Located along a bend of the Mekong River in the North West of the Laos, Vientiane is Southeast Asia’s smallest capital city and today its peaceful demeanour belies a turbulent past. For over 1000 years it was conquered by many countries and their influence is evident still. With French colonial architecture and tree lined boulevards alongside the old world charm of the Chinese shop houses, it is full of fascinating things to see, from the Morning market to the statues in Buddha Park and from the Mekong riverside to the ancient temples and pagodas and with very little traffic it is the ideal city for exploring on foot.