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Vientiane Travel guide
Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, has a population of just over half a million. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the centre of Lao culture, commerce and administration.
Major attractions are Buddhist monasteries and monuments that dominate the streets of central Vientiane.
It's a small city and easy to get around with pleasant streets in the central area and an easy going, friendly ambience.
Wat Sisaket - is the only temple in Vientiane that survived the sacking of the city by the Siamese in 1828, and is the oldest and one of the most interesting in the country. In the interior of Ho Trai, the main hall and inset into the walls of the surrounding courtyard are hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images and Buddhist inscriptions of the 18th century. A replica of Ho Trai was greatly venerated at the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Wat Ho Phakeo - Ho Phakeo was built in 1565 by king Setthathirat when he moved the capital of Lan Xang from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. It originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok.
Patuxay - Situated in the centre of Vientiane prefecture. The Arch of Triumph, or Victory Gate, was formerly known only as Anousavary (monument). It was built in 1958 on Lan Xang Avenue, with architecture inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and adorned with typical Lao motifs. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view.
That Luang - That Luang Shrine (Great Sacred Stupa) is the most important national monument in Vientiane, with a golden Stupa believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. It was constructed in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in typical Lao style and is one of the best know That (Stupa) in Laos. That Luang is the national Emblem of the country.
National Ethnic Cultural Park - The National Ethnic Cultural Park or Suan Vatthana Tham, is located 20 km downriver from Vientiane. The park includes Shady paths, sculptures of Lao literary heroes and a small zoo. Visitors can also relax at the Mekong riverside and enjoy the view of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Buddha Park - Or garden of Statues, enshrines sculptures of Buddha images and Hindu gods, is located 24 km. downstream from Vientiane.
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