Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane (/vjɛnˈtjɑːn/; French pronunciation: ​[vjɛ̃’tjan]; Lao: ວຽງຈັນ, Viang chan, IPA: [ʋíəŋ tɕàn]; Thai: เวียงจันทน์, Wiang Chan, IPA: [wiəŋ tɕan]) is the capital and largest city of Laos, situated on the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule and, due to economic growth in recent times, is now the economic centre of Laos.

I hired a moped and was given a very nice pink helmet – but it did give me a chance to explore the city while others went shopping.