Vientiane Cultural Monuments Tour
- Monuments
Patuxay
Patuxay - a landmark and memorial monument in Vientiane inspired by the parisian Arc de Triomphe - was constructed in 1958 on Lanexang Avenue. The five Buddhist principles of "thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity" are symbolised in the monument's five towers. Four gateways roughly point to all four wind directions. The site is a popular tourist attraction for both foreigners and locals.
That Luang Stupa
That Luang Stupa (officialy named Pha Chedi Lokojumani) or Great Sacred Stupa in English is a national monument which was initially built in 1566 during the reign of King Saysethathirath. Its golden stupa is 45 metres (148 ft) high and the building is described as a "gilded missile cluster". The gold colored central image inside the stupa is shaped like a curve of an extended Lotus bud. The annual That Luang Festival is held here in the twelfth waxing Lunar month as per the Buddhist Lunar Calendar, lasting for 7 days. Close to this stupa, there is also the Revolutionary Monument, a simple monument with starred pinnacles which was built in memory of those killed in the revolutionary struggle between 1945 and 1975.
- Museums
Lao National Museum
The Lao National Museum, located on Samsenthai road, opposite to the Cultural Hall highlights the revolution of the 1970s and is located in a French colonial building. This museum, which was originally built in 1925 as the French governor’s residence, presents the history of Laos, highlighting the Laotian people’s struggle to free the country from foreign occupancy and imperialist forces.
Ho Pra Keo Museum
The Ho Pra Keo Museum was originally a temple, built in 1565 by King Saysethathirath. It had an Emerald Buddha which was taken away to Siam in 1828. The building was converted into a museum during the 1970s. It houses notable Buddhist sculptures. The President’s Palace (former Royal Palace) and gardens can be seen from the terrace of the museum.
- Parks
Xieng Khouan Buddha Park
The Xieng Khouan Buddha Park, built in 1958, has Buddhist and Hindu sculptures placed in the gardens and trees. It is located about 28 km (17 mi) south of Vientiane and overlooks the Mekong to Nong Khai in Thailand. The creator of this religious park, Bunleua Sulilat (1932–1996) (a spiritual leader in the 1950s) created two theme parks including this park and another at Nang Khoi. In 1958, he started building concrete religious sculptures in the park on the outskirts of Vientiane.
Suan Wattanatham Bandapao
Suan Wattanatham Bandapao (National Ethnic Cultural Park) is located 20 km (12 mi) south of Vientiane city close to the Khau Midthaphab (First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong). Along tree-shaded avenues one can find traditional Lao homes, sculptures of famous Lao literary icons, and there is also a small zoo.
- Temples
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket Temple, built in Siamese style by King Anou Vong between 1818 and 1824, is located in the old city and survived the war with Siam. 6,840 Buddha images litter the main hall, walls of the courtyard and many shelves. Some unique features of this temple are the silver and ceramics Buddha images, 300 seated and standing Buddhas made in wood, stone, silver and bronze. In the hall, known as Ho Trai, there are Buddhist manuscripts of the 18th century. During the French colonial regime it was restored twice; once in 1924 and then again in 1930. Buddha statues damaged during the Siamese-Lao War of 1828 are displayed on the western side of the temple. A Khymer Naga Buddha sculpture seated on a coiled hooded cobra (naga) can be found in front of the main seated Buddha image dating back to the 13th century Khmer period. In the 1970 Expo Osaka held in Japan, the temple was depicted as the Lao national emblem.
Wat Si Muang
Wat Si Muang Temple in the Ban Simuang village on the Sethathirath Road is the foundation pillar of Vientiane. Built in 1956, it is said to be protected by the spirit of a local girl "Si" who - according to local myth - while pregnant jumped to death as a sacrificial offering when the pillar was in the process of being lowered onto its foundation. In November, Phasat Pheung annual festival (wax tableaux parade) precedes, by two days, the That Luang Festival held at the temple. The city pillar is a phallic symbol, considered as a guardian of the city. It was destroyed in 1818 and rebuilt in 1915. A Buddha image in relief and carved wood are displayed opposite to this pillar. Behind the city pillar there is a place where devotees place broken images and pots to get rid of bad luck. In the public park opposite to the pillar, there is statue of King Sisavang Vong.
Wat Ongtue
Wat Ongtue, also called "the temple of the heavy Buddha", has a 16th-century Buddha image, which weighs ten tons (10,160 kg). It was built by King Saysethathirath and is located on the Wat Ongtue – Sethathirath Road. The temple was destroyed in the Siamese–Laos war and rebuilt in the 20th century. The deputy patriarch of the Monastic Order resides there and heads the Buddhist institute for monks who come from all over the country for training in the Buddhist Dhamma. The heavy Buddha statue is 5.8 metres (19 ft 0 in) in height and is located on the back side of the sim. It is flanked by two more standing Buddha statues.
Wat Inpeng
Wat Inpeng Temple ("to transform") located at Inpeng Pagoda, belongs to the Mon and Khmer cultures. It is known as the "historical landmark of arts and culture" of Laos. According to legends, God assisted in the construction of this Pagoda by assuming the forms of an old wise man and an old white monk. It is located to the north of Wat Ongtue Temple and has many artistic and cultural edifices of rock sculptures, Buddha images and rock columns.
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