national symbol of Laos.
2. PatuxaiThe Victory Gate arch with city views from the top.
3. Wat Si SaketOldest surviving temple in town, lined with thousands of Buddha images.
4. Haw Phra KaewFormer home of the Emerald Buddha, now a museum of Lao religious art.
5. That DamThe weathered Black Stupa wrapped in local legend.
6. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)A surreal riverside sculpture garden southeast of the centre.
7. COPE Visitor CentreMoving museum on unexploded ordnance and prosthetics work.
8. Wat Si MuangThe city's busiest working temple, built around its guardian pillar.
9. Chao Anouvong ParkThe Mekong riverfront promenade where the whole city gathers at dusk.
10. Talat Sao Morning MarketSprawling market for textiles, gold, electronics and street snacks.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Vang ViengKarst peaks, caves and river tubing, now about an hour north on the fast train.
2. Luang PrabangUNESCO temple town reachable in roughly two hours on the China-Laos railway.
3. Nam Ngum ReservoirA huge lake north of the city, good for boat trips and lazy island lunches.
4. Nong Khai, ThailandJust over the Friendship Bridge for shopping, hospitals and a change of pace.
5. ThakhekBase for the famous Loop motorbike route through limestone country and blue lagoons.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Naked EspressoHome-grown specialty roaster with reliably good coffee.
2. Sinouk CoffeeFlagship cafe of the well-known Lao Bolaven Plateau brand.
3. Le Trio CoffeeSerious single-origin Lao beans in a calm setting.
4. Common Grounds CafePopular expat spot for laptops, brunch and iced coffee.
5. Joma Bakery CafeLong-running chain for pastries, sandwiches and dependable wifi.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Kualao RestaurantTraditional Lao fine dining inside a grand colonial mansion.
2. Doi Ka NoiChef Joy's ever-changing northern Lao menu, book ahead.
3. Lao KitchenBright, approachable take on classic Lao home cooking.
4. Khop Chai DeuCentral old-favourite for Lao and international dishes with live music.
5. La TerrasseLong-standing French and Mediterranean table near the fountain.
6. Sticky Fingers Cafe & BarExpat institution for cocktails and a global menu.
7. L'Adresse de TinaySmall French bistro with a loyal following.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Le BannetonFrench bakery turning out croissants and proper baguettes.
2. Scandinavian BakeryNam Phou fountain fixture for coffee, pastries and eggs.
3. Joma Bakery CafeReliable morning bagels, muffins and big breakfasts.
4. Naked EspressoStrong coffee and a light breakfast to start the day.
5. Common Grounds CafeEasygoing brunch plates and smoothies.
6. PVOBeloved local spot for Lao-Vietnamese baguette sandwiches.
7. Le Trio CoffeeQuiet corner for filter coffee and a simple bite.