Laos Cities: Vientiane
The capital and residence of the Laos government is located in Mekong’s radiation among fertile alluvial plains. In 1563. The king of the Nettatatirate turned this, once a missing village, in the capital of the Kingdom of Lang-Sang. In 1827, Vientiane was captured by the Siamese army and practically completely destroyed.
For many decades, the city was lying in the ruins, until the French colonialists restored, and rather to say – they built it again, his. Moreover, the French have tried to preserve the national flavor of the city, and he acquired the features of architecture with good noticeable Thai and Lao elements. Nowadays, this is the smallest capital in Southeast Asia (on the square of about 180 kV. Mail here there are only about 464 thousand people), the largest cultural, shopping and administrative center of Laos.
Despite its motley past, Vientiane (local name – Viengchan) is a rather relaxed and cute city, with many interesting temples and living markets. The main attractions of Vientiane – his serene Buddhist monasteries. The most important National Monument of Laos – Stupa Fá Luang or That Luang (Phu Jey Locoyulamani, 1566 g), which is a symbol at the same time and Buddhism, and the sovereignty of Laos (it is even depicted on the coat of arms of the country). Legends argue that in the III in. N. NS. Indian Emperor Azoki built the first patch in this place, and concluded the power of the Buddha in her walls. True, this or fiction is unknown, however, archaeological excavations opened around the stuins of the Khmer Temple of the XI-XIII centuries. Stupa herself, and the surrounding temples of Wat Tat Luang Neu and Wat Tat Luang Tai, were almost destroyed several times, but then carefully restored, and reached ours in all of their magnificence. On the square in front of That Luang regularly held festive ceremonies and are arranged various sports contests.
No less interesting royal temple Wat Phra Keo or Ho Pha Keu (1565 g, famous "Emerald Buddha" From this temple is now in Bangkok) with the Buddha museum, the temple of Wat Si Muan (1563, according to legends, the spirit-defender of the city lives here, an amazing stupa without doors TAT DAM ("Black Stupa", XVI B), as well as the oldest temple in Vientiane – Wat Caque (1818 G – the only temple in Vientiane, who survived the destruction of the city in 1827-1828) with his famous niches, in each of which is on the sculptural image of the Buddha (total they are 6840). The attractions of the capital also include the National Museum in the building of the former Royal Palace (1904 d), Poupes (Triumphal Arch, 1958), which is often called simply "Anusavari" (Monument), monument of revolution and chief ventyan market – Talaat Sao.
There are also many interesting places around the capital to include a collection of sculptures Xiang Houan (Sieney Khuang or Buddha Park, 24 km south of Vientiane), the ruins of the Wang Sang Temple (XI C) with 5 cut right in the rock by Buddha statues (approximately 66 km north Cities), reserve and zoo Keun, many sacred caves in the mountains of Chang, as well as the picturesque area of Wang Vieng with hundreds of islands around the dam and lakes to us Ngum (90 km north of Vientiane).
Reviews and studies of trips
Laos. Vientyan
Write that Vientiane is considered the smallest capital in Southeast Asia. Buddha Park. Left Statue of Sleeping Buddha. It’s like i understand a copy. Read more →
Laos: Vientiane. Architecture and parks
The architecture of Vientiane is inexpressive. Asphalt lads. On Cambodia looks like. Colonial buildings are destroyed. In the center there are many tourists, there are still looking places. Read more →
Juan | Autumn 2016
Laos: Vientiane. Capital
The capital is the only place in Laos, which pulls on the proud title of big city. Almost 20% of the country’s population lives here. Read more →
