Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has much to offer westerners like me. Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia, it's appropriately called "Asia's biggest village". Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong River which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population of 450,000, about 10% of the country. Vientiane is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup. Strategically located on the Mekong, it's an easy access to Thailand (Udon Thani) via the Friendship Bridge or going north to visit the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ideal place to relax and meditate!