Vientiane
province has a total population of 305,000. Its main town is Phonhong.
Vientiane province is divided into nine districts: Phonhong, Thourakhom,
Keo Oudom, Feuang, VangVieng, Kasy, Saysomboon, Hom and Sanakham.
Vang
Vieng
is a scenic district of Vientiane province, enjoying
excellent weather with breath-taking views of rock and limestone
mountains (Pha Tang, Phatto Nokham), caves and rock outcrops overhanging
the Xong River. At only three kilometers
of its center, you'll find Tham Chanh, Tham Phra, Tham Baat, and
Tham Leusi the holy caves in the Chang rocky mountains.
Nam
Ngum Lake
is
situated about 80km to the North of Vientiane. The beautiful scenery
over the Nam Ngum river and its green valley is enhanced by
the presence of a breathtaking lake. This is a man-made reservoir
of an hydroelectric power dam, generating most of the electricity
sold to Thailand. The forests with a big variety of woods are
still there on the thousands of islands dotting the lake. It is
a rewarding experience to discover the area by motorboat or spend
the day at the many bungalows or on the "floating restaurant
boat" to enjoy the picturesque scenes of water, island, forests
and charming fishing-villages. On the way to Nam Ngum Lake,
a short detour will take you to Vangsang, an 11th century Buddhist
archeological site, where primitive Buddha images are carved right
on the rock cliff. A salt extraction plant using traditional methods
and the Zoo can be visited at Ban Keun.
Vientaine
& its Suburbs
Vientiane
is the capital city of laos. It is located on a curve of the Mekong
River sharing the border with Thailand. Vientiane attractiveness
is located in the old town located along the Mekong River, ancient
temples and tree lined boulevards that used to be a fortified
wall against foreign invasions. Vientiane’s sophistication
in with galleries, theatres, nightclubs was influenced by it’s
foreign predecessor. Though a small city, it offers
its visitors a great variety of restaurant with cuisine ranging
from genuine laos specialties to Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai
and European specialties.
Arch
Monument "Pratuxai "
Situated
in the center of Vientiane prefecture, this Victory Gate, also
known as Anousavali was constructed in 1958, its architecture
was inspired from the Arce de Triomph in Paris and incorporates
the typical laos motifs including Kinnari, the Mythical bird-woman.
Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument and enjoy
a panoramic view of the city.
That
Luang
That
Luang Shrine (great Sacred Stupa) is the most important national
monument in Vientiane, with golden stupa believed to contain a
relic of Buddha. That Luang was constructed to gather laos people
all over the country and became the cultural center since 1566.
That Luang Festival is organized yearly on the full moon of November
and it is celebrated for 7 days and nights with traditional performances.
Wat
Prakeo
Wat Prakeo was
built in 1566 by king Setthathirat to house the Emerald Buddha for
his personal place of worship. Unlike other temples (or Wat), there
had never been any monks residing in this temple of Wat Prakeo.
From the terrace of Ho Prakeo, you can enjoy a view overlooking
the President’s palace (former Royal Palace) and gardens.
Morning Market
Morning Market
consists of three main buildings where each has two floors. This
shopping market has become a lively commercial center where a variety
of goods is exhibited such as garments, souvenirs, jewelry, electronic
equipment and products from over the world.
National
Ethnic Cultural Park
Suan
Vatthana Tham, The National Ethnic Culture Park is located 20
km downstream from Vientiane, Follow Shady Paths past model laos
Homes Sculpture of laos literary heroes and small zoo. Relax at
riverside, bars and restaurant and enjoy the view of khua Mittaphab,
The Friendship Bridge. Open daily from 08:00-18:00.
Mittaphab
Bridge
Beginning
of construction in 1991, and officially opened in April 1994 -
length 1,174 meters. - Width 12.7 meters across the Mekong River
between laoss-Thailand.
Buddha
Park or
Garden of Statues (1958) comprises a collection of Buddhist and
Hindu sculptures in a level field of grass. Buddha Park is a religious
sculpture park located by the Mekong River 24 km. downstream from
Vientiane, where you can see the view of Nongkhai as well.
Vangsang
Cave
or Elephant Court: remains of ancient sanctuary dated over three
hundreds years before foundation of the kingdom of Lanexang.
Vangsang consist of five large pink sandstone’s sculptures and
two huge Buddha. This place now becomes a tourist center and picnic
area for Vientiane people in weekend.
Salt
Extraction Plant
A village called
Banjo, Thourakhom district is known for its salt extraction. It
is 60 kilometers faraway from Vientiane.
The majority
of inhabitants earn their living-part time-by producing salt. Here
you can see the traditional way of salt producing.
Vang
Vieng & Tham Chang
Vang Vieng
is a famous district in Vientiane province, and is about 150 km
out of the capital. According to the local folklore, there
are many mysterious places in Vang Vieng such as Caves Patho Nokham,
Patang, Tham Chang, Nam Xong River etc.
Take
in the pictureques landscape and sights of the local countryside.
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