Vientiane
Once the capital of Lane Xang, in the latter
years of that empire's greatness, Vientiane was devastated
many times by foreign invaders, before finally being levelled
by the Siamese in 1828. The only original monument to remain
from before that time is Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by Chao
Anou - the very king responsible for incurring the wrath of
the Siamese and causing his capital's obliteration.
When the French took control of the country
in the late 19th century, they set about totally re-designing
it with the same style as the magnificent Indochinese capitals
of Saigon and Phnom Penh. The wide boulevards lend themselves
nicely to monuments of a grand scale, and one such is the
Patouxai war memorial. It was decided in the late fifties
that Lane Xang Avenue - dubbed the Champs Elysees of Vientiane
- should be crowned with its own version of the Arc de Triomphe
(Patouxai is Lao for Gateway of Victory).
No account of Vientiane would be complete
without mention of the Lao Revolutionary Museum, a monument
to Laos' long struggle to free itself from colonization. The
museum contains such relics as the photograph of Thit Chanto,
who is shown baring his chest in defiance and waving above
his head the rifle he used to shoot down an American fighter-bomber,
which can be seen burning in the background. Though perhaps
a little anachronistic in these post-Glasnost days, the museum
itself is another sign of this city's sense of humour - for
it is housed within the former residence of the French colonial
governor.
Vientiane, the largest city in the
country, is the National capital of Laos. It is located on
the bank of the Mekong River which is also a natural border
with Thailand. It is the political and economic center of
the country with the population of 500,000. The city's exotic
Eurasian setting fascinates most travelers. The confluence
of several cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience.
Tree-lined boulevards, French historical dwellings and Buddhists
temples dominate the scene of central Vientiane and impart
a unique character of timelessness.
Vientiane city is covered by Vientiane province. In Vientiane
province, most people in are farmers. Agricultural is the
major income of the province.
That Luang
That Luang, the great stupa of nation. The monument of king
Sayasetthathirat who found Vientiane as the Capital of Lanexang
kingdom is installed in front of the stupa is painted of golden
color. One part of the Lord Buddha bones is kept for worshipping.
The Buddhist festival is annually performed in the full moon
of the twelve-month of lunar calendar. Vientiane's That Luang
stupa is the most impressive and biggest stupa in Lao, featured
on the Lao insignia. King Setthathirat constructed this stupa
in 1566. The Siamese damaged it badly during their invasion
in 1828, but it was restored in the 1936s. In mid-November,
religious rites as well as a fair are held here during the
That Luang festival. It has been said that if you do not visit
Thaat Luang you do not arrive Laos yet. This is a must place
to visit.
Ho Phrakeo is the Emerald Buddha image temple. It was kept
hares sa the symbol of Lanexang kingdom for more than 200
year. This temple is beautiful and maintained its former designed.
Many bronze Buddha images and historical artifacts are being
for show.Wat Phrakeo still displays some of the finest Buddha
sculptures found in the country.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng - about 152 kilometer from the city of Vientiane.
breathtaking limestone formations nestle along the Song River.
It lies in the foothills of the mountains of Northern Laos,
on the banks of the Song river. The temperature there is a
bit cooler than in Vientiane with a magnificent natural environment.
The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most famous
of which is Tham Jang. Foot can reach many of these caves
from Vangvieng. If you want some adventure you can float on
a tube along the Nam Song river to feel the unspoiled nature
around the river. Catching the sun set is a must when you
visit Vang Vieng. There are daily buses taking tourists from
Vientiane to Vang Vieng and vice versa.
It might also be interested to watch the locals felling underwater
teak trees area was inundated.
Wat Ong Teu
Wat Ong Teu is one of the most famous temple in Vientiane.
Wat Sisaket was restored in 1818. It was formerly called Wat
Sene. Many ancient artifacts could be studied. Particularly
6,840 items of small Buddha images are placed in the inner
side of the wallsWat Sisaket is the oldest temple of Vientiane,
which has survive in its original form. Inside the main hall,
and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, a total
of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small niches or on shelves.
Wat Xieng Khouane (Buddha Park): the park is in pleasant and
it's a religious culture park located by the Mekong River
24 kilometres down river from Vientiane. Features include
an enormous concrete reclining Buddha, and a three-tiered
model of heaven, earth and hell, which visitors may climb
through. Hours: 08.00-16.30.
King Setthathirat also constructed Wat Phra Keo. It was rebuilt
after the Siamese razed it during the Siamese-Lao war of 1828.
The building had housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken
to Bangkok following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778.
Patuxai
Patuxai - also known as Anousavali or The Old Army Museum
is now called the victory gate. Its architecture is inspired
by the Arc de Triumph in Paris incorporated with traditional
Lao design and sculpture. On the ceiling the goodness artifacts
made by Lao artist are very pleasant to see and you can climb
up to the top to get a panoramic view of the city of Vientiane.
Morning Market
Morning Market (Talat Sao) - this is the main shopping place
in Vientiane. There are a variety of goods and local products
with reasonable prices. You can buy Lao designed and handmade
souvenirs such as textiles, Lao skirts (sinh), handicraft,
jewelry and antiques. Open hour is from 07.00-16.00.Accommodation
place situated around the fountains and close to the presidential
office can be managed the check in and the afford prices.
Get another shopping experience by go to Talat Sao and shop
till you drop.
National Ethnic Cultural Park
National Ethnic Cultural Park - also known as Suan Vatthanatham
in Lao, is located 20 kilometers from Vientiane. In this one
place you can see the lifestyle of all the ethnic groups in
Laos, their homes, a small zoo and a good view of the Friendship
bridge linking Laos and Thailand. There are a number of riverside
bars and restaurant so sit back, relax and enjoy the day at
Suan Vatthanatham.
Nam Ngum Reservoir
The Nam Ngum reservoir located 90 km north of Vientiane municipality,
a huge artificial lake created as part of a hydroelectric
scheme. The lake is dotted with hundreds of picturesque islands,
which can be explored by cruising around in small boats. Vientiane
province offers impressive scenery.
The electricity station of Nam Ngum Dam produces electricity
for Vientiane municipality and other provinces including Lao
neighboring countries. In 1998-1999, the total of industrial
exports reached US$271.9 million. The electricity earned US$57.1
million which came to the third of all exports.
