I interviewed my sister about her last mission trip to the capital city of Laos, Vientiane. Here are the 10 reasons why she loves Laos:
#10 Food
The streets of Vientiane are lined with trees, French colonial buildings and noodles shop on almost every corner! As in literally! When we got there, we bought right away when we saw this lady in red. 
If you’re a vegetarian, you will surely have a lot of option from Thai cuisine to French and Laotian. Night market sells a lot of good food for a very reasonable price, approximately $1.50. 
#9 Inexpensive
When I go on vacation I always set aside money for shopping. I was surprised how far my money can go here. I can buy a lot of stuff without spending a lot. I’m sure you will like it here especially when you have a thing for elephants stuff. 
#8 Ancient Temples
This French colonial city has amazing temples that you will accidentally discover as you explore the area. Buddhism has been the primary religion in Laos for thousand of years and these beautiful temples will tell you a lot of stories just by observing it.
It’s another temple but what I like about the temples in Vientiane is the detailed design of each temple. It may look the same outside but when you go inside, check the interior design like the ceiling, the wall, the floor etc, you’ll be amazed by the delicate designs in each temple.
#7 Outdoor aerobics
Before sunset, join a Zumba or aerobics class near the Mekong River. The speaker is in full blast so you will never miss this. There’s an instructor that will teach you steps that are easy to follow. Don’t be shy to dance in public, just work it out girl! If you just want to look, you will get entertained with the dance moves. 🙂 
#6 The Coffee
I’m a coffee lover and I can say that Laos coffee has one of the best coffee in Asia. As a matter of fact, I bought around 15 boxes of organic coffee to give away to my family and friends at the church. What can I say? It tastes really good to me!
#5 Night Market
Just like in most major cities, Vientiane has also a night market where you can buy cheap stuff. Well cheap for some people but it’s much cheaper in Thailand according to our tour guide. What I enjoyed here the most is the fresh salad they sell in the alley. It has chili pepper though so be careful coz my friend’s mouth were like fire after biting a really spicy chili. 
#4 Biking
Cycling or riding a motorbike is what most people take when traveling around the city. But my group and I chose to walk to continue our church mission. I read that there’s a tour called “Vientiane ByCycle”, where they offer guided tours through and around the city. I think this is really nice coz you will have unexpected discoveries when you ride a bicycle. 
#3 Buddhism
Although we are here for a Christian mission, I’m amazed at how Buddhism is practice in this city where the main purpose is to give. People wake up early in the morning just to give food to the Buddhist monks even though they don’t have much to give, they still share what they have. They believe in good karma, I think this alms giving ceremony is one of the things I admire from them. 
# 2 Simplicity
I like the simple living here where people ride a tuk-tuk, sell fruits and vegetables, wash their laundry in the river, transport their livestock on boats etc. It’s hard not to fall in love with the peaceful life in this town. It makes me want to think more about the word “contentment”. 
# 1 Lovely people
This is the number one on my list because the people make the place wonderful. The locals are very friendly, they have a generosity of spirit that you will immediately make you feel at home. It’s not forced, it’s genuine. You will just feel it when you get there I’m telling you. 
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