The Amazing Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and largest city in Laos. The city is situated on the banks of the Mekong River and is rich in legend and history. Vientiane has a large gilded stupa, Pha That Luang, which is a symbol of Laos. The streets in this city full of trees, the French colonial buildings, street markets, Buddhist temples, and noodle shops. Just outside town there is a Buddha Park, a park filled with more than 200 cement sculptures depicting gods and monsters of myth Buddhism and Hinduism.

Here are a few tips to make your visit to Vientiane extra fun:

• Make a trip to the Buddha Park or Xieng Khuan, a sculpture park by the Mekong River that features a gigantic reclining Buddha, as well as depictions of Hindu gods.
• Savour Lao favourites like crispy, fried river weed, fl avoursome Luang Prabang sausage that’s made with coriander, dried chili and galangal, as well as laap , a traditional dish of raw meat tossed with citronella leaves, spring onions, cucumber, spices and roasted rice.
• For panoramic city views, climb the Patuxay or Victory Arch, a war monument built between 1957 and 1968, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France. This attraction is open daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm.
• Make a pilgrimage to That Luang Stupa or the Great Sacred Stupa, which holds a relic of Lord Buddha.

Patuxay