Vientiane

Vientiane Capital City, View from Pa Tu Chai

Situated on a crook of the Mekhong River, Vientiane (Population 250,000) is a city with great appeal and exotic Eurasian atmosphere. This alluring city is the capital of Laos and the country's largest city but is still small enough to get to know well. The city was made capital in the early 16th century, taking prominence from the then more stately and influential city to the north, Luang Prabang. Since then the city has seen a long history of change and is now a fascinating mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, US, and Soviet influences. Vientiane (Viang Chan) curves along the river with the oldest buildings found nestled by its banks. Long tree-lined avenues, French colonial buildings, Vietnamese-Chinese chophouses and ancient temples remain to give this classic Indochinese city its particular timeless charm.

Morning Market or Talat Chao, Vientiane

The expansive Morning Market or Talat Sao, center in the middle of the city, is opened all day everyday and it is here that you can find everything and anything on sale. You can buy beautifully hand-woven silk and cotton textiles, handicrafts and other souvenirs, baskets, silk as well as inexpensive everyday clothing, silver, and gold jewelry, and endless items of hardware and home ware. It is always full of life, with a million things to look at and friendly shopkeepers showing off their

Majestically seated on a hill in the city is the revered national symbol of Pha That Luang, a 45 meters tall golden stupa which was built in 1566 when the country's capital was moved from Luang Phabang. It is the site of worship by monks and other devout Buddhists throughout the year as well as a delightful festival in mid-November.

Patouchai, Vientiane

Another imposing monument stands tall in the center of the city in a style reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Potousai offers visitors splendid panoramic views over the city or a pleasant garden in which to sit and watch the world go by. The victory gate is also a popular meeting place in the evening.

Getting around Vientiane is quick, convenient, and inexpensive if you use a jumbo or Tuk-Tuk or a samlor. A Jumbo is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle with a front like a motorbike and a rear like a small covered truck with bench seats along either sides of the cabin. The larger tuk tuk is very similar and both are in plentiful supply and can be hailed as you are walking along the street. Often you may have to share one with other people going in the same direction. A samlor looks like a bicycle with a buggy on the back and is good for short distances, from the market back to your hotel for example. Taxis, cars, and minibuses can also by hired for longer periods and day trips out of town. Of course, for those wanting a little more independence, bicycles, motor scooters, and motorcycles are readily available for hire at several outlets around town.

Vientiane boasts many fine restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. Delightful riverside restaurants and bars provide dinners with evening views across the Mekhong and a find selection of freshly made food and locally produced beer. For lovers of Italian, French, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese or Indian food, your palates will be delighted by the choice and quality at restaurants dotted throughout the city center. A wide variety of hotels and guesthouses provide comfortable and affordable accommodation to all types of visitors. Congenial and professional staff are always happy to help with any enquiries and are keen to see you have an enjoyable stay.

Places in Vientiane

That Luang

That Luang, the grand Stupa, was built by King setthathirath in 1566. The monument, built on the location of an older stupa, is believed to contain a relic of Buddha. The 45 meters high structure was damaged several times by foreign invaders byt was each times restored wit caring love by Lao people. That Luang had become the symbol of the Lao Nation adn is depicted in the country's coat of arms. A statue of King Settathirath stands in front of the stupa which used to be surrounded by four monasteries of which only two subsist. A three day festival is celebrated each year in November attracting huge crowds of worshippers.