Vientiane

Vientiane (/viˌɛntiˈɑːn/ ; Lao: ວຽງຈັນ, Viangchan, pronounced [wía̯ŋ t͡ɕàn]) is the capital and largest city of Laos. Comprising the five urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture, the city is located on the banks of the Mekong, right at the border with Thailand. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule and, due to economic growth in recent times, is now the economic center of Laos. The city had a population of 1,001,477 as of the 2023 Census.

Vientiane
ວຽງຈັນ
ນະຄອນຫຼວງ​ວຽງຈັນ​
From top, left to right: Patuxai; view of Vientiane from the Patuxai; Wat Si Saket; Pha That Luang
Vientiane
Vientiane
Vientiane
Coordinates: 17.98°N 102.63°E / 17.98; 102.63
Country Laos
PrefectureVientiane Prefecture
Settled9th century
Government
  MayorAthsphangthong Siphandone
Area
  Total3,920 km2 (1,510 sq mi)
Elevation
174 m (570 ft)
Population
 (2023 Estimate)
  Total1,003,004
Time zoneUTC+7 (ICT)

Vientiane is the home of the most significant national monuments such as Pha That Luang, a national symbol of Laos and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. Other significant Buddhist temples can be found there as well, such as Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly housed the Emerald Buddha.

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