Vientiane’s quiet resilience along the Mekong hides a turbulent past
Vientiane, the quiet capital of Laos, sits along the Mekong River with a history stretching back centuries. Since December 1975, it has served as the political heart of the Lao Democratic People’s Republic—one of the world’s youngest Communist-led nations. Despite its long past, the city remains small, with fewer skyscrapers and global chains than neighbouring Southeast Asian capitals.
The country itself carries deep scars from its recent history. Between 1964 and 1973, the US dropped roughly two million bombs on Laos during the Vietnam War, leaving it the most heavily bombed nation per capita in history. Today, Laos balances its turbulent past with slow but steady economic growth, though challenges like inflation and low wages persist.
Vientiane’s skyline stays low, with only a modest airport of six gates handling short-haul flights. The city’s 850,000 residents live in a place that feels far removed from the bustling metropolises of Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, change is coming. A China-backed high-speed railway now links Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, cutting travel times and boosting tourism.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed former royal capital, remains Laos’ star attraction. Its temples and French-colonial charm draw the most visitors, while Vientiane hums along at a slower pace. Meanwhile, many young Lao people leave for Thailand, where stronger job markets—especially in hospitality—offer better pay.
The economy has grown over the past decade, but rising inflation and a weakening currency make life harder for locals. The World Bank predicts 3.5% growth in 2025, yet home ownership stays out of reach for most. Some, like Aditta Kittikhoun, a Lao-American entrepreneur, are building businesses in Vientiane. Her media and marketing company reflects a small but growing creative sector in the capital.
Still, the shadows of war linger. Unexploded ordnance from the 1960s and 70s continues to affect rural communities, a grim reminder of a conflict that reshaped the nation.
Laos moves forward with cautious optimism. The new railway improves travel, while cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang offer glimpses of both tradition and gradual modernisation. Yet economic pressures and the legacy of war shape daily life for many. For now, growth remains steady but uneven, with opportunities concentrated in tourism and infrastructure—while challenges like inflation keep progress slow for ordinary citizens.
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