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 7th to 12th
centuries. At its foot are the remains
of the 5th 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
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