The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. Located along the Mekong River across from Thailand, Vientiane is the largest city in Laos and serves as the political and administrative center of the country. The city features a mix of traditional Lao culture and colonial architecture, reflecting its history. Prominent landmarks in Vientiane include Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa considered the national symbol of Laos, and the Patuxai, a war monument honoring those who fought for independence. Vientiane is also noted for its relaxed atmosphere compared to other Southeast Asian capitals and offers a variety of cultural experiences and traditional markets.