VIENTIANE

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Vientiane, Laos' national capital, mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets are many notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, built atop a Hindu shrine.

Many of Vientiane's landmarks are within blocks of the Mekong River, flowing along the western edge of the city, such as Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is now a museum of historic Lao objects. The riverfront promenade is popular at sunset. Many bakeries, cafes and villas seem straight out of 19th-century Paris. Other attractions include the arched Patuxai Victory Monument (visitors can climb up for a view of the city) and the Lao National Museum, recounting the country’s past. Morning and night markets offering souvenirs, produce, handicrafts and electronics.

 

The Laos version of arc de Triomphe is the Victory Monument.  The broad boulevard with street lamp posts on the divider resembles that of the Champs Elysees in Paris. At the other end of this boulevard stands a majestic Presidential Palace.

 

Wat Phra Kaew 
 

 

 
 Wat Sisaket

 
Wat Si Muang

 

Offering sold outside the temple. Below Sparrows in the cages

Pha That Luang

 

Chao Anouvong Park 
 

 

Streets of Vientiane