Cultural Hall
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
Taking solo pictures is not easy
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.
