Vientiane (or Viang chan), the classically-designed city, studded with crumbling French mansions with beautiful bougainvillea-blooming streets. Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos. This city became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. It is located in near the Mekong river. These days, Vientiane has become the economic centre of Laos. Pha That Luang is the national symbol of Laos and one of the popular tourist attractions.