Vientiane, Laos

• Vientiane moves slower than other Southeast Asian capitals. The city sits along the Mekong River with Buddhist temples, morning alms collections by monks, and a pace that feels closer to a town than a major city.
• The coffee here is good - local roasters produce quality Lao beans, and cafes are common enough that you'll have no trouble finding a quiet spot. English works in tourist areas and nicer cafes, but basic Lao phrases help elsewhere.
• Serious crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft happens in crowded markets and along the river after dark - bag snatching and pickpocketing are the main concerns. Don't flash valuables or expensive phones.
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere. The Loca app gives upfront pricing if you don't want to negotiate. The city is small enough to bike around, and most things are within a few kilometers. By 11pm it's quiet - there's a legal closing time of 11:30pm.

Lao is the main language. English works in tourist areas, nicer hotels, and some city center restaurants. Tourist Police (021 251 128) may have English speakers. Emergency services (191) have limited English. Keep Google Translate handy outside tourist areas.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples and in villages. No tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothes at religious sites. Take off shoes before entering temples and homes.
• Women can't touch monks or hand them things directly. Get a man to pass it, or put it down for the monk to pick up.
• English is limited outside tourist areas and nicer places. Learn 'sabaidee' (hello), 'khop chai' (thank you), and 'bo pen nyang' (no problem). Google Translate helps at markets and local restaurants.
• The traditional greeting is 'nop' - hands pressed together at chest level with a bow. Use it for elders, monks, or formal situations. Public affection is frowned on, and loud or aggressive behavior is rude.

• Tuk-tuks are everywhere. Short trips in the center cost 10,000-50,000 LAK ($0.50-$2.50). Negotiate before getting in - drivers charge tourists more if you don't know what things cost.
• The Loca app works like Uber or Grab - set prices, cashless payment, for cars and electric tuk-tuks. KokKok is another option with orange electric tuk-tuks (Android only). Apps beat haggling with street tuk-tuks.
• Public buses are clean, air-conditioned, and cost about $1 per ride. They stop running in the late afternoon. The Central Bus Station is behind Talat Sao market.
• Renting a bicycle or motorbike is common since places like Patuxay and That Luang are spread out. The city is flat so cycling is easy, though traffic gets chaotic at times.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Vientiane with local guides and curated experiences.