Laos's Vientiane
Vientiane
The quiet, sleepy streets of this Laos capital hardly define it as a metropolitan center by traditional paradigm, yet Vientiane is alive and well in a unique charm all its own. Teeming with a relaxed atmosphere that promises to captivate even the most prolific of travelers, Vientiane deserves a fair exploration.
A city of eclectic aesthetic, Vientiane makes for an interesting walk, with traditional neighborhoods of wood houses neighboring avenues of colonial mansions. Intermixed within the city, find a myriad of temples, most reconstructed as a result of the 1828 ransacking by the Siamese, but none the less impressive.
From the golden Pha That Luang, which stands as the city’s most important national monument, to the Patuxai Victory Monument, the memorable Lao version of the Arc de Triomphe, Vientiane proves rich in cultural wealth. Visit the lively Talat Sao, where every morning unique wares are prime for the finding, or view the vibrant hues of a Lao sunset from the colonial streets of Mekong.
