Getaway Vientiane
Compared to the other hectic, bustling capitals in Southeast Asia, Vientiane's deliciously relaxing atmosphere makes it feel like the small town it is. After you're done the round of temples, the best thing to do here is wander down to one of the riverside beer gardens, kick back with a cold Beerlao - the Lao national beer - and watch the sun set over the Mekong. Incidentally, the name is a very French spelling and should be pronounced the way the Lao say it, i.e. "Wieng Chan", not "Ween-tee-an" or some such. Before the French it was Vien Chang [phonetically: Vee-en Chaang]
Settled since at least 1000 AD, Vientiane became the capital of Lan Xang in 1545. Ransacked in 1828 by the Siamese, Vientiane sprung back in time to be again named the capital of the protectorate of Laos by the French, a position it kept under communist rule. Today Vientiane is the largest city in Laos, with an estimated population of 200,000 in the city itself and some 700,000 in Vientiane Prefecture.
Vientiane is stretched out on the eastern bank of the Mekong River. From shore inland, the main roads are Thanon Fa Ngum, Thanon Setthatilat and Thanon Samsenthai. The central district, Chantabuli, contains most of Vientiane's government offices, hotels and restaurants. Vientiane's widest boulevard, Thanon Lan Xang, leads from here to the northeast through Patuxai, the Victory Gate, towards Pha That Luang, the most important temple in Laos. Vientiane is a city full of surprises, 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.
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 (Buddha Park)
Buddha 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 Buddha 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 artifacts, 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 Buddha that was stolen by the Thais in 1778 and now resides in Bangkok.
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 water sports. There are a number of floating shelters where you can relax as well as a small restaurant.
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