LAOS: Vientiane

We're trying to be more strategic about where we wander and decided that after Thailand we would do an Indochine Immersion and head to Laos. 

We started in Vientiane, the largest city of Laos. 

Vientiane became the capital of Laos around the mid-16th century.

It is located on the banks of the Mekong River, which creates a border with Thailand.

Vientiane has a recorded history that dates back to around 1,000 AD. It was originally settled because of the fertile land in the area. 

Laos is a landlocked country and relies heavily on its rivers for transportation. 

Vientiane's river port location provides transportation and makes Vientiane the major economic centre of Laos. 

Highlights of Vientiane include Wat Si Saket - the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country.

Wat Si Saket is the only temple in Laos that survived the Siamese occupation, where most of the city was destroyed in 1828. 

Wat Si Saket features over 10,000 Buddha sculptures of varying sizes and styles.

Most of these statues were sculpted between the 16th and 18th centuries. 

While we were there 2 people played this instrument. It takes talent to play and it make a haunting sound. 

Pha That Luang is a sacred monument. It was founded in the 3rd century to house the breastbone of Buddha, which was brought to Laos by an Indian missionary.

The current structure was built by King Setthathirat in 1566, after Vientiane became the capital of Laos. 

Pha That Luang has a pinnacle covered in real gold. Yes, the pinnacle is real gold. 

 From 1899, except during the Japanese occupation for one year in WWII (1945), Vientiane was a French colony. It won autonomy in 1949. The Patuxi Victory Gate was built to commemorate Laos' independence from France. It is a bit ironic, or coincidental, that it is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 

It features Buddhist symbols and Hindu deities with 5 ornate towers built in Laotian style. 

Ho Phra Keo (or Haw Phra Kaew) is a former Buddhist shrine dating back to 1565. Today, it is a museum of religious arts in Vientiane. 

Locals call it ‘the Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ as there is a gilded throne meant for the Emerald Buddha, however, the Emerald Buddha now sits in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. I suspect there is just a small bone of contention. 

You can see displays of Buddha statues on the terrace, and 6th-century stone sculptures at the main ordination hall.

Vientiane also has a HUGE night market with a large carnival area.

Fun for kids of all ages.