Vientiane Capital - World Ecotourism Conference 2009, Laos PDR

Things to do?

History of Vientiane Capital

In 1563, King Setthathirat made Vientiane (in Lao language Vieng Chan) the capital of the kingdom of Lane Xang . The two most important Wats of Vientiane, Wat That Luang and Wat Phra Keo date back to that time. In 1827 Vientiane had been conquered and sacked by a Siamese army. For decades the town lay in ruins, until the French, at the beginning of their colonial reign rebuilt it.

However, Vientiane today does not feature French-influenced architecture to the same extent as Phnom Penh and Saigon . Instead there is a strong Thai influence. With barely half a Million inhabitants Vientiane is the smallest capital in Southeast Asia (except for Bandar Seri Begawan of Brunei ).

Where to visit

That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa):

This stupa, built in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, is said to contain relics of the Lord Buddha himself and is the country's most cherished religious monument.

Laos largest Buddhist festival of the year is held here on the full moon of the 12th month of the Buddhist calendar.

Open daily: 08.00-16.00 daily, except Mondays and holidays.

Patuxay (Victory Gate) :

Centrally located on Lane Xang Avenue, this monument was built in the 1960 commemorate those who died in past wars. The monument was modeled after the Arc de Triumph in Paris, yet retains its Laotian identity with traditional decorative motifs. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Open daily: 08.00-17.00

Vat Sisaket :

Built in 1818 by King Anouvong and having survived the attacks by the Siamese, this is the oldest standing temple in Vientiane. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in the country and houses many important documents and treasures, including 6.840 Buddha images.

Open daily: 8.00-12.00 / 13.00-16.00

Hor Phakeo :

This building, originally built in 1565 as a personal place of worship for King Sayasetthathirath, housed the Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo) before it was taken to Bangkok by the Siamese in the 19th century. Today it is a museum, which holds one of the most extensive collections of Buddhist artifacts in the country.

Open daily: 08.00-12.00 / 13.00-16.00

Presidential Palace :

This building, located at the intersection of Lane Xang and Setthathirath avenues, was built for the French colonial governor and was later used by King Sisavangvong as his secondary residence to the royal palace in Luang Prabang. It is now used to host official guests of the Lao PDR.

Not open to the public.

Xieng Khuan ( Buddha Park ) :

This park, conceived in 1958 under the direction of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a Laotian monk, hosts a collection of larger-than-life sculptures that merge Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The park is located roughly 24 km south of Vientiane , across from the town of Nong Khai (Thailand) where Bunleua later erected a similar pantheon of sculptures.

Open daily: 08.00-16.00 daily, except Mondays and holidays.

Talat Sao (Morning Market) :

Consisting of three main buildings located in the centre of town on Lane Xang Avenue opposite the post office and central bus station, this extensive market carries mostly durable goods, ranging from Lao handicrafts, textiles and jewellery to imported household appliances.

Open daily: 07.00-16.00

Mekong Promenade :

Take a stroll along the Mekong riverfront, watch the sunset, enjoy barbeque and Beer Lao on the river’s edge, get a workout in evening aerobics, go shopping or simply watch people pass by: this pleasant stretch of the Mekong in central Vientiane has a little something for everyone.

Lao National History Museum :

This museum, which was originally built in 1925 as the French governor’s residence, presents the history of Laos , highlighting the people’s struggle to free the country from foreign occupiers and imperialist forces. Located on Samsenthai road, opposite the Cultural Hall.

Open Monday-Friday: 08.00-11.30 /14.00-16.30

National Ethnic Cultural Park :

Located 20 km south of Vientiane, near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, this park features cultural exhibits, statues of Lao literary heroes, models of traditional Lao houses, a zoo, children's playground and restaurant with relaxing seating along the banks of the Mekong river.

Open daily: 08.00-18.00

Wat Simuang Temple

The original foundation pillar of Vientiane can be found in Wat Simuang, which is located at Ban Simuang village along the Setthathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is thought to be guarded by the spirit a local girl called “ Si” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as a pillar was being lowered into the hold. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) takes place two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November which attracts large crowds to Wat Simuang Temple.

Wat Ongtue Temple

Wat Ongtue or “The temple of the heavy Buddha” houses a 16 th Century Buddha image weighing an incredible ten tons. The temple was built by King Saysetthathirath and is found on the street of the same name – Setthathirath Road.

Wat Inpeng Temple

Wat Inpeng Temple Pagoda is a historical landmark of arts and culture, located on the north of Wat Ongtue Temple. There are many historical elements of interest to those studying Lao art and culture including the rock sculptures, Buddha images and rock columns depicting Mon and Khmer cultures. Despite many of the original items in this temple having since been removed, the pagoda still corresponds to the King of Gods. It was once said that during construction, he transformed himself into an old wise man to assist with construction. Legend also holds that he further transformed himself into white monk to help construct the Buddha image. From then on, the temple become known as Wat Inpeng, which means ‘ to transform’.


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