25th SEA GAMES, Vientiane, Laos 2009

One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. The attractions of Laos are sufficient to provide a diversity of both natural and man-made splendors. Places of ancient ruins and age-old historical sites, heritage buildings and cozy cottages, charming towns with wonderful tourists facilities and friendly people make Laos a simply curious place to visit. Luang Prabang looks as if it.s out of its deepest slumber and working to begin anew. Plagued by constant war and turmoil it witnesses a very little of modern materialistic 20th century life. Its ancient historical temples, the ruins, the lovely landscape of lush green meadows and foamy Mekong River surrounding it, Luang Prabang remains an exclusive place with its Royal Palace museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si waterfalls and other caves all sometimes displaying exclusive Buddha images.




Vientiane the capital city of Laos is wonderful with its lively antique markets and exquisite Wats. Other than Pha that Luang (great stupa) which symbolizes Buddhism and Laos sovereignty, the other interesting sites include a former temple now a museum Wat Pha Khew, an ancient ruined yet beautiful temple Wat Si Saket and also the Wat Xieng Khuan where a cluster of Hindu sculpture and Buddhist images are magnificently portrayed.

Vientiane is one of the calmest and relaxed cities in Asia and it is situated in a fertile place near the Mekong River. With a population of hardly about half a million inhabitants, Vientiane is one of the smallest capitals in Southeast Asia. But with all its beauty and disadvantages Laos still remains the paradise and provides a happy feeling to every tourist.


Vientiane Attractions: What to See in Vientiane

          Modernity has yet to infiltrate this sleepy capital, where temples and religious affiliations blend with the rural foundations of the city. The majority of the city's sights are situated within relatively close proximity of each another due to the fact that an urban sprawl has yet to materialize within the city.

That Luang

A symbol of Laos’s nationhood and the country's most sacred Buddhist monument, That Luang was built in the 16th century under the rule of King Setthathirat. A symbol of the main stupa appears on the country's national seal. After being destroyed by the Thai invasion in the 19th century, the monument was later restored to its original design, with inclusion of many references to Lao culture and identity, hence its status as a symbol of the nation. Each level features different architectural designs with encoded Buddhist doctrine. The impressively gilded structure is situated about four kilometres northeast of Vientiane.

Wat Sisaket

The only temple in Vientiane to survive the sacking of the city by the Siamese in 1828, Wat Sisaket is the oldest and considered by many to be the most interesting of the Laotian temples. The interior walls of Ho Trai and the main hall feature hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images and Buddhist inscriptions from the 18th century. Over 300 hundred Buddha images varying in size and material reside on the shelves, amongst the silver and ceramic Buddhist images, most of which are from 16th -19th century Vientiane.

Wat Hor Phakeo

This temple was built in 1565 as a royal chapel and repository for the celebrated statue of the Emerald Buddha, which the Laotians had seized from Northern Thailand in 1551. The statue remained in the temple until 1778, when the Thais invaded and recaptured it, taking it to Bangkok. The temple was destroyed in 1828-1829 during the Thai sacking of Vientiane; rebuilt in 1936; and restored again in 1993. Inspired by a 19th century Bangkok temple style, it is renowned throughout Southeast Asia for its intrinsic value to Buddhist art.

Patuxai

Patuxai (literally Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph), formerly the Anousavary or Anousavari Monument, is situated in the centre of Vientiane. Built between 1962 and 1968, the Laotians built it as a mark of respect for all those who fought in the struggle for independence from the French. Ironically, the monument bears a slight resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, although the attention to detail and intricate design is typically Laotian, boasting four rather than two archways. The view from the top is spectacular. Built with cement that was purchased from America, with the intention of constructing a new airport, the locals sometimes refer to the monument as the 'vertical runway'.

That Dam

Known as the ‘Black Stupa', many locals believe this mythological structure was once inhabited by a seven-headed dragon (now dormant) that stood to protect the city from the threat of the Siamese. Another tale that does the rounds says that the gold that once graced the surface was taken when the Siamese army ransacked Vientiane back in 1828. Situated in the centre of the city, just past the US embassy, you will find one of Laos' oldest temples.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

24km south of Vientiane, Buddha Park is in a field near the Mekong River. The park, as its name would suggest, is littered with religious sculptures and was built in 1958 by the philosopher Bunleua Sulilat who famously combined Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, mythology and iconography. The featured gods range from Vishnu to Arjuna and many in between, all allegedly crafted by unskilled artists who followed the explicit directions of Sulilat. The pumpkin-shaped monument has three levels, each representing heaven, hell and earth. Beyond these the roof area has a superb panoramic view of the surrounding park and river. Hope you all enjoy your stay in Vientiane, Laos during the SEA Games !!!