Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. The city exudes a provincial charm and tranquility, with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards a midst monumental Angkorian architecture. Many interesting touristy sites can be found in the capital, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Wat Phnom. Several market places sell interesting items from carvings, paintings, silk, silver and even antiques.
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.