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Capital of Lao PDR
Vientiane, capital city of Lao PDR with a population of 464000 and an area of 180 square kilometers, is located on the bank of the Mekong River. Vientiane is the center of culture, commerce and administration in Laos. Vientiane's major attractions are its serene Buddhist monasteries and significant monuments that dominate the scene on the streets of central Vientiane.
| That Luang as the National Symbol is featured on the National Emblem of Laos. It was constructed in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in a typical Lao style and is one of the best known That or stupas in Laos. |
| Patousai, or Arch of Triump, was formely known only as Anousavary (monument). Constructed in 1958 on Lan Xang Avenue, the architecture is inspired from the Arc de triompje of Paris with Typical Lao motifs. |
| Vat Phra Keo was constructed in 1565 by King Xayasethathirath when he moved the capital of Lan Xang to Vientiane. It housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. |
| Vat Sisaket is the only temple in Vientiane that has survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. It is the oldest monastery standing intact in its original form, and certainly one of the most interesting in the whole country. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, are hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6840 Buddha images. |
Sharing border with Vientiane Municipality, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khounag and Bolikhamsay provinces, Vientiane province has a total population of 305000. Its chief town is Phonhong. Vientiane province is divided into nine districts: Phonhong, Thourakhom, Keo Oudom, Feuang, VangVieng, Kasy, Saysomboon, Hom and Sanakham.
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Nam Ngum Lake is situated about 80km to the North of Vientiane. The beautiful scenery over the Nam Ngum river and its green valley is enhanced by the presence of a vast, spectacular lake. This is a man-made reservoir of an hydroelectric power dam, generating most of the electricity sold to Thailand. The forests with a big variety of woods is still there on the thousands of islands dotting the lake. It is a rewarding experience to cruise around by motor-boat or spend the day or the week-end at the many bungalows or on the "floating restaurant boat" to enjoy the picturesque scenes of water, island, forests and charming fishing-villages.
On the way to Nam Ngum Lake, a short detour will take you to Vangsang, an 11th century Buddhist archeological site, where primitive Buddha images are carved right on the rock cliff. A salt extraction plant using traditional methods and the Zoo can be visited at Ban Keun. More photos
