Vientiane is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia that many people have yet to discover. It's the capital of Laos and has a small town feel with friendly locals, delicious food, and a relaxed pace of life. The streets are lined with charming French-colonial architecture, and you'll find plenty of temples and monasteries to explore.

One of the best things about Vientiane is the food. You can try local street food like noodle soups, sticky rice, and papaya salad, or head to one of the French bakeries for pastries and coffee. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Mekong River.

If you're interested in history and culture, Vientiane won't disappoint. There are numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries to visit, including Wat Si Saket, which has over 6,000 Buddha statues. You can also learn about the country's past at the COPE Visitor Center, which highlights the impact of unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War.

Overall, Vientiane is a great destination for those looking to experience something off the beaten path. You'll find a unique blend of French and Lao cultures, friendly locals, and plenty to see and do.

The nearest airport to Vientiane is Wattay International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to reach your desired destination within the city. If you want to leave Vientiane and go to other destinations in Laos, you can take a bus or a domestic flight from Wattay International Airport.

The best time to visit Vientiane, Laos is between November and February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are cooler.

Vientiane has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

In November to February, the weather is generally dry and cool with temperatures ranging from 18-28°C (64-82°F). This is considered the most pleasant time to visit the city, with plenty of sunshine and cool breezes.

March to May, temperatures rise and rainfall increases. Temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F) during the daytime, making it quite hot and humid.

From June to October, Vientiane experiences heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. It can also be hot and humid during this period with temperatures ranging from 24-34°C (75-93°F).

Costs for food and accommodation in Vientiane, Laos may include:

- Budget hotel or guesthouse: $10-15 USD per night
- Mid-range hotel: $30-50 USD per night
- Luxury hotel: $100+ USD per night
- Local street food: $1-5 USD per meal
- Mid-range restaurant: $10-20 USD per meal
- Fine dining restaurant: $30+ USD per meal

Vientiane, Laos is generally considered a safe destination in terms of crime rates. However, there have been some reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in busy tourist areas. As for safety for women, Laos is generally considered safe but it is important for women to take caution when traveling alone, especially at night. Racial tolerance is generally good in Laos where people are generally friendly and accepting of foreigners. While Laos is a conservative, traditional society, it is generally tolerant of LGBTQ individuals. However, LGBTQ rights are not widely recognized in Laos and it is advisable for travelers to be discreet about their sexuality.

The population of Vientiane, Laos is approximately 820,000 people. The majority of the population is of Lao ethnicity, with smaller populations of Vietnamese, Chinese, and other ethnic groups. Buddhism is the predominant religion, with a small percentage of the population practicing other religions. The official language is Lao, but many people also speak French and English. The gender breakdown is relatively equal, with slightly more females than males. As for the racial breakdown, the vast majority of the population is of Asian ethnicity, specifically Southeast Asian.

Some common tourist activities in Vientiane, Laos include visiting temples such as the Buddha Park, strolling through the night market at the riverside, exploring the That Luang Stupa, enjoying local food and drink at cafes and restaurants, cycling around the city, and taking boat tours along the Mekong River. Other activities include learning about the history and culture of the city at museums and galleries, getting massages and spa treatments, and shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs at various markets and shops.