Capital of Laos, also known as Vientiane, has several synonyms that can be used interchangeably. The most commonly used synonyms are "Viengchan," which means "city of sandalwood," and "Muang Chanthabouly," which refers to the district in which Vientiane is located. Another synonym for the capital is "Nong Khai," which is the name of the nearest town in Thailand, across the Mekong River from Vientiane. Additionally, Vientiane is sometimes referred to as the "Paris of Southeast Asia" due to its French colonial architecture and cafe culture. With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Vientiane and its many synonyms are worth exploring.