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Vientiane
Vientiane has to rank amongst the sleepiest capitals in Asia. Set along the banks of the Mekong River facing the Thai city of Nong Khai on the opposite bank, Vientiane is a meeting point of traditional Lao communism with modern capitalism.
Phra That Luang
Phra That Luang is Laos' most significant monument and features on the national emblem as well as all bank notes. Legend states that the original stupa was erected by Indian Buddhist missionaries in the 3rd Century BC, during which time an important relic of the Buddha (the breastbone) was enclosed in the structure, although no trace of this has ever been found by archaeologists. The current, gold-covered stupa was built in the 16th century and renovated by the French in the 1930s. Each level of the stupa represents different aspects of Buddhist doctrine, and visitors are encouraged to contemplate the meaning of the cosmos as they ascend the monument.
Patuxai: the Laotian Arc de Triomphe
Vientiane's most prominent monument, Patuxai (literal translation 'Victory Gate'), was built in the 1960s, so the story goes, using American donated funds and cement intended for a new airport, leading to its popular local name of 'The Vertical Runway'. A stairway leads to the top of the structure for great views over the city and the landscaped grounds are a popular place with locals.
Haw Phra Kaew
Originally built in 1565 to house the famous and widely travelled Emerald Buddha (currently resident at the Grand Palace in Bangkok after being plundered from Vientiane by the Thais in 1779) Haw Phra Kaew is now a museum of religious art. Impressive for its size, the former temple contains some of the best examples of Buddhist sculpture to be found in Laos, including Buddhas in the quintessential Lao 'Calling for Rain' pose.
Wat Si Saket
Vientiane's oldest temple, Wat Si Saket is a beautiful structure surrounded by a cloister whose walls contain a multitude of small niches each containing Buddha statues. Built in the early 19th century, the temple was one of very few to survive the Thai invasion of 1828, due to its Siamese influenced style. Although somewhat in need of renovation the temple exudes a peaceful charm.
Xieng Khuan: Buddha Park
Whether a product of genius or bizarre and rather eccentric vision, Xieng Khuan, or Buddha Park, is one of Vientiane's sights that is not to be missed! On the banks of the Mekong River, 24 kms south of Vientiane, the park contains a curious selection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures in concrete, the crowning glory being a large reclining Buddha often featured on promotional posters for the city. The architect of this unique wonder, Luang Pu, studied under a Hindu sage in Vietnam, whose lap he fortuitously fell into when he accidentally fell through a hole in the ground! The large pumpkin-shaped structure in the grounds contains three levels joined by interior stairways, designed to represent hell, earth and heaven.