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 Vientiane,
capital of Laos is Asia's biggest village. Busy and hectic in comparison
to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other
city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated
on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane
is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population
of 450,000, about 10% of the country.
Vientiane is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields
of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues.
French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly
baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup.
There is little modern in Vientiane. Old French colonial houses
are being restored as offices and as restaurants and hotels. There
are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably
out of place in this quiet capital.
Vientiane - City Sights
That Luang
The most famous landmark of Vientiane is That Luang (Royal Stupa)
which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in
1935. The stupa is situated 3km north of the centre of the city.
Patuxai (Anousavary) - Victory Monument
 The
Victory Monument is situated at the north end of Lane Xang Avenue
and resembles Paris' Arc de Triomphe - as it is sometimes known.
During the day, the monument can be climbed and makes an excellent
vantage point of the city.
Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddah Park)
Buddah Park is situated about 25 minutes drive outside the centre
of the city. Although not an old temple, it is nevertheless fascinating
for its huge structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu Philosophies.
Wat Sisaket
This temple features over 6,800 buddah images which are all ritually
cleansed at the time of the Lao new year. The temple was built in
1818 and is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane.
Lao Revolutionary Museum
The museum is housed in a large French colonial building and shows
a collection of artefacts, photographs and paintings of the history
of the Lao People's Revolution.
Wat Ho Prakeo
Situated next to the Presidential Palace, this temple was the temple
of the former Lao Royal family. Formerly, the temple was the home
of the emerald Buddah that was stolen by the Thais in 1778 and now
resides in Bangkok.
Vientiane - Out and About
Vang Vieng
The main attraction of Vang Vieng area is the limestone karst that
lines the Song river. The karst is honeycombed with caves, tunnels
and waterfalls. Vang Vieng is situated 160 km north of Vientiane
and is home to Hmong and Yao people. Vang Vieng can be reached by
bus from Vientiane and is a popular stop off point for visitors
on the way to Luang Prabang.
Nam Ngum Lake
The artificial lake, created by the damming of the Ngum river forms
an area of 250 sq km. The lake contains many islets and boats can
be hired by the hour to explore the area
Phu Khao Khoay - Buffalo Mountain
This mountain is situated 45km east of Vientiane and is a National
Biodiversity Conservation Area. The hills, which rise to over 1000m
are home to wildlife,including elephant, tiger, and Asiatic black
bear.
 Don
Savang
About 30km from Vientiane, 4km from the road to Luang Prabang is
Don Savang - a small island in the middle of a lake at the Nam Houn
Dam. Here, locals enjoy the afternoon spending their time eating,
drinking and playing watersports. There are a number of floating
shelters where you can relax as well as a small restaurant.
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