That Luang Stupa
That Luang Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule, and is
the country's most important religious building. The golden temple
and its spire are visible from afar, and are an unforgettable
welcoming sight for travellers. King Setthathirath built the shrine
in 1566 and his statue stands in front of the temple, where the
setting sun enhances the beauty of its already stunning golden
surface. The central stupa is deeply symbolic. Resembling a curved
lotus bud, its three tiers represent different aspects of Buddhism.
More specifically, the base deals with hell, the middle revolves
around 30 Buddhist teachings and the top tier is about heaven.
Visitors should explore the area with a local guide, who can
explain the site's significance. They will also need to dress
modestly, covering their knees and shoulders. Women can borrow
traditional Lao skirts at the entrance. Regarding fees, visitors
must pay to access the base of the stupa, while access to the
Reclining Buddha and surrounding temples is free.
Address: That Luang Village, Xaysettha District,
Vientiane
Opening time: Tuesday - Sunday: 8am to 12pm; 1pm to 4pm. Closed on
Mondays.
Royal Stupa at Sunset
Oliver Spalt
Victory Gate (Patuxai)
Modelled to mirror the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Laos' Victory
Gate is definitely a sight to behold. Indeed, Laotians decided to
one-up their former colonial masters by building theirs slightly
higher and with four gates instead of two. Patuxai also has a
number of decorative Buddhist ornamentations. As a matter of fact,
the Royal Laotian Government constructed the monument with American
funds and cement that were intended to build an airport, earning it
the nickname, 'vertical runway'. Seven flights of stairs or a lift
lead to the top, which offers great views of downtown Vientiane.
Visitors will find souvenir shops in between flights of steps,
though they're quite expensive. The area is also home to the World
Peace Gong (presented to Laos by Indonesia), and a musical
fountain. Travellers won't struggle to find excellent photo
opportunities.
Victory Gate
Tim Wang
COPE Visitor Centre
The COPE Visitor Centre can be a sobering reality-check for many
tourists, but is definitely worth a visit. Statistically, Laos is
the world's most bombed country, made so by a US precautionary
policy during the Vietnam War. Essentially, the US military
considered it unsafe for planes to land with unused ordinance, so
they dropped their bombs over Laos. Many are unaware of this tragic
and embarrassing aspect of the Vietnam War. Today, Laos still has a
significant amount of unexploded ordinance (UXOs), particularly in
rural areas along the border with Vietnam, where many residents
have been victims. The COPE Visitor Centre does vital work in
educating the public and tourists. It also provides help for those
who have lost limbs or loved ones to bombs. The centre includes a
gift shop and a selection of short films on Laos and UXOs. Visitors
may have to request to see the films, but the staff are helpful and
knowledgeable. As the centre isn't far out of town, many tourists
hire bikes and cycle to it. Visitors will only need an hour to tour
the place and explore an important aspect of the country's past and
present. Also, anyone planning to travel off the beaten track in
Laos should know how to recognise and react to UXOs.
Address: Boulevard Khou Vieng, Vientiane, Laos
Cluster bombs
Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade
Ho Phra Kaew
Ho Phra Kaew is one of Vientiane's oldest and most grandiose
temples. Its extremely interesting history sheds light on Laos'
past relations with Thailand. More specifically, King Setthathirath
built the temple in 1565 for the express purpose of housing the
Emerald Buddha, which he had pilfered from Chiang Mai City in
Northern Thailand. Made of gold and green jadeite, the statue was
recaptured by the Siamese army in 1778 and returned to Bangkok -
where it has remained. Yet even without the Emerald Buddha, Ho Phra
Kaew should easily make the bucket list of anyone interested in the
region. Indeed, this national monument exposes visitors to Laos'
varied cultural heritage. The museum's displays include a heavily
lacquered 16th-century door carved with Hindu images, and a
collection of stone-cut figures representing Khmer deities.
Photographs are permitted and there is a small entry fee.
Address: Rue Setthathirath, Vientiane
Opening time: Daily: 8am to 12pm; 1pm to 4pm.
Monk at Ho Phra Kaew
Tevaprapas
Talat Sao (Morning Market)
Vientiane's Talat Sao (Morning Market) has two decidedly
different sections. Depending on their budget and the type of
experience they're looking for, visitors can choose between the
shopping mall and the original Morning Market. The mall has a range
of shops and services over five floors, and its air-conditioning
provides a much appreciated break from the country's tropical heat.
Shoppers will find a food court, a cinema, a supermarket and a
children's play area in the complex. Clothes stores stock practical
rather than cutting-edge-fashion items; naïve travellers have
unwittingly bought replica electronic products in the past. The
bustling market operates from early morning to mid-afternoon, and
is a labyrinth of clean, tiled alleyways. Shoppers can expect an
authentic experience, with vendors coming from all over Laos to
sell and source goods. Hand-woven fabrics, silver jewellery and
other local handicrafts are favourite purchases. Bargaining is
expected and generally good-natured, so tourists should remember to
smile while trying to beat down a price.
Address: Talat Sao Mall, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane
Opening time: Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm (some stalls may close
earlier).
Talat Sao
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Vientiane has a tropical monsoon climate with short, dry winters
that last between December and January. Winter minimum temperatures
rarely drop below 60°F (16°C). The warmest time of year (March to
the beginning of May) sees maximum temperatures peak around 91°F
(33°C), and minimum temperatures rarely drop below 68°F (20°C).
The rainy season lasts from April to October, with thunderstorms
being the most common form of precipitation. The city generally has
very high humidity levels and muggy conditions throughout the long
wet season. The best time to visit Vientiane is in its mild
winters.
Wattay International Airport
Location: The airport is six miles (10km) from
Vientiane.
Time: Local time is GMT +7
Transfer Between Terminals:
The terminals are within easy walking distance of each
other.
Getting to the city:
Taxis and tuk-tuks are available outside both terminals. Many
local hotels offer free shuttle transfers for guests by prior
arrangement.
Car Rental:
Avis by Asia Vehicle Rental and Sixt are represented at the
airport. However, visitors are advised not to hire a car. Instead,
they should book a car with a driver through their hotel or travel
agent.
Airport Taxis:
Taxi counters are located near the exit of each terminal;
passengers must buy a taxi coupon before leaving the airport.
Fascilities:
Facilities at the airport include banks, bars, restaurants,
duty-free shopping, a post office and a couple of shops.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport.
For short distances, the tuk-tuk is Vientiane's primary mode of
transport. These privately owned, three-wheeled motor vehicles
carry passengers in and around the city, charging flat rates for
different destinations. Taxis tend to gather at busy locations,
such as markets and bus terminals.
The Talat Sao Bus Station is Vientiane's main terminal and
offers routes to neighbouring cities and Thailand. Buses can be
badly maintained and lack air-conditioning. They are, however, a
major source of transportation for locals.
Bicycle and scooter rentals are available from private
businesses and some guesthouses. It is illegal to ride a scooter
without a helmet and fines are known to be costly. Transport in
rural areas may be difficult to find or unreliable, meaning tourist
might simplify their plans by hiring a car for longer
distances.
Vientiane hasn't got the obvious charm of Luang Prabang and
sometimes suffers by comparison. Against that, Laos' capital has
more in the way of traditional tourist attractions, and has put
much effort into encouraging sustainable tourism. Visitors won't
struggle to find interesting things to see and do, and many fall in
love with the city's relaxed atmosphere and sleepy riverside
scenes.
Vientiane's many Buddhist temples are its main drawcard and are
interspersed with modern and colonial architecture - as they are
throughout the country. The old and grandiose Ho Phra Kaew and the
famous That Luang (the golden Royal Stupa) are among the city's
best. Wat Si Saket is another favourite, and is known for its
thousands of Buddha images. Travellers should note that although
the temples in Laos are incredible, they tend to be fairly similar.
Tourists should only stop at the best ones to avoid temple
fatigue.
A visit to Vientiane should also include shopping in the Morning
Market (Talat Sao), a stroll through Victory Gate, a cooking course
on the banks of the Mekong River, a craft class at the Houey Hong
Vocational Training Centre for Women, and an educational trip to
the COPE Visitor's Centre. Regarding excursions, the weird but
wonderful Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a good option. So too is the
small, laidback town of Vang Vieng, which is surrounded by green
agricultural fields, friendly Hmong and Yao villages, and mountains
that hold fascinating limestone caves.
Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park)
The site known as Buddha Park is an otherworldly collection of
Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow.
Priest-shaman, myth-maker and sculptor, Luang Pu, designed and
built the park in 1958, fusing philosophy with mythology and
iconography. Visitors will discover that the detail on many of the
statues is decidedly atypical of Laos. Indeed, much of it is quite
unique. Visitors are sure to enjoy climbing and exploring the
structures and should look out for tourist pleasers such as the
beautiful Tree of Life sculpture and a pumpkin-like statue. The
latter's steps lie inside its gaping mouth and lead to a viewing
platform. Visitors are free touch the statues, take photographs and
explore without much restriction. They'll also find a restaurant
that serves decent food. The trip to Buddha Park is fairly lengthy,
though the region's rural scenery is interesting in its own
right.
Address: Thanon Tha Deua, Vientiane, Laos
Opening time: 8am to 6pm
Buddha Park
Preetam Rai
Si Phan Don
The famous 4,000 Islands region of Laos unfolds at the Mekong
River's tail end. Situated in the far south and lapping over into
Cambodia, the area is renowned for its tranquil village life,
spectacular waterfalls, and unspoiled natural beauty. It's also
home to the rare pink Irrawaddy Dolphin. The two most popular
islands are Don Khong, which is the largest and most developed in
the region, and backpacker-magnet Don Det. Prices for food and
accommodation are some of the cheapest in Asia. Many tourists use
the area as an entry point into Cambodia, with buses frequently
making the one-hour journey to the border. Action lovers can look
forward to plenty of hiking, biking and swimming opportunities,
while relaxation seekers can enjoy bungalows with waterside
balconies. Water safaris are a great way to see the dolphins,
though travellers should ask guides not to go too far. They'll owe
border-crossing fees if they stray into nearby Cambodia. All things
considered, Si Phan Don is a tremendous stop for young travellers
or those operating on a tight budget.
Don Kong Island
Dario Severi
Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for Women
In recent years, the Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for
Woman has been among the most popular tourist attractions in Laos.
The centre's mission is to provide training and education for Lao
women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ultimately, the institution
helps them transition into the contemporary economy by teaching
them skills such as natural dyeing, traditional Lao weaving,
tailoring and small business administration. Visitors are not just
casual observers. Instead, they partake in half-day or full-day
courses of their choice, and are taught skills ranging from
tie-dyeing silks to traditional Lao weaving with a loom. The Houey
Hong Center is a short tuk-tuk ride from downtown Vientiane and
offers tourists an unforgettable experience of traditional textile
manufacturing. Visitors keep whatever items they make, meaning they
leave with special souvenirs.
Address: Lane 22, Houey Hong Village, Chantabury District,
Vientiane
Opening time: Monday through Saturday: 08.30am - 12.00pm, 1.30pm -
16.30pm
Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for
Women
Shankar S
Royal Stupa at Sunset
Oliver Spalt
Victory Gate
Tim Wang
Cluster bombs
Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade
Monk at Ho Phra Kaew
Tevaprapas
Talat Sao
yeowatzup
