Spas and massage: Vientiane has its fair share of places to unwind after a day of sightseeing and whilst they might not compare with those found in neighbouring Thailand in terms of class, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. Laos massage is akin to Thai massage in its style and approach and a good 90 minute session will soon have you forgetting all about those tired limbs. Swimming: an outdoor swimming pool is located off Khoun Boulom Street in the city centre and is open for public use with a reasonable fee for entry. The pool is 25 metres in length and is used by the Lao National Swimming team in preparation for Inter-Asian events. The pool tends to get busy at the weekends. Shopping: the Morning Market is Vientiane’s best place to do a spot of shopping and certainly the place to head to find souvenirs or gifts for family and friends back home. Get into the spirit of the bargaining game and as well as having a little fun, you may end up making significant savings. Eating: everybody’s got to eat but when you’re in a country that offers so many great varieties of food, you might as well make the best of it and seek out some new culinary experiences. Try the usual tourist/expat hangouts by all means but certainly consider testing out the street vendors or the eateries that normally only the locals frequent if you want to get a taste for the most authentic Lao cuisine. | 
