Pha That Luang
The Great Stupa, also known as Pha That Luang, is one of the Laos’ most important buildings. It is located on a hill about 1.8 miles (3 km) northeast of Vientiane’s main centre. The stupa was built in 1566. King Setthathirat was the one who built it. An historic Khmer temple from the 11th century is thought to have formerly stood on this site. Locals also think that a Buddha relic imported from India in the third century was housed here. The golden stupa stands at 147.6 feet (45 metres) in height. Around the stupa, there are two wats. On either side of the stupa, there are many Buddha statues on the cloister. Street address is Th That Luang.
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket, Vientiane’s oldest temple, dates from the early nineteenth century and is located on the corner of Th Lan Xang. King Anouvong was the one who built it. During the 1920s, a Frenchman worked to rebuild the temple. Thousands of Buddha images made of wood, clay, bronze, and silver may be found here. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, these pictures were created. On the inner panel, murals depict Jataka tales from Buddha’s former life. There are several trees on the ground, including banana and mango trees. A Burmese-style library with a range of Buddhist and other books may also be found here.
Patuxai
Lane Xang Avenue is home to the Patuxai or Victory Monument. It features the Triumphal Arch and is also known as Arc de Triomphe Replica. The monument was erected in 1969 to honour Lao’s achievements. The monument has a stairwell that leads to the summit. From the summit, you can see Vientiane and the surrounding areas. Musical fountains bring a significant number of locals, particularly children, to this location at night.
Lao National History Museum
The Lao National History Museum is housed in a 1925 building in Vientiane. It has formerly served as the home of a French governor. The museum features exhibits about the region’s history, culture, and geography. The museum features exhibits from the colonial period (1893–1955) in one of its halls. Another chamber is dedicated to the battle for independence from 1945 to 1954. Exhibits covering battles with Americans, the provisional government of 1964–1969, and the communist triumph of 1975 may be found in other rooms. Th Samsenthai is the street address.
Xieng Khuan
Off Th Tha Deua street, along the Mekong River’s bank, is Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park. It’s roughly 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Vientiane’s main city. The Spirit City is known as Xieng Khuan in the native language. This park was established in the late 1950s. The park was founded by a monk named Luang Pu Bunleua, who was also a yogi and shaman. He became well-known for his theory, which combined the fundamentals of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses may be found in this park. Vishnu, Shiva, Arjuna, and Buddha are among the prominent statues here.
Wat Sok Pa Luang
Wat Sok Pa Luang temple is nestled in the deep forests and therefore known as ‘Wat Sok Pa,’ which translates to “forest temple” in the local language. A large, ornate gate leads to the temple. Herbal saunas and professional massages are available here. You may also have herbal tea here after a sauna session. Monks also teach Vipassana, a Buddhist meditation technique.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, also known as Thai Saphan Mittaphap Thai-Lao, joins Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River. It features two 11.5-foot-wide (3.5-meter) automobile lanes, two sidewalks, and a railway line. It is around 4,068 feet (1,240 metres) in length and was completed in 1994. The bridge connects the Laotian town of Tha Nalaeng with Thailand’s Nong Khai. The Australian government offered financial help for the construction of this bridge.
