Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Vientiane

VIENTIANE (Reuters Life!) - Got 48 hours to explore Vientiane? Reuters Correspondents with local knowledge help visitors get the most from a short stay in the capital of Laos.

FRIDAY

7 p.m. - Start your weekend at The Spirit House, a chic watering hole with an impressive list of cocktails and a great menu. Whether you choose the benches in the alfresco area by the mighty Mekong or the cozy cushions inside the bar, it's the perfect Friday spot to knock back your favorite tipple.

8 p.m. - Housed in a converted teak house, Le Nadao, on the west side of the Victory Monument, is all rustic charm. It is also one of the best-loved French restaurants in the capital. Don't miss the beef Bourguignon and the chocolate mousse.

10 p.m. - Don Chan Palace, opened in time for the 2004 ASEAN Summit, is the lone concrete eyesore in Vientiane, but it does have a decent, albeit a little cheesy, nightclub if you're determined to welcome the weekend on the dance floor.

SATURDAY

9.00 a.m. - If your head isn't too sore, visit the glittering That Luang Pagoda in the early morning when the air is cool and the stupa is at its most beautiful. As Laos' national symbol - and the location of the country's most important religious festivals - it can take your breath away on a clear day.

10.00 a.m. - Wat Si Saket, one of Vientiane's oldest temples built in 1818, is said to have over 10,000 Buddha images in its outer courtyard.

11.30 a.m. - Hop across the street to Ho Phra Keo and become a culture vulture. Erected originally for the Emerald Buddha which now resides in Bangkok, it was destroyed in 1828. The current Ho Phra Keo is a museum of religious art showcasing some exquisite Buddha images.

1 p.m. - Lunch at the charming Makphet restaurant, run by the NGO Friends-International, and where former street children receive their vocational training. Both the food and the cause are worthy. While you're there, pick up a copy of "Stay Another Day in Laos," a booklet with useful tips on local shops and activities for an alternative itinerary.

2.30 p.m. - Shop at the Morning Market, which stays open all day. This is where you can get all and sundry.

4.30 p.m. - Take a break at Joma, a two-storey coffee shop in the centre of town near the fountain for a caffeine fix and savory cakes.

5.30 p.m. - Vientiane's Arc de Triumphe, Patuxay or the Victory Monument, is one of the few imposing structures in the low-rise city and a magnet for Thai tourists taking day trips. Make sure you go to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

7 p.m. - Pre-dinner cocktails at the two-storey Jazzy Brick. It's wicker-backed armchairs, jazz music and a cocktail list as long as your arm make it a favorite with local expats.

8.00 p.m. - Dinner at Kua Lao, set in a restored colonial mansion. The traditional shows that accompany the food gives the impression of tourist kitsch, but the place doesn't let you down when it comes to offering an extensive and flavorful local food.

10 p.m. - If you're hankering for more late night fun, the colonial-style Khop Chai Deu offers dinner music and a chance to boogie. If you prefer drinks with a view, then go to Bor Pen Nyang, but it closes around 11 p.m.

SUNDAY

8 a.m. - Noodle soups of all kinds are a staple of Lao food and they can be found at any street corner. For a mere dollar or so, you will get a steaming bowl of thin rice noodles with a topping of your choice. It's a great way to start a shopping day.

9 a.m. - Follow the Stay Another Day booklet for unique local products. A few of the must-visit places include Les Artisans Lao, where its coconut handicrafts and coconut oil-based skincare products are made by disadvantaged youths; Kopnoi for eco-dyed cotton apparel; CAMA Crafts for handicrafts made by ethnic minority; Mulberries for handmade silk items and Lao Magic Carpets for gorgeous handmade silk carpets.

12 p.m. - Lunch at the popular Xayoh for reliable Italian fare with Lao and Thai dishes thrown in for good measure.

1.30 p.m. - To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit the Scandinavian Bakery. This place is a Vientiane institution and with such a good selection of both sweet and savory stuff, it's easy to see why. The service is good, and its location near the fountain (Nam Phou) makes this a perfect pit stop.

2.30 p.m. - Pamper yourself at the Papaya Spa, a favorite with local expats and travelers. Beautifully decorated with local knick-knacks and aglow with soft light, the spa's Swedish and foot massages are well-known.

5.00 p.m. - Take a stroll along the banks of Mekong to see first hand how the locals enjoy their weekends. Numerous restaurants and makeshift beer stalls dot the banks, affording the best sunset views.

7 p.m. - Wrap up the weekend with great food and atmosphere at La Silapa. Sit back, relax, sip a Bordeaux from the restaurant's great wine list and enjoy the tempting mix of old, new, eastern and western delights the city has to offer.