Being one of the few world capitals that lack the look and feel of what most Westerners would consider a ‘city’, Vientiane is somewhere between a big town and a diminutive city. If you drive into town, you might not even realize when you're actually in the city proper, as Vientiane blends seamlessly with the countryside and you’ll find yourself slowly won over by the easy charms of this evolving backwater. The city may reveal its beauty less readily than Luang Prabang, but spend a few days on its unusual sights and excellent food at sunset by the river would soon make you feel at home here.