The First

Top choice in Vientiane


This bright-feeling shop has a broad but well-curated selection of items representing some of Laos' most reputable brands: beautiful textiles from Ock Pop Tok and Passa Paa, Lao jewellery from Serene's, soaps and other toiletries from Les Artisans Lao, rum from Laodi and chocolate from Marou.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vientiane attractions

1. That Dam

0.11 MILES

That Dam sits on a quiet roundabout near the centre of Vientiane. Legend has it that this stupa was once coated in a layer of gold. The gold is said to…

2. Lao National Culture Hall

0.2 MILES

Huge government building that occasionally plays host to government-approved dance or musical performances.

3. Wat Si Saket

0.22 MILES

Built between 1819 and 1824 by Chao Anou, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane, Wat Si Saket is believed to be the city's oldest surviving wat…

4. Presidential Palace

0.22 MILES

It's not possible to go inside the Presidential Palace, as unsurprisingly it is reserved for the president and government officials. It is, however, a…

5. Haw Pha Kaeo

0.25 MILES

Once a royal temple built specifically to house the famed Emerald Buddha, Haw Pha Kaeo is today a rather dusty, lacklustre national museum of religious…

6. Wat Xieng Nyean

0.27 MILES

This centrally located temple has a convenient entrance on Rue Fa Ngoum, the riverfront road.

7. Wat Mixai

0.27 MILES

One of a cluster of temples on the main drag, known for its Bangkok-style sǐm (ordination hall) and heavy gates, which are flanked by two nyak (guardian…

8. Wat Haysoke

0.35 MILES

A Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.