LAOS VIENTIANE WORLD HERITAGE SITE

LAOS VIENTIANE WORLD HERITAGE SITE

1.       LUANG PRABANG

This ancient town in the center of northern Laos is one of the most charming and best preserved in Southeast Asia. 34 Buddhist temples amid colonial and Chinese architecture are set against green mountains and framed on the west by the mighty Mekong River. Its vibrant cultural traditional, rituals and distinctive artwork make Luang Prabang and attractive destination. For its outstanding cultural and natural features, the town was listed as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE in 1995. It is accessible by air directly from Bangkok, Vientiane and Chiang Mai. Overland travel is also possible from all directions. A regular boat service on the Mekong (a two day voyage) operates to and from Huayxai which borders Chiangkhong in northern Thailand.

2.       WAT PHOU

The Wat Phou temple complex and Champassak heritage landscape is located 500 km south of Vientiane on the right bank of the Mekong River in Champassak Province. Wat Phou is excellent example of early and classic Khmer architecture, dating from the 7^th to 12^th centuries.  At its foot are the remains of the 5^th century city of Shestupura, believed to be the oldest urban settlement in Southeast Asia. Besides the main temple complex, there are many lesser known archaeological sites and natural areas nearby that can take some time to adequately explore. The town of Champassak is accessible via a short car or bus ride from Pakse, or by a regular boat service on the Mekong which is 2-3 hours ride.

TOURIST SITES IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF VIENTIANE CAPITAL

LAK 52:

At 52 KM on road 13 North is Ban Lak Ha Sip Sawng (52 km village). This town has evolved into the focal point for Hmong people for miles around. At the heart is a large daily market with plenty of stores selling traditional style Hmong dress. There is a plenty of good, reasonably priced food available here and a couple of budget guesthouses.

ANG NAM NGUM ( NAM NGUM LAKE)

A popular destination for day trippers from Vietiane,this vast artificial lake was created when the Nam Ngum was dammed. The highest peaks of the former river valley became forested islands after the valley was inundated in 1971. About 250 sq km of forest were floored when the river was dammed.

Today the Nam Ngum hydroelectric plant generates most of the electricity used in the Vientiane area and sells power to Thailand. Ang Nam Ngum is dotted with picturesque little islands and it is well worth taking a cruise from Ban Khuen or any of the lakeside villages.

NPAs: Community based nature and culture tourism provide interesting alternatives to mainstream tourism in some of the country’s 20 National Protected Areas (NPAs) or National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) . Visitors get a glimpse of the magnificent natural heritage of the Lao people – without compromising the integrity and rights of the people or the interests of nature conservation.

PHOU KHAO KHOUAY NPA :

PHOU KHAO KHOUAY is one of Laos’ most beautiful nature reserves. This extensive sandstone mountain range, only 40 kilometers northeast of Vientiane, covers 3 provonces in an area of about 2000 sq km and contains 3 large rivers and numerous tributaries. The highest mountain peak is 1671 meters in the centre of the reserve lies the beautiful Ang Nam Leuk (Nam Leuk Reservoir). The area is home to herds of Asian elephants, wildlife and many bird species, not to mention a diversity of forest types.

 TAD LEUK:

The most accessible and developed place inside Phou Khao Khouay NPA is well known Tad Leuk ( Leuk Waterfall) along the Nam Leuk , one of the 3 major rivers of the reserve. At 6 meters, the waterfall itself is not spectacular, but the surrounding landscape is simple beautiful and a welcome retreat from the stress of work o   r travel and can easily be visited all year around.

TOURIST SITES IN THE CENTER OF VIENTIANE CAPITAL

WAT SISAKET: Built in 1818 by King Anouvong , this is the only ancient temple to remain intact after the destruction of the city the Siamese in 1828. The monastery is located in the center of the old city and is certainly one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls contain hundreds of little niches and shelves housing a total of 6840 Buddha images.

HO PHAKEO MUSEUM:

The original structure of this ancient temple was built in 1565 by King Saysetthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha (lost to the Siamese in 1828) and as his personal of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936. For this reason, and unlike other temples in Laos, monks have not taken up residence here. During the 1970s the temple was converted to a museum and now houses the finest Lao collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. 

PATUXAI (VICTORY GATE)

The Patuxai memorial monument situated in Lane Xang Avenue was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. While the Arc De Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motif such as kinnari.

PHA THAT LUANG (GREAT SACRED STUPA)

An initial structure was built on this site in 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307 BC) by the fist governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack , also known as Bourichan. The original version of the present stupa, built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath , fell into disrepair and was restored in 1953. The stupa is 45m tall and is believed to contain a relic of Buddha. The gold spire imitates the curve of an elongated lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument and symbolizes the coming together of all Lao people.

XIENG KHOUAN BUDDHA PARK

This park was built in 1958 and contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered throughout the gardens. Located about 28km south of Vientiane at the edge of the Mekong, it affords a view of the Thai town of Nongkhai across the river. The park is open daily 0800- 1600 hours