Vientiane · Laos
Chao Anouvong Park
Gaze into history, feel the pulse of Vientiane by the Mekong.
Discover the heart of Vientiane — the King's statue facing the Mekong, riverside promenades, and stunning sunset views.
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Vientiane attractions
Chao Anouvong Park
Chao Anouvong Park
Soft sunset
Sun & sky planner
Times are estimates for the park's location
Live data from Open-Meteo at the park's coordinates
About the park
An urban oasis by the Mekong
Located in the center of Vientiane, Chao Anouvong Park stretches along the Mekong River and is one of the city's most popular public spaces.
The park is named after King Anouvong, a famous figure in Lao history. His bronze statue stands tall, holding a sword in one hand and pointing towards Thailand across the Mekong with the other, symbolizing the independence and dignity of the Lao people.
During the day, it is a lush green promenade; in the evening, as the Mekong sunset turns the sky golden, the park transforms into a vibrant night market and a hub for citizen recreation.
“Here you can see the most authentic street life of Vientiane and the most beautiful sunset.”
Arrive around 17:30 to watch the sunset, then explore the night market for street food.
See full guide →Visitor Guide
Visit Tips
Straightforward, useful advice for a relaxed evening at Chao Anouvong Park.
Open 24 hours
- Best time17:30 - 18:30
- Night market18:00 - 22:00
Free Entry
- AdmissionCompletely free public space
Public restrooms cost around 2,000-3,000 Kip
Getting there
- Walking10-15 mins walk from city center
- Tuk-tukTell the driver to go to the Mekong night market
- BicycleCycling along the river is very pleasant
- ✈️ Airport to the park (Wattay Intl. VTE)Wattay International Airport is about 3–5 km away, roughly 15–25 min by car. Step-by-step:
- After baggage claim, exit the arrivals hall and look for the bright-yellow LOCA / InDrive taxi point outside the terminal, or connect to airport Wi-Fi and book via the app.
- In the app, or tell the driver the destination: Chao Anouvong Park (riverside, Mekong).
- Alternatively, buy a fixed-fare ticket at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall — about 150,000 Kip, assigned to a licensed taxi.
- The car goes via Route 13 or the city centre to Fa Ngum Road; get off at the park entrance and walk straight to the statue and riverside promenade.
- Fare guide: app ride about 60,000–120,000 Kip; avoid unmetered tuk-tuks to prevent overcharging. After 17:30 the riverside gets congested, so allow extra time.
Photography & Viewpoints
Two easy vantage points for postcard shots of the park and the Mekong.
Best light windows
Warm, low-angle light rakes across the statue.
The king is rimmed with gold and the river glows.
Both banks light up — ideal for long exposures.
Best photo spots
Shoot into the low sun for the king's silhouette with a golden rim.
Use a telephoto to compress and avoid the crowds.
Frame Nong Khai's afterglow and its reflection on the water.
Get low to the water for a clean mirror reflection.
Camera / phone settings
Spot-meter the sky, underexpose ~1 stop.
Enable HDR; tap the sky to focus and drag exposure down.
Tripod + f/8 + 2s exposure.
Pro mode ISO 100 long exposure, or Night mode.
Quick tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early to claim a spot.
- A small travel tripod helps with blue-hour long exposures.
- Respect the statue — never climb the railing for a shot.
🌫️ Haze Season
Late dry season (Feb to April) may have agricultural burning haze, affecting sunset views.
FAQ
Is there an entrance fee? +
The park is a fully open public green space with no ticket — free and open 24 hours a day.
How long should I plan to visit? +
Allow 1.5–3 hours: ~30 min at the statue and riverside walk, ~30 min watching the Mekong sunset from the steps, and 1–2 hours at the night market for food and crafts.
Are there toilets or luggage storage? +
Public toilets are available in the park and around the night market, costing about 2,000–3,000 Lao kip (bring small change and tissues). There is no luggage storage inside the park — leave large bags at your hotel or use a nearby café's service.
How do I get to the park? +
It sits on the Mekong in central Vientiane. Walk 10–15 min from the city centre; use the LOCA or InDrive apps (set destination to Chao Anouvong Park); or take a tuk-tuk and show the driver 'Night Market' / 'Chao Anouvong Statue'.
Can I drive and park nearby? +
After 17:30 the riverside Fa Ngum Road gets very congested — four-wheel parking is not advised. Bikes/motorbikes can use marked roadside bays (a small fee of about 5,000 kip may apply).
What payment is accepted at the night market? +
Most stalls are cash only. Carry Lao kip (LAK); some accept Thai baht (THB) or US dollars but change is given in kip at a loss. Local apps like BCEL One work at a few shops, but cards are rarely usable at stalls.
Is the street food safe? +
The night market is generally clean. If you have a sensitive stomach: choose hot, freshly grilled or boiled items; be cautious with raw seafood or cut fruit; ask for 'no ice' in drinks.
How should I behave at the statue? +
The king is a sacred national hero. Dress modestly (no beachwear), never climb the base or railing, and avoid playful or disrespectful gestures. You may lay marigold or champa garlands at the offering altar.
Can I fly a drone? +
Not recommended without permission. The park borders the Mekong international boundary (Thailand opposite) and lies near government and diplomatic areas — an unauthorised drone risks confiscation or a heavy fine.
Is the park safe at night? +
Very safe. Vientiane is peaceful and the park is well lit, with many local families around. Still, watch your bag, phone and wallet in crowds.
What about the haze season? +
From Feb to Apr (late dry season) agricultural burning can raise the AQI and haze the sky, so sunsets may glow red rather than golden. Consider a mask if you are sensitive.
History & Legends
The Gaze of King Chao Anouvong
The park's name and its central statue carry the Lao people's deep memory of independence and dignity.
Birth of a king
Chao Anouvong is born in the Kingdom of Vientiane — the last crown prince who would later become its final king.
The uprising against Siam
He leads a revolt to reclaim Lao independence. Vientiane is devastated in the war, yet his defiance turns him into a national hero.
Park & bronze statue unveiled
Completed for the 450th anniversary of Vientiane's founding: a 14-metre bronze statue of the king rises on the Mekong shore.
Heart of the riverside city
A symbol of Vientiane and the living centre of riverside civic life — where history and daily life meet.
Drag the slider to compare the calm of day with the bustle of the night market
History & the Hero's Legend
The hero-king who gazes at the great river
At the centre of the park stands the bronze statue of King Chao Anouvong, 8 metres tall (14 metres including its base). In armour, his right hand grips a sword while his left hand points firmly across the Mekong toward Thailand. Chao Anouvong (1767–1829) was the last ruler of the Vientiane Kingdom and a symbol of Lao independence and dignity.
The final echo of 1826
In the early 19th century, Laos was under Siamese (Thai) control. In 1826, King Chao Anouvong launched a struggle for national independence. Though the uprising failed against overwhelming odds and the old city of Vientiane was destroyed, his spirit of defending his homeland's honour made him an eternal hero in the Lao people's hearts.
The naga and the guardian of the river
In Lao belief, the Mekong is not only a life-giving mother river but also the home of the Phaya Naga — a mythical dragon. Local legend holds that the king's statue stands guard on the bank alongside the naga, blessing Vientiane with peace and prosperity. On traditional festivals such as Boun Lai Heua Fai (the end-of-lent river festival), tens of thousands of citizens gather along the park's riverfront to float thousands of flower lanterns, carrying reverence for history and wishes for the future.
The king's gaze and gesture
One hand rests a sword at his side; the other reaches toward the opposite bank (Nong Khai, Thailand). In local lore this gesture is both a declaration of Laos's former territory and dignity, and a blessing upon those who come after.
The Mekong dragon (Phaya Naga)
Lao folklore is intertwined with the naga of the Mekong. Locals believe a dragon dwells at the riverbed beneath the park, protecting the land. Each year during Boun Lai Heua Fai, citizens float lanterns and hold boat races by the river to honour the river spirit and the naga.
The Champa flower (Dok Champa)
Beyond the frangipani in the garden, the Dok Champa — Laos's national flower — symbolises purity, devotion and the gentle hospitality of the Lao people. Offerings of marigold or champa garlands at the statue's base are a quiet way to pay respect.
Memory of a national hero
In Lao historical narrative, Chao Anouvong is synonymous with courage. Locals often lay flowers and incense before the statue to express respect and remembrance.
Did you know?
This is one of the largest bronze statues in Laos. On special occasions the base is surrounded by flowers during grand commemorations.
Modern landscape, historic depth
The park's design balances modern urban planning with historical commemoration. Open plazas, tidy paths and the stately statue together give Vientiane's centre a rare sense of openness.
Life by the river
For Vientiane residents, the Mekong is both a natural border and the centre of life. Evening river breezes carry away the day's heat as people gather, continuing a riverside way of life passed down through generations.
A note on respect
Near the king's statue, please keep an appropriate reverence — no disrespectful gestures or climbing the base.
A conversation across one river
Standing in the park, across the broad Mekong lies Thailand's Nong Khai province. At night, the lights of both banks mirror each other, telling of the ancient civilisation nurtured by this great river.
Riverbank & nature
Feel the breath of the Mekong
“A mother river flowing endlessly — witnessing the city's sunsets and dawns.”
Built along the Mekong River, Chao Anouvong Park is not only the city's flood embankment, but also a green space for citizens to get close to nature. The morning breeze and evening coolness make it an ideal place to escape the tropical heat.
Weather & the river
The river breeze after sunset is perfect for walking or jogging.
In the dry season, large sandbars emerge; in the wet season, the river is full.
The park is planted with tropical trees, providing shade during the day.
Plants in the park
The national flower of Laos (Dok Champa), seen everywhere in the park.
- White and yellow — Exuding a light, elegant fragrance
Well-maintained green spaces, perfect for family picnics.
- Shade trees — Providing shelter for visitors under the hot sun
What you might see
- Birds returning to their nests in the evening
- Children playing on the lawns
- Locals doing aerobics
- Travelers enjoying the river breeze
Leave No Trace
Help keep the park clean and respect the local community's way of life.
Check off as you go — small actions keep the city park beautiful
Highlights by time
Scenery at different times of the day
🗓 17:30-18:30
Visible on clear days
🗓 Around 06:00
Full of local life
🗓 After 18:00
Every evening
Food & Drink
Night market & street food
As the sun sets, the famous Vientiane Night Market next to the park and countless food stalls begin to awaken.
Fresh mango and dragon fruit smoothies, perfect for cooling down.
Charcoal-grilled meat skewers, full of aroma.
The classic Lao appetizer, spicy and refreshing.
Sweet pancakes drizzled with condensed milk, loved by tourists.
Note: local prices may shift slightly with the Lao kip (LAK) exchange rate. The prices above are about 0.5–1.0 USD and are for reference only.
“After walking the night market, buying a snack and sitting on the riverbank steps to enjoy the breeze—this is the Vientiane night.”
Gallery
Moments in the park
A day in the park — from morning tranquility to a brilliant sunset.
Images are illustrative of the park's atmosphere and vary with time and weather.
Images for reference and non-commercial use.
Reviews
What visitors say
A glance at recent visitor impressions (from public travel reviews).
Reviews compiled from independent travel platforms, for reference only
The view is very open and the sunset is beautiful.
A very historic landmark, worth seeing.
The night market next to it is lively, you can buy lots of souvenirs.
The river breeze is very comfortable, lots of locals.
Lots of people dancing in the square at night, very energetic.
Right in the city center, very convenient transportation.
Night market snacks are cheap and delicious.
The park is clean and well-landscaped.
Sources
Our references
This non-commercial guide compiles public info to help visitors plan responsibly.
Facts & figures
Ratings, hours, and coords compiled from public sources and subject to change — verify locally before visiting.
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Email us© 2026 Chao Anouvong Park guide · non-commercial visitor resource
Location & Map
Find Chao Anouvong Park
Located in the center of Vientiane, along the Mekong River, it is one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
📍 Vientiane 01600 Laos
🧭 Plus Code XJ64+JW Vientiane
🌐 17.9616°N, 102.6073°E