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About
Vientiane
Once the capital of Lane Xang,
in the latter years of that empire's greatness, Vientiane was
devastated many times by foreign invaders, before finally being
levelled by the Siamese in 1828. The only original monument to
remain from before that time is Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by Chao
Anou - the very king responsible for incurring the wrath of the
Siamese and causing his capital's obliteration.
When the French took control of the country in the late 19th
century, they set about totally re-designing it with the same style
as the magnificent Indochinese capitals of Saigon and Phnom Penh.
The wide boulevards lend themselves nicely to monuments of a grand
scale, and one such is the Patouxai war memorial. It was decided in
the late fifties that Lane Xang Avenue - dubbed the Champs Elysees
of Vientiane - should be crowned with its own version of the Arc de
Triomphe (Patouxai is Lao for Gateway of Victory).
No account of Vientiane would be
complete without mention of the Lao Revolutionary Museum, a monument
to Laos' long struggle to free itself from colonization. The museum
contains such relics as the photograph of Thit Chanto, who is shown
baring his chest in defiance and waving above his head the rifle he
used to shoot down an American fighter-bomber, which can be seen
burning in the background. Though perhaps a little anachronistic in
these post-Glasnost days, the museum itself is another sign of this
city's sense of humour - for it is housed within the former
residence of the French colonial governor.
Vientiane, the largest city in
the country, is the National capital of Laos. It is located on the
bank of the Mekong River which is also a natural border with
Thailand. It is the political and economic center of the
country with the population of 500,000. The city's exotic Eurasian
setting fascinates most travelers. The confluence of several
cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience. Tree-lined
boulevards, French historical dwellings and Buddhists temples
dominate the scene of central Vientiane and impart a unique
character of timelessness.
Vientiane city is covered by
Vientiane province. In Vientiane province, most people in are
farmers. Agricultural is the major income of the province.
That Luang
That Luang, the great stupa of
nation. The monument of king Sayasetthathirat who found Vientiane as
the Capital of Lanexang kingdom is installed in front of the stupa
is painted of golden color. One part of the Lord Buddha bones is
kept for worshipping. The Buddhist festival is annually performed in
the full moon of the twelve-month of lunar calendar. Vientiane's
That Luang stupa is the most impressive and biggest stupa in Lao,
featured on the Lao insignia. King Setthathirat constructed this
stupa in 1566. The Siamese damaged it badly during their invasion in
1828, but it was restored in the 1936s. In mid-November, religious
rites as well as a fair are held here during the That Luang
festival. It has been said that if you do not visit Thaat Luang you
do not arrive Laos yet. This is a must place to visit.
Ho Phrakeo is the Emerald Buddha
image temple. It was kept hares sa the symbol of Lanexang kingdom
for more than 200 year. This temple is beautiful and maintained its
former designed. Many bronze Buddha images and historical artifacts
are being for show.Wat Phrakeo still displays some of the finest
Buddha sculptures found in the country.
See also
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng - about 152 kilometer
from the city of Vientiane. breathtaking limestone formations nestle
along the Song River. It lies in the foothills of the mountains of
Northern Laos, on the banks of the Song river. The temperature there
is a bit cooler than in Vientiane with a magnificent natural
environment. The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most
famous of which is Tham Jang. Foot can reach many of these caves
from Vangvieng. If you want some adventure you can float on a tube
along the Nam Song river to feel the unspoiled nature around the
river. Catching the sun set is a must when you visit Vang Vieng.
There are daily buses taking tourists from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
and vice versa.
It might also be interested to
watch the locals felling underwater teak trees area was inundated.
Wat Ong Teu
Wat Ong Teu is one of the most famous temple in Vientiane.
Wat Sisaket was restored in
1818. It was formerly called Wat Sene. Many ancient artifacts could
be studied. Particularly 6,840 items of small Buddha images are
placed in the inner side of the wallsWat Sisaket is the oldest
temple of Vientiane, which has survive in its original form. Inside
the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it,
a total of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small niches or on shelves.
Wat Xieng Khouane (Buddha Park):
the park is in pleasant and it's a religious culture park located by
the Mekong River 24 kilometres down river from Vientiane. Features
include an enormous concrete reclining Buddha, and a three-tiered
model of heaven, earth and hell, which visitors may climb through.
Hours: 08.00-16.30.
King Setthathirat also constructed Wat Phra Keo. It was rebuilt
after the Siamese razed it during the Siamese-Lao war of 1828. The
building had housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok
following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778.
Patuxai
Patuxai - also known as
Anousavali or The Old Army Museum is now called the victory gate.
Its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triumph in Paris
incorporated with traditional Lao design and sculpture. On the
ceiling the goodness artifacts made by Lao artist are very pleasant
to see and you can climb up to the top to get a panoramic view of
the city of Vientiane.
Morning Market
Morning Market (Talat Sao) -
this is the main shopping place in Vientiane. There are a variety of
goods and local products with reasonable prices. You can buy Lao
designed and handmade souvenirs such as textiles, Lao skirts (sinh),
handicraft, jewelry and antiques. Open hour is from
07.00-16.00.Accommodation place situated around the fountains and
close to the presidential office can be managed the check in and the
afford prices. Get another shopping experience by go to Talat Sao
and shop till you drop.
National Ethnic Cultural Park
National Ethnic Cultural Park -
also known as Suan Vatthanatham in Lao, is located 20 kilometers
from Vientiane. In this one place you can see the lifestyle of all
the ethnic groups in Laos, their homes, a small zoo and a good view
of the Friendship bridge linking Laos and Thailand. There are a
number of riverside bars and restaurant so sit back, relax and enjoy
the day at Suan Vatthanatham.
Nam Ngum Reservoir
The Nam Ngum reservoir located
90 km north of Vientiane municipality, a huge artificial lake
created as part of a hydroelectric scheme. The lake is dotted with
hundreds of picturesque islands, which can be explored by cruising
around in small boats. Vientiane province offers impressive scenery.
The electricity station of Nam Ngum Dam produces electricity for
Vientiane municipality and other provinces including Lao neighboring
countries. In 1998-1999, the total of industrial exports reached
US$271.9 million. The electricity earned US$57.1 million which came
to the third of all exports.
See also
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