|
Vientiane ...
The capital of Laos
Located on the bank of the
Mekong river, most travellers are fascinated by the city's
exotic Eurasian setting. The confluence of several
cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience.
Vientiane's major attractions are its scenic Buddhist
monasteries and the significant monuments that dominate
the scenery of the capital which include Vat Sisaket, Vat
Hor Prakeo, Patousay, That Luang Stupa, Vat Ongtu, etc...
Vientiane's That Luang stupa is the most impressive
and biggest stupa in Laos, featured on the Lao insignia.
This stupa was constructed in 1566 by King Setthathirat.
In mid-November, religious rites as well as a fair are
held here during the That Luang festival. It takes place
at the time of the full moon of the 12th lunar month
(November of every year). This is a Buddhist festival to
honor the That which is considered as the national shrine.
One of the days of this three-day festival is very special
as large crowds gather at 6:00 am for an impressive
ceremony of prayers and alms-giving.
The Patouxay, situated in the center of
Vientiane
prefecture, is a large monument reminiscent of the Arc de
Triumphed in
Paris. Its architecture incorporates typical Lao motifs.
From the top one can have a panoramic view of the entire
city.
Vat Phra Keo
was also constructed by King Setthathirat. 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. Vat Phra Keo still displays some of the finest
Buddha sculptures found in the country.
Vat Sisaket
is the oldest temple in Vientiane, which has survived 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.
Vat Xieng Khouane
(Buddha Park) - the park is a
religious culture park located by the Mekong River, 24
kilometers downstream from Vientiane. Features include an
enormous reclining Buddha, and a three-tiered
model of heaven, earth and hell in which visitors may climb
through.
Vang Vieng
is located 156 km from the capital of
Vientiane along the Road No. 13 north. Looking over the
quiet waters of the Nam Song to the limestone outcrops
layering into the distance in hazy greys and blues, Vang
Vieng is one
of the most beautiful views imaginable.
Pha Tang
mountain is like a standing stupa that no one can climb
up to its top. It is the most attractive and strange
mountain in Vang Vieng because of its own unique shape
created by nature.
Luang Prabang ...
World
Heritage Town
As soon as you step ashore into Luang Prabang, the former
capital of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom, you will
understand why it has been declared as a world heritage
site by UNESCO. Despite its small size and quaint streets,
the town exhibits a quiet splendor and an unassuming
elegance hard to find in the world. Luang Prabang has become one of
the most famous attractions in Southeast Asia.
World Heritage Town:
Due to exemplarily traditional Lao architecture, cultural heritage and the 32 ancient
temples remaining in this former royal capital, Luang
Prabang was officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
site in 1995. The most famous temples include Vat Xieng
Thong, a magnificent example of early Luang Prabang temple
architecture; Vat That Chomsi, perched a top Phousi Hill
with panoramic views; and Vat Visoun, with its unusual
“Watermelon Stupa", among others.
Tad Kuang Si
is a scenic waterfall surrounded by clear pools for swimming, local
restaurants, and shady trees. The falls can be reached by road or by a
3-hrs walk from Ban Long Lao. Tad Xe, 15 Km from town, is a series of
cascading-step waterfalls in natural surroundings, which are perfect
for picnicking and swimming.
Tham Ting Cave
(Pak Ou Cave) is famous for more than 4.000 Buddha statues
placed there by local people seeking merit. Located 30 Km
north of Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Mekong and
Nam Ou Rivers, you can arrange a trip to the cave from
Luang Prabang by boat or car.
Luang Prabang’s Night Market is one of the most
attractive places. Many types of local and northern
provincial products are for sale, particularly souvenirs
made from cotton and silk. The night market runs along
Srisivangvong Road, from the Phousi Hotel to the National
Museum directly opposite the entrance to Mount Phousi, a
distance of approximately 500 meters.
The Night Market is called “Lorlat” – local word
for "Colorful". Local products are displayed from late afternoon until
midnight. This market is a highlight for many tourists and
it helps to support the local handicraft workers.
|
