Vientiane Favorites

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Favorite thing: We had already completed a full day City Tour with our group and having spare time my wife and I decided to take a private half day tour to attractions within Vientiane and surrounding district not included in previous tour.

This worked out well, a small shock factor when we arrived at a Salt Factory but this gave us an insight into country village life. The trip to the salt factory took us out into the countryside passing various farming activities including rice paddies, cattle, roadside stalls etc etc.

What we enjoyed most was the lunch cruise on our own private boat with one crew member. It was not on the Mekong River but a secondary river which was several hundred metres wide and good water flow.

The visit to the Nikone Silk Factory was included.

Transport was provided in a modern Hyundai van.

Fondest memory: Travel@Lao
120 Phangkham Rd , Vientiane
www.travellao.net
Ph: (856-21)254-299

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Favorite thing: ... deserves your attention while in short stay to capital, it would be Wat Sisakhet I believe. Why, then? Its grounds are home of thousands of Buddha statues, placed in niches by wall and worshipped in temple - it's place unique to Vieng Chan, which somehow avioded turbulent history during Siamese occupation when other buildings were gone in fires or got seriously damaged.

One of the most significant wats of capital was built by King Anouvong in 1815 and was used by Lao elite, 'high class' then whom used to come to temple to pay tribute to Siamese. Anouvong tried to unite Lao and their teritorry, for which was martyred and later he died.

Fondest memory: The boards in front of the wat main entry will further and in detail explain philosophy of this religious architecture and it's read most interesting - if you are interested. It's place rich in detail and color - and greatest number of visitor are local Lao Buddhist though significant numbers of 'outsiders' will visit out of curiousity or for deeper search - reason known to themselves only.
We like to come here too, when we seek silence in its enclosures and answers to aspects of local beliefs. Among those thousands Buddhas - they all may be look the same, but are not.
Behind, the Naga comes to life during festivals and ceremonies when water from hers mouth will purify all what has become dirty during the year - one of the most respected acts in a year of devoted believer.
So interesting that place is!

Where? At the main intersection to Lan Xang Avenue with Setthathirat road, next to Presidental palace and Ho Prakeo temple.

There's about 1 USD entry fee for foreign visitor.

Fondest memory: Vientiane is the capital of modern Laos. With that, it is the focal point of the Communist party. If you read my general tip on my main Laos page, you will note my opinion on the juxtaposition between this city and Luang Prabang to the north. Vientiane is still the iconic communist party headquarters and propagates the anti-imperialist sentiment against its foes (at least in the Museum that is). Luang Prabang on the other hand endorses its mixed French past and highlights the forgotten monarchy.

Sorry, no photos to support this since cameras are not allowed in most of the museums.

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Favorite thing: Nam Phou Square is located in the centre of Vientiane. In the middle of the square there is a small fountain – and Nam Phou means ‘fountain’ in Lao.
I passed the fountain a couple of times, but never saw it in action so don’t know if it works?

But the area around the square is quite nice with shops, accommodation and some great restaurants. Great place to visit after a long day in Vientiane…

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Favorite thing: That Luang Festival is an important Buddhist festival and is held around the That Luang Stupa (read my other tips). Normally the festival is held in November – during the full moon of the 12th lunar month…

The festival is 3 days of religious ceremonies and a week of general festivities and entertainment – and people from all over Laos travels to Vientiane to celebrate.

I went to the festival area a couple of times during my stay in Vientiane, and quite a sight with the many orange-dressed monks around the stupa - combined with the huge festival area with modern music and stalls where you can buy anything. If you are in Vientiane in November check out the festival schedule.

Favorite thing: The Tourist Information (or Lao National Tourism Administration) is located on Lane Xang Avenue, not far away from the Talat Sao morning market.

I went inside for at quick look and there were a couple of information plagues about other regions of Laos - but nothing about Vientiane. Not much help.

Favorite thing: Some useful words to help you get along in Laos :-

Th = means Road
Talat = Market
SaBaiDee = Hello
Khawp Jai = Thank you
Khawp Jai Lai Lai = Thank you very much
Laap = Salad
Laap kai = Chicken salad
Laap siin = Beef salad
Laap paa = Fish salad
Laap muu = Pork salad
Khao niaw = Sticky rice
Kung = shrimp/prawns
Puu = crabs
Foe = noodles
Khao Jii Paa-tae = Baguette sandwich
Piing Paa = grilled fish
Piing Kung = grilled prawns

No worries if you can't remember as most Lao do speak a bit of English. If they don't, well, sign languages will get you by...

Favorite thing: Wattay International Airport is about 4km northwest of the city centre. It is not a big airport. To get to the city centre, you can hire a cab and it will cost you approximately Usd6/- (10min ride). You can also walk out of the Airport terminal to the main road (10minutes) of Th Luang Prabang to catch a jumbo or tuk-tuk Cost : usd2/- (15minutes ride).

Immigration clearance is about half an hour.