Vientiane Travel Guide
Travel to Vientiane - Relaxed SE Asian Capital
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It’s been called Asia biggest village – a bit of a simplification, but it does reflect the quiet nature of the city that is Laos’ capital. Set on the banks of the Mekong Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country and is a city full of surprises. Take a look behind the tree-lined boulevards and likely as not you’ll find fields of rice and vegetables, colonial mansions mixing with stunning golden temples and French loaves as popular as noodles!
The Laoitian people refer to the epic the Phra Lak Phra Lam when looking towards the founding of their city. This epic claims that Prince Thattaradtha founded the city when he left the legendary Lao kingdom of Muong Inthapatha. Others contend that it was an early Khmer settlement centred around a Hindu temple, now replaced by the Pha That Luang.
King Setthathirath established Vientiane as the capital of Lan Xang in 1560; in 1707 it became an independent kingdom and in 1779 it was conquered by the Siamese general Phraya Chakri. Razed in 1827 after an unsuccessful rebellion it passed to French hands in 1893 and became capital of Laos in 1899.
Today it is a city of contrasts: fine colonial buildings remain, the Mekongis beautiful, there are stunning temples and worthwhile trips beyond the city itself.
Attractions in Vientiane
Vientiane is a city of splendid temples, whether it’s Wat Si Saket or the oldest temple in the city, Pha That Luang the most important wat in Laos focus of festivals, especially in November on the night of the full moon. The Buddha Park is worth a look for the bizarre sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities: it mirrors the famous sculpture park in Nong Khai, Thailand.
Activities in Vientiane
Allow a full day to explore the capital in its own right.
Relaxing
There are lots of bars in Vientiane but the best place to chill out are the numerous beer gardens down on the Mekong. The best way to relax at the end of a long day sightseeing or travel.
Getting Around
Explore on foot and by bike. This is an accessible and easily negotiated capital. If exploring beyond the city hire a tuk tuk for a half or full day.
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