Panoramas from VIENTIANE, LAOS

The promenade along the Mekong River.
Just across the river is Thailand.

For our December 2013 vacation, we decided to travel to the last Southeast Asian nation we had yet to visit - LAOS, or Lao P.D.R. as it is officially known. OK, there's still Timor Leste to go, but unless they sprout an international music festival or piano competition in Dili, there is little reason to dally.

Encouraged by my pianophile friends, the Kols who reside in Vientiane, this was one trip that had much to recommend. Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is a little city that is still unspoilt by the hustle and bustle that has made Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh or Pnom Penh a bit of a nightmare. It is still possible to walk through its city centre and visit the sights without risk being hit by a motorbike or tuk tuk here. Sleepy might be a word to describe it, but there's still much that is picturesque and atmospheric in Vientiane. Here are some of the better photos. 

The Ho Prakeo, temple that once housed the
Emerald Buddha (abducted by the Thais and now placed in
Bangkok's Wat Prakeo in the Royal Palace).
When will the Thais return it? 

The Ho Prakeo is now a museum of Buddhist relics.

The cloister of Wat Sisaket,
Vientiane's oldest and only temple left intact after the wars.

A view of Pha That Luang, Laos' holiest shrine,
from the southern temple that houses a reclining Buddha.

Pha That Luang from the main entrance.

Pha That Luang up close.

Another view of PTL.

Right in the heart of Vientiane is the
Nam Phou Fountain, now surrounded by classy restaurants.

A room in the National Museum of Laos.

The Mekong River at sundown.

WAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT VIENTIANE?

The "Black Stupa" of That Dam is not actually black
but covered with moss and soot. Its just around
the corner of Fountain Square and the US Embassy.

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, and although it does not have the old world charm of Luang Prabang, it is still a venue for temple-hopping. The old city centre is very compact, and most of the temples and religious sites are located on and around Settathirat Road. A busy morning of walking could see one covering all the little temples, although more time is required to appreciate Wat Sisaket, Ho Prakeo and That Luang.

Wat Haysoke is on the north side of Settathirat Road,
where most of the backpacker inns are located.

Wat Mixai is one the south side of Settathirat Road,
almost directly opposite Wat Haysoke.

Wat Ong Teu is adjacent to Wat Mixai,
and has a quite distinctive facade with lights.

Wat In Peng is one block west of Wat Ong Teu,
and boasts of a gilded facade and nice murals

The Ho Prakeo is a must visit,
now part of the Presidential Palace complex.

Antiquities adorn the corridors of Ho Prakeo.
Only the Emerald Buddha,
"borrowed" by Thailand, is still missing.

 

Wat Sisaket is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane.

The cloisters of Wat Sisaket are lined
with thousands of Buddhas.

On the far eastern end of Settathirat Road is Wat Simuang,
the site of the city pillar.

The city pillar in Wat Simuang,
and the new temple built to house it (right).

The temple just adjacent to That Luang
is just as picturesque.