Things to Do in Vientiane Laos
Vientiane sits on the boarder of Thailand, serving as the administrative capital of Laos. The city is built along the Mekong River, offering scenic views of both urban and country environments.
Within Vientiane, visitors can enjoy various quiet parks, numerous small temples and decent restaurants. The city isn’t much of a min destination, but it serves as an excellent launching point for those who wish to explore more of Laos or enter Thailand.
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Things to do in Vientiane
Chao Anouvong Park
This is large riverside park in Vientiane overlooking the Mekong. The park has numerous, nice walking trails, pleasant place to watch sunsets. The park is also home to a present night market which specializes in Laos souvenirs for visitors.
Patuxay (Victory Gate) Victory Monument
This structure has an amusing history. The immense war monument was created with funds provided by the US to build an airport. The Laos government chose to craft the monument and surrounding plaza instead. The monument is almost impossible to miss, as it’s centrally located and the major entry-and-exit highways for Vientiane drive right past.
Pha Wat Luang Temple
This is the most famous temple in Vientiane. The building is a multi-tiered Buddhist structure of bright gold. The multiple levels are enclosed in single grand courtyard with other statues and smaller temple structures scattered throughout..
King Setthathirath Statue
King Setthathirath was an immensely important Laos military and political leader. He was also responsible for building and funding numerous Buddhist sites and temples. His statues and contributions to Laotian history are found throughout the country.
That Dam Stupa
This mound of ruined, carved, gray stones creates a bell-shaped stupa. The structure was once believed to have been guarded by a seven-headed water serpent.
Mekong River
This is the most important river in Laos. It defines a major border between Laos and Thailand while also passing the capital Vientiane. The Mekong River offers excellent sunset views in this area. Guests can also book tours along the river or eat aboard small cruise ships. The river eventually leads East and South, leading to some of the most profound tributaries, waterfalls, islands and sights in Laos.
Buddha Park Wat Xieng Khouane Luang
A large park area somewhat outside the city, the Buddha Park depicts hundreds of statues across open grounds. Despite its name, the park isn’t strictly a temple, but instead an artistic outdoor meadow area. The statues in the area are made from a wide variety of stones in different styles, depicting Buddhas, warriors, elephants, nagas, serpents, dragons and much more.
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