2 Best Sights in Laos

The main square in Vientiane's tourist area used to reflect more emphatically the city's French influence, reinforced further by a cadre of very Gallic restaurants around the perimeter. Unfortunately, a recent renovation saw Nam Phou's namesake central fountain incorporated into a fancy new restaurant complex, including a skate park, visually disrupting the plazalike feel. The fountain is lit up multicolor at night, and bands perform for a crowd dominated on most days by tourists and Lao youth hanging out. The square and surrounding streets still contain many restaurants.

Savannakhet's center develops around this old square, at whose upper end stands the iconic Catholic church Eglise Sainte Therese. One of the few churches in Laos, it is surrounded by peaceful gardens and can be visited throughout the day. All around Talat Yen Plaza, a grid of historical lanes boast several interesting yet crumbling art deco French buildings, perfect to explore on foot. From 5 pm Talat Yen Plaza fills up with a popular night market: you'll find souvenirs and stalls selling the usual Lao and Thai stir-fries and noodle-based dishes. The series of little bars and cafés that dot the square's perimeter are great spots to have a coffee or a drink in town.