The capital of Laos has about 600,000 inhabitants and is probably the quietest capital of Southeast Asia, although there are, in contrast to the rest of Laos, multi-lane roads, traffic lights, private cars and many motorcycles. But still nothing here is really hectic. We stayed here for 4 days and so we had enough time to explore the city.

First, of course we visited the That Luang, the national symbol and most important religious monument in Laos.

( Click for large image !)

Next we went to Patuxai, the "Triumphal Arch" it is a kind of Asian triumphal arch and is situated at the north end of the Lane Xang Avenue in the middle of the roundabout.

At the southern end of the road is the President's palace. It is also within walking distance to everything and we were quite fast at the Thad Dam, the Black Stupa and the imposing, Art Building.
 

Like everywhere, we went to the local market. It was very easy to come here because the Talat Sao, the largest market in Vientiane was only a few hundred meters away from our hotel so we could visit it at the beginning or the end of our tours and this was really great.

Nearby was also  the big  bus station and it was great to see here the laotian life. Many of the food stalls offers a choice of baguettes, a legacy of French colonial age, this was very unable in an Asian market.

Although we have already seen many wats during our travels, but nevertheless they are always an integral part of our tours. Especially here in Laos, there are a lot of old wats.  It is simply the spiritual atmosphere that we like at these places. Here in Vientiane are located 2 of the most beautiful and famous wats directly in opposite. The Wat Phra Kaew with its bronze sculptures in the porch, and a variety of Buddha statues from different eras and materials inside. Then the  Wat Sisaket, the oldest monastery in Vientiane which is still working.
 

The banks of the Mekong River are, like everywhere, the meeting place of the people. Numerous small bars, playgrounds and parks offers particularly in the evening hours a lot of variety for young and old. The right place to experience the life of the Lao people.
 

Nearly 24 miles south of the city is the famous Buddha Park, with its fanciful sculptures and the giant Buddha statue. It is a very popular destination for locals and tourists.
 

more Photos from Vientiane

InterNet addresses: