Central Provinces Vientiane Capital
Vientiane.The Lao name for Vientiane is “Viengchan”, the city of santal or of the moon whose crescent evokes the curve of the Mekong river on which the town is built. The capital, with a population of 600 000, is not disfigured by towering skyscrapers, like so many S.E Asian cities.
However, recently, a 15 storey hotel, overlooking the Mekong, has set a new standard for the city. To get a panoramic view of the city, before skyscrapers start to pop up everywhere, go to the top of the “Patouxay”. The best way to explore the city center is still by foot.
The city can be toured by foot, or tuk tuk. Bicycles, motorbikes can be rented for around us$ 8-10 per day, and cars about us$ 50-70 per day. For tourists a trip around Vientiane in a tuk tuk should be negotiable at around 100 000 Kip. To reach the Friendship Bridge a bus will cost 4 000 Kip but a taxi will charge 250 to 300 Thai Baht
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos with a population of about 600,000. Despite being the largest city in Laos, it still retains the comfort and charm of a small town. Its ancient name is Viengchan, the city of santal, and was also known as the city of the moon, so named because it lies along a curve of the Mekong River which resembles the crescent moon.
The city is growing rapidly and construction is visible everywhere, with new roads and new buildings appearing regularly. As of yet however, the skyline remains largely unscathed by the towering skyscrapers seen in other capital cities accross Asia.
The best way to get an overview is at the top of the Patuxay Monument on Lane Xang Avenue
You cannot miss this huge monument on Lane Xang Avenue. It dominates the scenery from all directions.
This awe inspiring park is located on the shores of the Mekong River some 27 km outside of Vientiane a short drive past the Friendship Bridge.
This vat is located just opposite Vat Sisaket and is commonly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It was also used as the royal temple of the Lao monarchy.
Nearly every village in Laos will have its own version of a That Luang. However, the golden Stupa That Luang in Vientiane is the biggest and most magnificent in all of Laos.
Built between 1818 and 1824 by Chao Anou, Vat Si Saket, on the corner of Lane Xang Avenue and Setthathirat Road.
Vat Ong Teu was originally built in the 16th century by King Setthathirat, the builder of Pha That Luang. Like the Great Stupa, it was destroyed in the Siamese invasion of 1828 and was later rebuilt in the 19th century. The temple takes its name from the massive 16th century bronze Buddha image, the largest in Vientiane.
Another example of the beauty of Lao architecture, Vat In Peng is on Setthathirath Road and is respected for its plentiful bas-relief carvings.
Not far from downtown, just before you get to the airport you will see Vat Tai Yai. It was built at the end of the 19th century in a Siamese style. It is noteworthy for its polychromatic decorations as well as its imposing Buddha statue.
Located just a short walk from the centre of town, this stupa is without a doubt very old. According to legend it was guarded by a seven-headed dragon which could protect the city from any Siamese invasion force. History shows that it clearly failed to do so and thus this stupa is not highly worshipped or regarded. This may explain its fading surface and general lack of repair.
This museum is full of artifacts and relics from the war of freedom fought so bravely by the heroes of Lao military history. It’s just across the road from the stunning Lao National Culture Hall on Samsenthai Road. A modern museum with informative displays, it is also a must see to fully appreciate the historical culture of Laos.
(Vietnamese). An exotic-looking Vietnamese pagoda located in a small dead-end street which comes off the khoun Boulom Street, in the center of town.