Viangchan

Viangchan is an alternative transliteration for Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos.

Located on the banks of the Mekong River opposite Nong Khai in Thailand, Viangchan serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of Laos.

Administratively, it is the capital of Vientiane Prefecture and hosts central government institutions, foreign missions, and major national institutions.

The city developed as the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom in the 16th century and continued to be the Lao capital through French colonial rule and into independence.

It contains important religious and historical sites, including Pha That Luang, a gold-covered stupa regarded as Laos' national symbol, and Wat Si Saket. Patuxai, a notable triumphal arch in the city center, is another landmark.

Viangchan is a hub for transportation and services, with Wattay International Airport handling international flights and a river port on the Mekong supporting commerce. Today the city retains a mix of riverside scenery, colonial-era architecture, and modern development, making it Laos’ primary political and administrative center.

The name Viangchan appears in older maps and documents, while Vientiane is the contemporary form used in most international contexts.