Vientianese

Vientianese refers to people, things, or customs originating from or associated with Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Vientiane is situated on the Mekong River, near the border with Thailand. The Vientianese population is predominantly Lao, speaking the Lao language, which is the official language of Laos. The city itself is a significant cultural and economic hub for the country.

The culture of Vientianese people is influenced by Theravada Buddhism, which is the dominant religion in Laos. This is reflected in their daily lives, traditions, and the numerous temples found throughout the city, such as Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket. Vientianese cuisine shares similarities with other Lao dishes, often featuring sticky rice, laap (a minced meat salad), and spicy dipping sauces. The pace of life in Vientiane is often described as more relaxed compared to other Southeast Asian capitals.

Historically, Vientiane served as the royal capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in the 16th century and later became the capital of French Laos. This history has left a mark on its architecture, with a blend of traditional Lao structures and French colonial buildings. The term Vientianese can also be used to describe things specific to the city, such as Vientianese art or Vientianese dialect, which may have slight variations from the standard Lao language. The economy of Vientiane is diverse, encompassing administration, tourism, trade, and services.