As capital cities go, Vientiane feels little more than a country town.
A broad, open community beside the Mekong River, it’s largely on the flat and ideal for walking around (though a tuk tuk will help you through the traffic).
The temples and stupas are the highlights, particularly Wat Si Saket and Pha That Luang. The place to chill is by the river in one of the café kiosks’ gardens.