Vientiane
Located on a curve of the Mekong River, Vientiane Capital has a recorded history that stretches back to around 1,000 AD. The area was originally settled because of the fertility of the surrounding alluvial plains, and Vientiane became the capital city of Laos around the mid-16th century. In 1563, King Setthathirat, the last great king of Lane Xang, moved his capital from Luang Prabang (which suffered from constant attacks by the Burmese) to Vientiane, bringing with him the Phra Kaew, the sacred Emerald Buddha, and building Wat Ho Phra Kaew to house it. The French Annexation saw the rebuilding of the city from the turn of the 20th century. Like many French colonial cities, Vientiane is characterised by broad, often leafy boulevards, a riverside promenade, creaking colonial mansions painted in sun-bleached tropical hues and mod 1960’s era villas with large gardens dripping in bougainvillea. The city is dotted with rustic wats and traditional homes, coconut palms and tamarind trees, beer shacks and French cafes. source: www.travelfish.org - www.tourismlaos.org
Located on a curve of the Mekong River, Vientiane Capital has a recorded history that stretches back to around 1,000 AD. The area was originally settled because of the fertility of the surrounding alluvial plains, and Vientiane became the capital city of Laos around the mid-16th century. In 1563, King Setthathirat, the last great king of Lane Xang, moved his capital from Luang Prabang (which suffered from constant attacks by the Burmese) to Vientiane, bringing with him the Phra Kaew, the sacred Emerald Buddha, and building Wat Ho Phra Kaew to house it. The French Annexation saw the rebuilding of the city from the turn of the 20th century. Like many French colonial cities, Vientiane is characterised by broad, often leafy boulevards, a riverside promenade, creaking colonial mansions painted in sun-bleached tropical hues and mod 1960’s era villas with large gardens dripping in bougainvillea. The city is dotted with rustic wats and traditional homes, coconut palms and tamarind trees, beer shacks and French cafes. source: www.travelfish.org - www.tourismlaos.org
Sisaket Temple
The only ancient temple remaining intact after the defeat of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city, where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and is certainly one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
The only ancient temple remaining intact after the defeat of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city, where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and is certainly one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
Patuxay Monument (Victory Arch)
The memorial monument, Patuxay, was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. If is situated on Lane Xang Avenue. While the arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnari”, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
The memorial monument, Patuxay, was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. If is situated on Lane Xang Avenue. While the arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnari”, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
That Luang Stupa (Great Sacred Stupa)
First built in 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307 years before A.D), by the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan. It resembled a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original was built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument in Laos. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
First built in 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307 years before A.D), by the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan. It resembled a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original was built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument in Laos. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
That Dam (Black Stupa)
That Dam or Black Stupa in Vientiane is one of the few ancient stupas that remains after the Siamese occupation in the 17th century. It is located in the center of the town and has become one of the most popular city landmarks. It is quite an interesting sight in the middle of what is quickly becoming, a modern city. Since it has not undergone any renovation, vegetation has started to grow out of it which adds to its charm. According to legend, the Black Stupa was built in the 16th century and it is believed to be the home of the seven-headed dragon that struggled to protect Vientiane, her people, and the entire kingdom from Siamese invaders in 1827. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
That Dam or Black Stupa in Vientiane is one of the few ancient stupas that remains after the Siamese occupation in the 17th century. It is located in the center of the town and has become one of the most popular city landmarks. It is quite an interesting sight in the middle of what is quickly becoming, a modern city. Since it has not undergone any renovation, vegetation has started to grow out of it which adds to its charm. According to legend, the Black Stupa was built in the 16th century and it is believed to be the home of the seven-headed dragon that struggled to protect Vientiane, her people, and the entire kingdom from Siamese invaders in 1827. more at: www.tourismlaos.org
Lao National Museum
The old colonial French building in which the museum is housed has a good range of exhibits, artefacts and photographs ranging from prehistoric times up to the present day. more at: www.visit-laos.com
The old colonial French building in which the museum is housed has a good range of exhibits, artefacts and photographs ranging from prehistoric times up to the present day. more at: www.visit-laos.com
Wat Hai Sok