[Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2014, unless otherwise credited.]

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Vientiane is usually left in the shade by its scenic sister Luang Prabang; and is, without doubt, one of Southeast Asia’s quietest and dustiest capital cities to date. Hugging a wide bend of the Mekong River, this city appears to the naked eye more like a rambling collection of villages dotted with a few grandiose monuments, than the engine room of an entire nation. However, in the mere two decades that Laos reopened its doors to foreign visitors, the city has changed with dizzying rapidity. While travellers of the past would typically be greeted by little more than the sight of old buildings and ancient temples, this shady greenish capital has now evolved into a little tourist hub offering so much more. From hip backpacker haunts to bustling street markets to French and Italian-styled pavement cafes, the countless new-age charms of the Lao capital has added a modern edge to its usual string of traditional joints, reflecting a compelling blend of ambitious growth with timeless efferevescent charm.

For many, Laos remains the highlight of their Southeast Asia trip despite heavy competition from its much bigger and more commercialized Indochinese neighbours. The centuries-old allure of this half-forgotten capital is packed rich with fascinating experiences and discoveries, and its laidback tranquility can be a welcoming change for those who have been turbo-touristing their way around the region. From impressive man-made structures to glorious sanctuaries, there is something decidedly quainterand more idyllic about Vientiane’s spirit – if you ever need a couple of days’ break from hopscotching between Bangkok and Siem Reap and Hanoi or even Saigon, then this is your place to be. In Vientiane, you get the same ratio of burgeoning charms and cosmopolitan touches, except without the mobs of aggressive tourism hawks and hectic locals to besmirch any of its splendour.

Whether Laos will be an immediate marvel to you or just an enjoyable afterthought remains unascertained; but there is no denying the mark it will leave on you regardless. Just for kicks, the following is a list of 7 uniquely Vientiane things that is guaranteed to make you eat, sleep, and wander differently when you finally land in this delightfully dimunitive capital – even as you find yourself doing pretty much the same ol’ stuff you’d done in the past five cities within the Southeast Asian region.

1. Lose Yourself At Vientiane’s Night Market.

You may have been to at least a dozen other night markets across the entire stretch of Southeast Asia, but the Night Market located along the meandering bend of Vientiane’s Mekong River is one like no other. Set amidst a picturesque backdrop, this makeshift riverside bazaar draws crowds of tourists with its wide assortment of merchandise; but throngs of locals gather just the same and add much to the festivity and spirit, enough to set all your wanderlust senses to full gear. Whether it is to jog, dog-walk, skateboard, cycle, or even to take part in the community’s daily mass outdoor aerobics sessions; this Night Market provides an excuse for congregation of all sorts, and is possibly one of the most mellow and welcoming atmospheres you’ll find in the whole of Vientiane.

The offerings of this night market in itself might not be spectacular on its own (after all, I’m pretty sure there’re plenty better in Bangkok and Siem Reap); but a riveting blend of artfully arranged stalls, interesting choices of street food, and intriguing local characters, makes this a unique and unprecedented night market experience that you shouldn’t miss. While most night markets across the region are targeted mainly at tourists, this one seems well cut-out for both groups of people. Even if you walk away not having bought anything, you’ll still find yourself enjoying the evening people-watching and soaking up the idyllic evening-life culture of the locals.

2. Appreciate the Crumbling French-Colonial Architecture.

The French Colonial Government might not have had the budget in Vientiane that they did in Hanoi or Saigon, but they managed to leave a pretty impressive architectural trail nevertheless during the sixty years that they were there. Now the homes to various museums and embassies, these crumbling, porch-encased mansions tower above the city’s modest dwellings, establishing an enchanting mix of French colonial architectural gems and modern Asian shophouses in one single fabscape.

Wander down the river and take in the faded grandeur of Vientiane’s colonial villas and bougainvillea-blooming streets; it’s a truly wonderful way to pass the time in this charming, overlooked capital of pure hidden beauty.

3. Linger in the Depths of Vientiane’s Highly Eccentric Buddha Park.

Just like a whole bunch of other things that you’ll come across in Laos, the Buddha Park will strike you more curious than magnificent. This bizarre-yet-fascinating sculpture park houses over 200 statues portraying Buddhist and Hindu lore, with a massive 120m-long reclining Buddha topping this very prolific collection as the ultimate crown jewel of the lot. A three-storey dome within the compounds also allows visitors to enter through the gaping mouth of a demon and then climb staircases through the dark, dusty structure from ‘Hell’ to ‘Earth’, eventually allowing you to emerge at ‘Heaven’ at the top of the dome for a spectacular overview of the park.

4. Soak In the Charming Atmosphere At Patuxai Park.

This highly ornate Patuxai Victory Monument located a stone’s throw from the Presidential Palace, is one of Vientiane’s most noticeable landmarks today. The impressive arch cuts a distinctive figure on the Vientiane skyline, and was built between 1957 and 1968 to pay homage to the Laos soldiers who were killed in a long, drawn-out fight to gain independence from the nation’s earlier occupiers (which includes France, Thailand, and Japan, in case you’re keeping tabs).

The interiors of this brilliantly understated monument is richly decorated with painted walls and ceilings depicting gods, goddesses and elephants, and for a small fee, allows you to climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of this charming, old-fashioned city. In fact, you’ll be delighted to discover that the seven floors of this monument contain administrative offices, a gift shop, and even a museum; with an actual telescope fitted in its viewing platform for an exceptional viewing experience.

5. Explore the Wats of Vientiane.

The streets of Vientiane are heavily peppered with impressively gilded Wats no matter where you turn. Massive bronze and gold structures, spectacular stupas, magnificent shrines and prayer halls. Most of these Wats (save the more notable few) allow free admission where you can just simply walk in, enjoy the surroundings, and possibly even engage in conversation with the younger novice monks hanging around the courtyards during their free time; but a handful of bigger temples may charge a small fee – though it is still well worth your money. The Wat Si Saket, for instance, is the oldest temple in all of Vientiane – and marvellously, still in its full original form since it was built in 1818. There are more than 10,000 Buddha images and murals covering every spare inch of space in this temple, and provides for hours of exploration and contemplation if you have half an afternoon to spare.

The Haw Phra Kaew doesn’t fall short either: This Wat was originally constructed in 1565 as a temple for Lao Royals, and is surrounded by well-landscaped gardens, 18^th century bronze Buddha images, ancient inscribed stones, and many other artifacts including a 2,000 year old stone jar from the Plain of Jars site.

Amidst all the ornamental majesty, it is quite easy to forget that these are, after all, still places of worship; be respectful in both behavior and dressing, and be mindful of the shoes-off rule wherever applicable.

6. Rise and Shine Early For A Totally Laotian Experience at the Talat Sao Morning Market.

There’s no denying it: there is no market across the span of Laos that can ever rival those in Bangkok, but the Talat Sao Morning Market sure gives them all a run for their money.

From early morning all the way till mid-afternoon, Talat Sao is as bustling as it ever gets in all of Vientiane. The labyrinth of alleys stock a mish-mash of products in a most delightfully disorganized way, creating a scene of constant coming-and-going that contrasts sharply with the rest of this sleepy city. There are some excellent (albeit somewhat kitschy) bargains to be discovered in this provincial shopping destination; from cheap, gold trinkets and souvenir-type items, to second-hand home appliances and electronics.

Talat Sao is a thoroughly authentic Laos experience, and is definitely the place to come if you’re hunting for the best prices – better yet if you’re a skilled master in the art of haggling.

7. Pay Homage At Pha That Luang, the National Monument of Laos.

Constructed in 1556, the That Luang is a national symbol and the most sacred monument in all of Laos today. This colossal Buddhist Stupa measures a whopping 45 metres in height, and is surrounded in turn by 30 smaller stupas. Based on popular belief, this temple houses a rib bone of Buddha, and was originally consecrated as a site for annual festivals where the King would test the loyalty of his chief administrators from all corners of the Lane Xang kingdom.

If you’re digging the splendid shimmery hues of That Luang, you’ll be psyched to know that its entirety is covered with 500kg of gold leaf, a precious metal that allows it to achieve its very splendid colour. Compared to its original form though, That Luang today is best described as heavily plundered and damaged, having lived through a handful of notorious invasions and raids during the 1800s.

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Enjoy Vientiane, I know I did.