Located on the banks of the Mekong River, the relaxed city of Vientiane is one of three venues that will be hosting AFF Suzuki Cup matches for the first time in 2018.

It’s also, along with fellow first time host Bacolod, one of the smallest cities to have welcomed the region’s leading tournament to its door.

With ancient temples dotted alongside French-inspired architecture and small enough to navigate the major areas of interest on foot, the Laotian capital is a welcoming host for the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup.

City: Vientiane

Population: 783,000

Currency: Lao Kip (1LAK = 0.00012 USD)

Stadium: New Laos National Stadium

Local clubs: Laos national team

The modern venue of the New Laos National Stadium was completed just in time to be the centrepiece of the 2009 SEA Games and will now take centre stage once again as the nation hosts its first ever AFF Suzuki Cup matches.

Having been drawn to welcome one of the tournament favourites, Vietnam, on the opening day (November 8) and then neighbours Myanmar eight days later there has been huge interest from locals in seeing the region’s best talent in their own backyard and there should be a lively atmosphere for those two showpiece fixtures.

Away from the action though there’s plenty to keep visiting football fans occupied in the breezy Lao capital.

What to do: Although there are several museums, cultural sights and markets (the night market being prime among them) that are well worth a visit perhaps the two most seminal experiences are the Patuxai (victory gate) that stands in the middle of the city and which resembles Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and the magnificent Pha That Luang, an ancient, towering, golden stupa that holds both great cultural and religious significance.

What to eat: Larb – Probably the most well-known Lao dish, larb (also spelt as larp) is a kind of ‘meat salad’ but one that comes in a variety of forms, with either pork, fish, chicken or beef used as a the central ingredient and then surrounded by rice and flavoured with garlic, lime juice, onion and mint.

Useful phrases: As with any good football odyssey it’s handy to be able to exchange a few greetings with opposition fans and in Vientiane you’ll be welcomed warmly by the hosts if you tell them sokdee su su der! (good luck in today’s match) and if it’s Laos that emerges on top a hearty som sei der! (congratulations for the win) will surely be well-received post-match.

Where to watch the other games: Whilst there are a number of sports bars (Highland is a popular choice) that will be showing all the matches, as with many of the host cities the best bet is simply to wander around the downtown area and duck into one of the many bars and cafes that will have the matches on.

Where to stay: Most visitors opt to stay in the central or downtown area of the city where you’re within walking distance to many of the main sights, restaurants and cafes as well as the lively night market.

Stadium access: Given that the stadium is located some 8-10 kilometres away from the downtown area of Vientiane (where most supporters are likely to be staying) and with limited public transport options your best bet is take a taxi, jumbo (a slightly larger tuk-tuk) or local tuk-tuk but make sure, with big crowds expected, to allow plenty of time to make the journey outside of the city centre.

Inside knowledge: Phithack Kongmathilath (Laos striker)

If you want to know about the identity of a city and it’s delights through a football prism where better to go than a current international.

22-year-old Army FC forward Phithack Kongmathilath is a regular up front for Laos and here he gives some insider tips on just how he fuels his goalscoring sprees.

“Laos has so much to offer for those who want a relaxing and easy-going way of life.

“It is the perfect blend between natural landscapes and a developing country and many people who come here fall instantly in love.

“As for Vientiane I suggest for people to be curious and really try all the flavours of food that the city has to offer.

“In the downtown area the street food will always be my favourite and I have been going there since my childhood so surely visitors to Vientiane can’t go wrong with that!”

Photos: Getty Images