Vientiane Center Vientiane
A large Vientiane mall with entertainment, but often quiet with limited shops. Offers a department store, food court, and lakeside cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially livelier atmosphere
Vientiane Center Vientiane
Best Time
Potentially livelier atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A large Vientiane mall with entertainment, but often quiet with limited shops. Offers a department store, food court, and lakeside cafe.
"Looks large and promising on the outside, but no substance inside, unfortunately. So much potential."
Manage Expectations
Reviews suggest it's 'very average' with limited shops. Don't expect a bustling mall experience.
Explore the Food Court
Some stalls are open on the 3rd floor, offering potentially cheap meals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Department Store & Unique Canteen
Explore the main department store for mid-range goods and a unique shared canteen offering affordable meals, possibly for staff.
Food Court & Entertainment
Find a food court on the 3rd floor with some open stalls, plus a kids' play area, cinema, bowling, and billiard center.
Central Lake Restaurant & Cafe
Enjoy snacks and relaxation by the lake behind the mall, featuring a distinctive balloon duck in the center.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Vientiane Center: What to Expect
Timing Your Visit for a Better Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Manage Expectations
Reviews suggest it's 'very average' with limited shops. Don't expect a bustling mall experience.
Explore the Food Court
Some stalls are open on the 3rd floor, offering potentially cheap meals.
Check for Events
Look for specific events or entertainment like bowling or cinema for a more engaging visit.
Adjacent Parkson Center
The newest mall, Parkson Center, is right next door and might offer more variety.
Tips
from all over the internet
Manage Expectations
Reviews suggest it's 'very average' with limited shops. Don't expect a bustling mall experience.
Explore the Food Court
Some stalls are open on the 3rd floor, offering potentially cheap meals.
Check for Events
Look for specific events or entertainment like bowling or cinema for a more engaging visit.
Adjacent Parkson Center
The newest mall, Parkson Center, is right next door and might offer more variety.
Lake View Ambiance
Enjoy the view and snacks at the Central Lake Restaurant & Cafe behind the mall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vientiane Center is a large mall with potential, but reviews consistently point to a lack of open shops and a quiet atmosphere, even on weekends. While it offers some entertainment like a cinema and bowling, and a food court, it doesn't live up to expectations as a bustling shopping hub. The adjacent Central Lake offers a pleasant view for relaxation.
"Very average shopping mall by modern standards. From the many travel site recommendations about this mall offering shopping and entertainment choices, the reality was very different. Limited shopping stores aside from a large department store and some jewellery shops. There was a food court upstairs, kids play area and cinema but otherwise not much else on offer. Looked large and promising on the outside, but no substance inside, unfortunately. So much potential. Hopefully, they will offer more shopping variety in the future."
Albert Le
"We were here on Saturday afternoon and it was dead. No idea why it’s so quiet as it’s supposed to be the best mall in Vientiane. Got my ear pierced though"
jeremy kalous
"Just normal mall in vientiane, quite huge but silent. The location is right beside parkson center which is the newest one. The department store is selling middle class stuff. The mall have just several restaurant and the unique is shared canteen which is looked like providing cheap meal for staff. Food court are in the 3rd floor, but just some stall is opened. There are also tennis table court, bowling center and billiard center. The building is likely shared with office building, so if i compared to the next building (parkson center), there are more life sign in here, ha ha ha. Behind the building, there are lake with beautiful view in night (it have baloon duck in the center), the name is central lake restaurant & cafe where you can eat some snack and chilled in this spot."
Tan Oo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vientiane Center is located in the city center of Vientiane. Many visitors arrive by taxi or tuk-tuk. If you're staying nearby, consider renting a bike for more flexibility, though security for parked bikes is a concern for some travelers. +1
Yes, it's situated in the heart of Vientiane, making it a central point for exploration. 
Besides taxis and tuk-tuks, the Loca app is a popular ride-hailing service in Vientiane. Renting a motorbike is also an option for longer stays, but research rental companies and parking security.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Vientiane Center is a shopping mall and does not typically have an entrance fee. You only pay for purchases or activities within the mall.
While specific hours can vary, shopping malls generally open in the morning and close in the evening. It's advisable to check locally or look for specific venue hours if you plan to visit a cinema or entertainment center.
Information on current events or promotions is not widely available online. It's best to check for local listings or inquire upon arrival.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Reviews indicate a limited selection, primarily a large department store and some jewelry shops. Many stores may be closed, so expectations should be managed. +1
There's a food court on the 3rd floor with some open stalls, and a unique shared canteen that might offer affordable meals.
The department store sells mid-range items, but specific international brand availability is not widely detailed.
While some food options might be cheap, the overall shopping experience might not be geared towards budget shoppers, with some items noted as expensive. +1
This appears to be a unique dining area within the mall, possibly catering to mall staff or offering very basic, affordable meals.
🎫 🎬 Entertainment & Activities
The mall features a cinema, a kids' play area, a bowling center, and a billiard center.
Yes, a cinema is available within the Vientiane Center complex.
Yes, a bowling center is part of the entertainment facilities offered at the mall.
It has a kids' play area and entertainment options like bowling, which could appeal to families, though the overall quiet atmosphere might be a factor.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The exterior of the mall might look promising, and the Central Lake behind it offers a pleasant view, especially at night with its balloon duck feature.
Behind the mall, the Central Lake offers a beautiful view, particularly in the evening.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
While the mall's retail offerings might not be budget-focused, the potential for cheap eats and the availability of free-to-explore areas like the lake behind the mall make it accessible. Consider using local transport like tuk-tuks or exploring on foot if distances allow. couples
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Vientiane Center: Reality vs. Expectation
Despite the retail limitations, the mall does offer entertainment options. A cinema, kids' play area, bowling alley, and billiard center provide activities for visitors. The food court on the third floor, though not fully operational according to some accounts, can offer affordable meal choices.
For those seeking a more vibrant experience, the mall's proximity to the newer Parkson Center is a plus, offering a potential alternative for shopping.
Beyond the Mall: Exploring Vientiane's City Center
While Vientiane Center itself might be understated, the surrounding city center offers a glimpse into local life. The Lao Art Museum is a significant cultural spot, showcasing local art.
The iconic Pha That Luang, a grand golden stupa, is another key landmark in the city center, known for its breathtaking detail and impressive height. For a touch of luxury and relaxation, the Nobu Onsen and Spa offers an authentic Japanese experience within the city center, providing an escape from the urban hustle.
The city center also hosts various residential properties, with some offering furnished apartments for rent.
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