Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Laos | Lượt xem: 1154
Vientiane is not merely the capital but also a symbol of Laos’ Buddhist culture and rich history. Despite being a chief city, it looks more like a laid-back town when compared to the bustling metropolises in neighboring nations. From ancient temples and colonial buildings to narrow winding roads and traditional stilt houses, the understated charm of this place is something that will make you feel deeply engaged.
From ancient temples and colonial buildings to narrow winding roads and traditional stilt houses, the understated charm of this place is something that will make you feel deeply engaged.
Officially became Laos’ capital in 1573, Vientiane is the nation’s administrative center and the largest city in terms of population and area. The city is located on the shared border with Thailand along the Mekong River and occupies a total of 3920 km². Notably, it features a peaceful atmosphere that starkly contrasts the fast-paced vibes of other Southeast Asian capitals.
Beyond its political and economic role, it is also a cultural and spiritual hub with influences from Buddhism, the Khmer Empire, and French colonization. Interestingly, the name “Vientiane” means “The City of Sandalwood”. In many Southeast Asian cultures, this aromatic timber is associated with purity, spirituality, and sacredness, aligning with Vientiane’s status as a center of Buddhist culture and tradition of the country.
Vientiane’s climate is characterized by two distinct seasons: the wet one (April - October) and the dry one (November - March). The city is quite hot and humid all year round, but the dry months seem to be slightly cooler with daily average temperatures ranging from 23°C - 27°C, while it’s 27°C - 29°C during the wet months. Therefore, the dry season is generally a better period to plan your Vientiane tours. During the wet season, the frequent heat and rainfall might cause some undesired inconveniences, affecting your overall experience.
Reaching Vientiane is relatively straightforward since its airport, Wattay, is quite close to the city center and has direct connections to major Southeast Asia hubs such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, and Siem Reap. If you’re traveling from other Asian countries like China or South Korea, you can also catch nonstop flights from Kunming, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Seoul.
For those traveling overland, local buses depart daily from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Cheapest bus rides from Thailand usually take 10 - 12 hours and cost around $20, while from Vietnam and Cambodia, the duration and prices might be doubled.
Since Vientiane isn’t a major travel hub, public transport options like buses are pretty limited here. However, the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate independently. If you don’t intend to escape from central Vientiane, you can explore the area on foot.
For sightseeing in further destinations, catching a taxi would be the best choice economically as it’s less costly than local vehicles like tuk-tuks and songthaews. In addition, you can also rent a scooter or bicycle for a low fee to tour the city at your own pace.
Although Vientiane is quite small, its accommodation collection is still diverse enough to cater to all your needs and budgets. Most travelers coming here tend to stay in the city center, where most attractions, restaurants, and markets are conveniently located.
Another popular spot is the quieter neighborhoods just outside the central district, which gives you a more tranquil ambiance while remaining accessible to Vientiane’s main sights.
If you are searching for a lavish option, the city also features a selection of upscale hotels and resorts. Mostly situated along the Mekong River or in exclusive locations, these luxury accommodations provide stunning views, premium services, and top-notch facilities such as spa treatments, fine dining, and expansive swimming pools.
Pha That Luang, or the Great Sacred Stupa, is one of the most iconic Vientiane tourist attractions and a significant symbol of Laos. Originally built in the 3rd century, this renowned stupa has undergone several major reconstructions after being heavily damaged during historical attacks. Its key structure is a 45m-high, three-level stupa whose top pinnacle is gilded by gold. Pha That Luang is believed to house a strand of Buddha’s hair and many precious jewels. If you visit this place between late October to mid-November, you’ll also have the chance to join Boun That Luang - Laos’ biggest Buddhist festival with thousands of attendees.
Patuxai, whose name means “Victory Gate”, was constructed between 1957 and 1968 as a memorial dedicated to soldiers who fought for the nation’s independence during previous wars. Despite being inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this monument’s design is traditional Laotian with decorative mythological creatures and five towers representing five distinct Buddhist principles. For a small fee, you can climb up the top of the arch and enjoy a breathtaking view of Vientiane from above. There are also two exhibitions amid the climb that provide an interesting insight into Patuxai’s story.
Also known as Xieng Khuan (meaning “Spirit City”), Buddha Park is a surreal garden that features over 200 statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities, all scattered around a vast meadow. This amusing zone is located about 25 km southeast of Vientiane and was built in 1958. At the center of the park, you’ll spot an enormous 40m-long reclining Buddha and a 3m-tall pumpkin-shaped sculpture with three stories representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven.
Visit the COPE Visitor Centre
Did you know that Laos is the most bombed country in the world? Estimatedly, the US Army dropped over 2 million tons of ordnance here in the ‘60s and ‘70s during the Vietnam War. The COPE Visitor Center, a small museum housed inside Lao’s Centre for Medical Rehabilitation, tells the moving stories of how UXOs have impacted and continue impacting Laotians’ daily lives. If you wish to learn more about this amazing nation and its inspiring history, make sure you don’t miss COPE.
Wat Si Saket, constructed in 1818, was the only temple that survived the historical Siamese invasion 10 years afterward and is now one of the oldest temples in Laos. This temple is most known for its huge collection of over 10,000 Buddha statues, all created between the 16th and 19th centuries. These statues are made of all sizes and materials, including bronze, stone, wood, silver, and plaster… Additionally, Wat Si Saket is also a library with about 8,000 old books, most remarkably ancient Buddhist scriptures handwritten on palm leaves.
Placed inside the riverside Chao Anouvong Park, the Vientiane Night Market is a vibrant destination where you soak up the lively atmosphere while enjoying a spectacular view of the Mekong River. It provides anything you want, from clothes and accessories to handmade products and household items, but be prepared to haggle. The vendors here begin to set up their stalls around sunset, and the market is busiest at around 8 pm. This is a great place to sample Laos street food as well.
Khao piak sen is a Laotian noodle soup that includes thick rice noodles, shredded chicken, and aromatic herbs. The highlight of this soup is its unique broth, which is made by simmering chicken and pork bones with a variety of spices like ginger, garlic, green onions, and lemon leaves, creating an extremely rich flavor.
Another must-try dish during your Laos trips is laap (or larb), a traditional salad made with minced meat, lime juice, fish sauce, and a mix of fresh herbs. It is worth noting that Laap is considered a national dish of Laos since it’s often served during big festivals and celebrations. This dish is mainly enjoyed with sticky rice.
Tam mak hoong is another national dish of Laos, alongside laap and sticky rice. This spicy salad is made from thinly sliced green papaya mixed with garlic, chili, peanuts, and Lao fish sauce, forming a special sour and spicy taste that wonderfully pairs with grilled meat and white rice.
Sai oua is a flavorful sausage made from minced pork, herbs, and spices. Its most popular ingredients are galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, coriander, chili and fish sauce. The sausage is usually grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma and a slightly crispy exterior.
Finally, your meal will taste so much better with a glass of Beerlao, a beverage beloved by every local. Created five decades ago in Vientiane, Beerlao has gained international recognition for its high quality and distinctively refreshing taste. This drink is made from locally grown jasmine rice and imported malted barley from France or Germany.
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