Vientiane
Vientiane, Laos' national capital, mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets are many notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, built atop a Hindu shrine.
1. Patuxai Victory Monument
Patuxai Victory Monument was designed to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and is set in a park, perfect for a calm sunset walk. The monumentIt is carved with symbols of Hindu Gods and has an additional five towers which resemble traditional Laotian buildings. Built between 1957 and 1968, the Patuxai was dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.
2. Xieng Khuan Buddha Park
Xieng Khuan is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple, the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park was designed in 1958 by a monk with both Hindu and Buddhist influences for the sculptures.
You will find the sculpture of Indra who is atop a three headed elephant and who is considered to be the king of the gods in Hinduism. Other highlights include famous gods on horseback as well as deities with multiple faces and arms. Another highlight is a reclining Buddha which is some 40 meters high.
3. That Luang
Pha That Luang is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of the city . Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area. The central stupa covered in gold leaf at a height of 148 feet, is surrounded by turrets in the typical Laotian style.
4. The Night Market
The Vientiane Night Market starts just after sunset every night and is conveniently located along the Mekong Riverfront. Red-roofed stalls are ready to welcome the guests, selling an items including clothes, textiles, accessories, handicrafts, paintings and a wide range of souvenirs. Be ready to haggle hard and when finished with your purchases your can find street food close by.
5. Wat Ho Phra Keo
Haw Phra Kaew, also written as Ho Prakeo, Hor Pha Keo and other similar spellings, is a former Buddhist temple situated on Setthathirath Road, to the southeast of Wat Si Saket. It was first built in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha, but has been rebuilt several times. Though the statue is now in Bangkok the temple itself is well worth a visit.
6. Lao National Museum
The Lao National Museum was built in 1925, which is formerly known as the Lao Revolutionary Museum. In 2000, this museum was renamed. It is a wonderful method to find out about the Lao’s history.
7. Wat Si Muang
The temple is known for giving luck and fortune, and many people come from near and far to pray and receive blessings from the monks. According to legend, a young pregnant woman named Si sacrificed herself by jumping into a hole and a pillar was built over her body, some 400 years ago. It is believed her spirit guards Wat Si Muang.
8. COPE
The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise is also known as COPE and is a charity in Vientiane that aims to treat and rehabilitate locals who have been the victims of unexploded landmines left over from the Vietnam War. Find out more at the COPE website.
You can also visit the prosthetic making workshops here to learn how artificial limbs are made.
9. Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat situated on Lan Xang Road, on the corner with Setthathirat Road, to the northwest of Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly held the Emerald Buddha.
It is the oldest temple of the town that is still in its original form.
The Wat Si Saket was built in 1820 near the Royal Palace in the center of town by King Anouvong, the last King of Vientiane. It is one of the very few temples that survived the destruction that came with the Siamese armies, that looted and burnt the city in 1827.
10. Lao Textile Museum
Traditional wooden building with ancient weaving tools and looms, plus silk samples & weaving demonstrations, plus a shop for handcrafted goods.
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