Laos was the last place on my 10 days, 3 countries trip. This laid back country was the right place to be in to just relax.
I was only able to explore Vientiane during my stay in Laos, this laid back city has French cuisine, architecture, serene temples, and friendly people.
Temple Hopping in Vientiane
Like most of the countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country. There are several temples in Vientiane that are worth a visit.
Ho Phra Keo
Ho Phra Keo was one of the temples in downtown Vientiane. This temple houses a small shop and museum inside. There is a 5,000 kip entrance fee to this temple.
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket was built in 1818. There is also a 5,000 kip entrance fee to this temple.
Vientiane City Pillar Shrine
A lot of the temples in Vientiane are very similar to the temples in Thailand.
Wat Si Muang
Wat Mixay
Ong Teu Temple
Inpeng Temple
Inpeng Temple was one of the best temples I visited in Vientiane. It was peaceful and had very few people in it.
Sithan Neua Temple
Wat Chan Temple
Pha That Luang
That Luang is the national symbol of Laos and sits at the center of Vientiane. That Luang is an impressive piece of architecture and stands out among all of the temples in Vientiane.
The most prominent structure in this temple is the golden stupa, but there are other temples surrounding it. That Luang symbolizes Lao architecture and identity. This magnificent structure stands 147.6 feet high.
The inside of one of the temples was distinctly Buddhist, with the many depictions of Buddha.
One of the temples had carvings of Lao life a century or more ago and Buddhism. There are a couple of smaller temples surrounding the golden stupa at the center.
There was also a large reclining Buddha inside this complex. That Luang is the best temple in Vientiane. It showcases the identity, history, and culture of Laos in one complex.
I went back to That Luang at around sunset to watch the sky light up. That Luang lit up at night and changed the cityscape. I wonder if all of the country's in Southeast Asia light up their monuments at night? I was not disappointed with That Luang's golden hue.
Patouxay
Another noteworthy destination in Vientiane is the Patouxay. This arc resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but the Patouxay uses Laotian design and architecture. There are many carvings related to Buddhism and mythical creatures on the arc's facade and interior.
For 3,000 kip, you can go up the Patouxay and get a nice view of the park and the city. There are also some souvenir shops inside the Patouxay.
Presidential Palace
Although you can't go inside, the Presidential Palace is an impressive piece of architecture from the outside.
Vientiane is a laid back city that I would not mind going back to. There are only a few things to do, but its laid back vibe was a perfect way to end my sojourn around three countries in Southeast Asia. I would have wanted to go to Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars, maybe for another trip.
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| Cultural Hall |
Temple Hopping in Vientiane
Like most of the countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country. There are several temples in Vientiane that are worth a visit.
Ho Phra Keo
Ho Phra Keo was one of the temples in downtown Vientiane. This temple houses a small shop and museum inside. There is a 5,000 kip entrance fee to this temple.
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket was built in 1818. There is also a 5,000 kip entrance fee to this temple.
Vientiane City Pillar Shrine
A lot of the temples in Vientiane are very similar to the temples in Thailand.
Wat Si Muang
Wat Mixay
Ong Teu Temple
Inpeng Temple
Inpeng Temple was one of the best temples I visited in Vientiane. It was peaceful and had very few people in it.
Sithan Neua Temple
Wat Chan Temple
Pha That Luang
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| Taking solo pictures is not easy |
The most prominent structure in this temple is the golden stupa, but there are other temples surrounding it. That Luang symbolizes Lao architecture and identity. This magnificent structure stands 147.6 feet high.
The inside of one of the temples was distinctly Buddhist, with the many depictions of Buddha.
One of the temples had carvings of Lao life a century or more ago and Buddhism. There are a couple of smaller temples surrounding the golden stupa at the center.
There was also a large reclining Buddha inside this complex. That Luang is the best temple in Vientiane. It showcases the identity, history, and culture of Laos in one complex.
I went back to That Luang at around sunset to watch the sky light up. That Luang lit up at night and changed the cityscape. I wonder if all of the country's in Southeast Asia light up their monuments at night? I was not disappointed with That Luang's golden hue.
Patouxay
Another noteworthy destination in Vientiane is the Patouxay. This arc resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but the Patouxay uses Laotian design and architecture. There are many carvings related to Buddhism and mythical creatures on the arc's facade and interior.
For 3,000 kip, you can go up the Patouxay and get a nice view of the park and the city. There are also some souvenir shops inside the Patouxay.
Presidential Palace
Although you can't go inside, the Presidential Palace is an impressive piece of architecture from the outside.
Vientiane is a laid back city that I would not mind going back to. There are only a few things to do, but its laid back vibe was a perfect way to end my sojourn around three countries in Southeast Asia. I would have wanted to go to Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars, maybe for another trip.
Posts
The temples are similar to the one in Cambodia but Laos which is probably because they are neighboring countries and have the same influences.
ReplyDeleteIncredible sights! Sure would like to see those actual structures with my own eyes someday. :) Is the place more awesome at night or at daytime?
ReplyDeleteSo that building is called Trat Luang. Thanks for showing us around in a rarely visited city. What flight do you take to get there? Do you need to go to Vietnam or Bangkok first?
ReplyDelete@rain: the that luang was better at night
ReplyDelete@fyhmd: I flew to Vientiane from KL , Malaysia
I went to That Luang but must have missed the reclining Buddha. Didn't see it at all!
ReplyDeleteAmazing temople architecture and that golden statue is a sight to behold.
ReplyDeleteNow I know it would be nice to do temple hopping in Laos.
ReplyDeleteWow! great journey you have here Wandering Juan. The temples are magnificent!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting. I never considered Laos as a travel destination before, but reading about it here, I think I might just add this to our list.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful places with unique designs and colorful. Great!
ReplyDeleteJEALOUS AT THIS HOUR. :/ Laos has been one of my dream destination. Is Laos expensive or not? :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I usually appreciate from these temples are the architectural structures. They are of perfect make and built. No one couldn't hold his sense of amazement.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of lovely and historical places in Laos. I wish I could visit that place someday and with my whole family. Travelling outside the country has been my dream and I wish I could fulfill it very soon.
ReplyDeleteThe night view of the temple is really majestic and breathtaking. Maybe I should squeeze Laos in when I am in the region.
ReplyDeleteI want to visit this place.. who wouldn't want to go to a place like this very very laid back
ReplyDelete@RM Bulesco: Laos is a cheap destination
ReplyDeleteMagnificent temples! It's always one thing that I would love to do. Anyway, how much is 5000 Kip converted into Peso? Thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteTemple overload! Did you hire a tuk-tuk to visit all this places? or get temple hopping tours?
ReplyDeleteNow I don't think I will need to Laos physically to tour because these photos are enough haha. I used to think that war items are the only things that can be seen so the trip won't be worth the price I'd pay for. But really, when I add the culture of people here as a reason to travel, then more than these temples, this is a good reason to still go.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Cambodia once, and I hope my next destination will be Laos.
ReplyDeleteI want to spend a vacation here only - maybe as well with another one ASEAN.
@Jonas: around P15-P20 :D
ReplyDelete@Joey: I walked most of the time haha, riding the tuktuks were quite expensive, 30,000 to 40,000 kip!
great photos! the temples are very colorful:) Laos is one country that shoudl be on my list:)
ReplyDelete