Vientiane, known as the "city of peace", is the capital city of Laos, also the center of politics, culture and economy of Laos. The city lies on the left bank Mekong River, the other side is Thailand. In the cities of Southeast Asia, perhaps Vientiane is one of the least capitals intact and the war affected. Therefore, the capital's architecture brings ancient features that not many places in the world can be. From the spiritual construction such as temples to the houses of local people here carry nostalgic beauty, make the whole city becomes extraordinarily quiet. Laos has around 1,400 large and small temples. Therefore, there is no wonder that most of the attractions in Vientiane are temples. All of the temples here were built under the same ancient architectural style, however, each temple here has various unique features, show the creativity of its people. Besides the temple’s architecture and monumentalism in scale, Vientiane crystallize characteristics make very own Laotians personality. It is the cultural depths of a 452 year old capital that Buddhism was the chosen nation national religion. Buddhism permeates every human, every area, creates a feeling of intimacy and tranquility.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is a Buddhist stupa, a temple, in the center of Vientiane, Laos. This temple was built in 1566 under the reign of Setthathirat, in the form of wine bottle shaped an ornamental gourd, on the ruins of a Indian temple in13th century. It was covered by gold outside. Pha That Luang is the ancient temple and also the largest one of Laos with a square base and the height of 45 meters. Center block with the base is a golden lotus with blooming petals to four sides. On the lotus is a high square pedestal has quite complex structure. Model structure of Pha That Luang and harmonious decoration between colors and contours make unique architecture for this temple, bearing the stamp of Laos. Pha That Luang is lively and lovely by the colorful pattern wrapped around such as: the blazing yellow of the sun, snow-white color of pedestal blocks underneath, majesty gray of background wall of the corridor. Pha That Luang is evaluated as a unique religious cultural structure, is a symbol of wisdom and creativity. Every year on the full moon in November, festival in Pha That Luang is held for three days and three nights with solemn rituals such as Buddha bathing ceremony, ceremony Rice Offering carnival,… Inwardly, Pha That Luang is seen as a gold flame by Laotian, always burn brightly lit them passion, faith in life and pride in their history.

Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Vientiane, situated right on the street that leads to the Prime Minister Palace. Although Wat Sisaket is just a small temple in Vientiane, but this temple contains over 6,840 rare statues from small to very big. Statues here were made mainly by copper, some were made from other materials such as precious woods, silver, or gold plated. The main hall of the temple turns toward to the south, not follow common sense. In 1827 and 1828, Siamese army razed Vientiane and captured the majority of Laotian to across the Mekong River, all temples and shrines were destroyed, except the temple Sisaket. According to legend, when Siamese army attacked the temple, suddenly a black cloud covered the sky, all soldiers panicked of the wrath of the Gods so automatically withdrawn. Thus, Sasiket is the only one remained. The inside of the main hall there are thousands of small cavities, each cavity placed a Buddha statue, makes sheltered feeling for prayer. Exterior corridor system is also put hundreds of small and large Buddha statues. There is a nearly 400-year-old library with ancient Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaf by hand. Sisaket is truly one of the symbols of Buddhism in this peaceful country.

Buddha Park

Located in the east, less than 25km from the capital of Laos Vientiane is a population of Buddha statues that Laotian used to call this scenic is "Buddha Park". Buddha Park is located along the Mekong River, which is one of the places that tourists cannot ignore when in Laos. This park is famous for a myriad of Buddha statues with different postures and faces, are shown entirely in the cement material. Also for that reason, through a period of 5 decades, they put on the mantle of moss that make the images change every day. Compositions in the Buddha Park were reflected in the decade 1950 – 1960 when the war in Indochina is in the most severe period so that the faces of statues hidden so many emotions. Visitors can see the turbulent and powerless emotions, threatening to exude from charismas of the statues. Versus turbulent, austerity, there are also faces which are very idyllic, cozy and close. It is the huge reclining Buddha statue in the center of the park. About 40 meters long, the Buddha face is serene, inclusive with broad forehead, slightly closed eyes, smiling lips, carefree appearance like posture of Buddha entering into Nirvana than 25 centuries ago. Buddha Park makes travelers overwhelmed but at the same time feel the closeness, warmth spreads itself after each step in Buddhist lands, convey wishes and beliefs to sacred places.

Patuxay

Patuxay, also known as Victory Arch, is located at the end of Lan Xang Avenue in Vientiane. It is a symbol of the victory of the Laotians to honor those soldiers in the wars against France of the people of Laos. Patuxay is situated in the main streets of the most beautiful streets of the capital. Whether visitors come from any direction they can also recognize it from afar. Between streets intersection, Patuxay welcome the dawn of a new day and the sunset when the night falls. This building was built from 1962 to 1968. After many unfinished period for lack of funds and many other reasons, so far Patuxay has not really finished. With Laotian, the main reason the project was not continued construction because it represents a historic part of this impoverished country. Patuxay is somewhat similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but bears a cultural identity of Laos. It is decorated idols Kinari - half woman and half bird, are reliefs describe the epic of Rama and tower with Laotian style. Still remains unchanged and cold appearance of the cement but Patuxay is harmonized in a large and very lovable square. When the afternoon sun is fading as people in Vientiane gather here. It is a great atmosphere of friendly people here.

Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang, built in 1566, is home to the main pillars of the city and the most sacred temple in Vientiane. The temple is the soul of the city, where local people often come to pray for peace and blessing. Located halfway Setthathilath and Samsenthai, this temple clearly demonstrates the combination of Buddhist faith and beliefs of primitive of Laotian. There are many legends related to this temple but a sure thing that Si Muang is the name of a pregnant woman about 300 years ago. Si Muang temple was built by Laotians to worship and remembrance of her. Wat Si Muang has an area of over 2 hectares. The structure consists of a main temple to worship Buddha and an area to worship Si Muang Mother. The temple campus have put many statues, most notable is the Shakyamuni Buddha statues, placed under the pagoda tree. Besides, there are six standing statues and a lying statue symbolizes for the sacred protection of the Si Muang Mother. The main temple has two compartments. The front compartment is fairly sketchy, often has a monk sitting to tie a cotton yarn on hand to bless visitors. The back compartment is the altar. Especially, inside the back compartment, there is no Buddha statue but just a tall stone column. It is one of two god column to defend this city. Wat Si Muang is really an attractive destination for tourists who want to be immersed in peaceful beauty when come to Vientiane.

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