We had plenty of time in Vientiane, so we explored not just the main tourist attractions but also some lesser-known spots on the outskirts of the city. One of our favourite discoveries was a small, independent art gallery showcasing contemporary work by local artists. It’s free to visit and well worth spending an hour or two if you’re in town.

The i:cat gallery describes itself as “a space for artists to express and showcase art.” It regularly exhibits work by Laotian artists and opens its doors to all visitors at no cost. Inside, you’ll find a mix of both traditional and modern pieces – abstract paintings, pointillism, splatter art, watercolours – demonstrating a range of styles and techniques.

Beyond the canvas, there are also other forms of artistic expression on display, including leaf pressings, miniatures, and photography. The exact works will vary depending on when you visit and which artists are being featured at the time.

The gallery space itself feels like a piece of art. The concrete floor and white plaster walls create a blank canvas for the artwork, while areas of peeling plaster exposing the red bricks beneath inspire the sense of a well-used, messy art studio rather than a polished showroom.

From their social media, you can see that i:cat also hosts live drawing sessions, artist talks, and other creative events. It’s supported by artists and friends, with no commercial agenda, just a shared mission to inspire and uplift art. You can feel that passion the moment you step inside.

Though it’s slightly outside the city centre, Vientiane is small enough that getting there is easy. Even if you’re staying near the river, it’s well worth scheduling some time for a visit to this humble and heartfelt gallery.