I travelled to the capital of Laos with Hamish by overnight train from Bangkok in February 2010.

As we crossed the border we traversed the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River.

The train actually terminated at Thanaleng, whose station had only opened eleven months prior to our visit. After getting the entry visa sorted it was a 20km tuk-tuk ride into the capital. A great way to arrive.

Our Train Arrived At Thanaleng Station, Laos

Vientiane

The capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is not what you would call pretty in a Luang Prabang sense, but it has plenty of highlights, most notably the That Luang Stupa.

There are plenty of wats (Buddhist temples) scattered about and hanging out by the Mekong with its bars and street food stalls is great fun.

Sampling my first Beer Lao was also a special occasion!

Vientiane Photo Montage

We departed from the capital to the aforementioned Luang Prabang (see L in my A-Z Challenge) by bus which took 10-hours, allowing for a puncture and wheel change along the way!

The city beginning with V that I have not visited yet and would most like to?

Vladivostok on Russia’s Pacific Coast. How about you?

Look out for W on Monday.