Vientiane sits on the Mekong with Thailand just across the water on the opposite bank.
It's one of the quietest capital cities imaginable.
Unlike most Asian cities the motorbikes sound like they are fitted with silencers and you almost never hear a car or motorcycle horn.
Traffic signals are obeyed at all times and you don't take your life in your hands crossing the street.

150km north on route 13 lies Vang Vieng, the must-do backpackers stop between Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
The dramatic karst limestone scenery alone makes Vang Vieng a worthwile stop for a few days.