The Mekong river divides a community of people who are basically Esarn culturally. Everyone in Vientiane can speak and understand Thai. They all listen to Thai pop music, watch Thai TV, and it is relatively easy for the Lao to cross over to Thailand. On the Thai side of the river, people listen to Lao country songs and speak Lao. The most noticeable distinctions from Thai-Esarn are the bright red dirt roads which slice through an abundance of trees and wildflowers which have long since vanished from Thai farms and gardens. You may also notice that Lao temples are more animistic, colorful, and free-form compared with the institutionalized decor and behaviors in Thai temples. In general, Laos appears lush, natural and carefree.

Vientiane has a frontier town feel to it, with its drowsy lanes, ever-spreading gardens, and French-colonial villas slowly fading into sepia-tinted retirement.

There are lots of clubs, karaoke bars, discos, and restaurants in town that appeal to local gays and lesbians. Nightlife swings until early morning.

The population of the capital city is about 800,000 (that's over 30,000 Utopians).

• Don't miss the mysterious, fantastical folk-sculpture garden (see picture above), just a short drive south from the Friendship Bridge, which is the older sibling to Wat Kaeg on the Thai side of the Mekong.
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• Several temples offer traditional Lao herbal saunas which are open to the public and good places to relax with the locals. Braver sorts might enjoy a relaxing work-over at Ajarn Amphone's Herbal Sauna on Anjou Street (1 block northwest of the Tai-pan hotel) which includes an hour-long Shaolin massage by a Kung Fu master, including welt-inducing vacuum cups.
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• CCC (The Lao Cafe) UTOPIA VERIFIED APR 2023
  Sihom Rd (near Rue Setthathilath and Khun Bu Lom Rd and Wat Inpeng monastery)
  +856 20-7801-4492

  An outdoor terrace, a downstairs bar, and an upstairs stage for their weekend cabaret shows featuring the likes of Lady Gaga and Edith Piaf. Sample a wide range of drinks and music ­ pop, electronic, disco, house, techno, R&B, lounge, oldies and alternative. Staff provide a warm welcome and great service. Free Wi-fi. Open nightly 7:30pm-late, with Happy Hour from 7:30-9:30pm. Drag shows every Fri and Sat night and regular theme parties.
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• Lak Song
  Sene Souk Hotel nightclub, 100 Louangprabang Rd
  213-375

  Popular disco attracts a young crowd. Standing room only on Sat nights. Some prefer to go other nights when it is less crowded and conversations are possible. Closes at midnight.
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• The Office Bar UTOPIA VERIFIED JAN 2025
  001/006-05 Sihom Rd (near the intersection of Khun Bu Lom Rd and Rue Samsenthai)
  +856 20-9633-6969

  A few doors down from The Lao Cafe. Gay-owned, but not specifically a gay bar. The place is tastefully decorated with bar seating, a few high-top tables, and a couch. Additional seating outside on the patio area off the sidewalk. Drink offerings are written on repurposed wooden doors that hang on the wall with other art pieces. The bar is stocked with the basics and has 30+ bottled beer options in the cooler. Additionally you can order a fresh fruit smoothie if alcohol isn't your thing. Patrons are a mix of expats and locals. You might be served your drink by the upbeat and fun owner, Nai. The bar is pleasant, with a mix of music and decor, friendly people, and not too loud that conversation is impossible. Open 11am to 2am daily.
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  Comments from Utopians:

  "This place is a beautiful little world. The owner is so sympathetic and welcoming, and he involves all his creativity in the bar. A good relaxing moment for the end of afternoon or in the evening." -- Jean-Marie V, Dec 9, 2024

• Don Chan Palace Hotel nightclub
  On the river front, east of the city center.

  Many gays after everywhere else in the city closes at midnight, as it's open until at least 2am every night.
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• Champa Spa

  This is a well-managed business, now with three locations in Champa Spa 1 (corner of Fa Ngum Rd and Pangkham Rd (021-251-926), Champa Spa 2 (corner of Samsenthai Rd and Pangkham Rd, 021-215-203), and Champa Spa 3 (Manthaturat Rd, 021-212-116). Champa Spa 2 is the biggest of the three branches and the best place to start. Clean private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Outcallscan be arranged, but their outcall surcharge is steep by Vientiane standards. All locations are open from 9am-10pm, and the male and female therapists work interchangeably at all three.
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• Chao Anouvong Riverside Park

  Encounters happen at the extreme east side of the park, near and behind the round fountain, after sunset until 11pm. Steer away from any drug offers (possible police entrapment).
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• The grounds of the University Lao Dongdok, at Km 11 on the Boulevard Vientiane 450 Years, in the daytime.
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• Karaoke bar at Nam Phou fountain in the evenings.
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• Outdoor boxing school beside the river.
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• Bistrot 22 (French)
  Samsenthai Rd, Ban Khaonyot (behind the Catholic cathedral)
  021-214-129, 020-5552-7286

  Fine food at a reasonable price. A bit out of the way, but worth the effort.
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• Joma Bakery Café
  Rue Setthathilath (near the Nam Phou fountain)
  021-215-265

  Once the king of Vientiane cafes, but now facing strong competition from Benoni (next door) and Le Banneton.
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• Kua Lao (Lao)
  111 Samsenthai Rd
  021-215-777, 021-214-813

  High-end restaurant for tourists who want to try Lao cuisine but to a high standard of cleanliness. Traditional Lao musicians.
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• L'Adresse de Tinay
  Road between Chao Anou Rd and Khoun Boulom Rd (behind the Inpeng Temple)
  020-5691-3434

  Great attention to detail. Delicious and original food. Closed Sun.
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• L'Opera (Italian)
  Nam Phou Square
  021-215-099, 021-217-265

  Quality food in a traditional Italian ambiance, with Pavarotti and Domingo singing in the background. Try their special Lao Pizza and their tagliolini salsiccia, cacio e pepe (ribbon pasta with sausage, pecorino and black pepper in cream). The very jolly Pino has been in charge for more than twenty years.
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• La Signature (French and American)
  Ansara Hotel
  021-213-514

  It has a very welcoming outdoor terrace and an aircon room upstairs. Fine dining. The impressive set menu of three courses is inexpensive.
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• Moon the Night (Lao)
  Thanon Kamkon (on the banks of the Mekong)
  217-073

  About 10 minutes drive from the Mercure Hotel. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk (it's well-known among the locals). This restaurant can get packed full of good looking Lao young people. They play some very gay songs, i.e. I Will Survive, Can't Take my Eyes Off of You, etc. Lots of fun.
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• Talaat Sao. The charming, large, central city market is full of craft items, especially traditional fabrics.
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