Vientiane is the country’s capital and is a small city when compared to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and has an equally small population with less than half a million permanent residents. Despite being Laos’ biggest city, Vientiane perhaps lacks the vibrancy of other Asian capitals with not much more than temples and markets to offer in the way of attractions. Certainly in terms of nightlife, the city has the best options available in the country with bars, nightclubs and bowling alleys on hand.