Vientiane

VIENTIANE compared to the bustling capitals in other countries of South East Asia, got a relaxing atmosphere and still makes you feeling to be in a small town. It is located on the banks of the Mekong and close to the Thai border. The streets are lined with trees, French colonial buildings, street markets, Buddhist temples, and noodle shops. But the booming tourism industry slowly bringing the excesses of Thailand and China to this formerly sleepy city. It is not only the capital of this landlocked country, but the largest city of Laos as well. The metro area of population is roughly 700’000. Vientiane is home to That Luang, the most significant national monument in Laos and the symbol of Laos and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. It was originally built in 1566 by King Setthathirath and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha. The city’s central river port location and its hinterland of rice cultivation have made Vientiane the economic center of Laos. The Lao farmers of the surrounding area tend rice, corn and livestock in some of the best alluvial lowlands of Laos. Since the shift in the country’s import trade from Vietnam to Thailand, Vientiane has replaced Pakse as Laos’s principal port of entry. There are several beautiful sites in and around the city that are well worth a visit. Here you find also good bars, restaurants, a friendly vibe and atmosphere. Take a stroll down to the riverside, relax with a cold Beerlao and watch the sun set on the Mekong.

HISTORY. The city was founded in the late 13th century. Later in the mid-16th century the capital of the Lao kingdom (Lan Xang) was moved from its traditional location in Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Then in 1778 Vientiane came under control from the Siamese and 50 years later it was destroyed when the subject Laotian king revolted against Siamese hegemony. From 1899 to 1953 (except for the short Japanese occupation in 1945) Vientiane was the seat of the French governor and French administrative capital. The city became the national capital of the newly independent Lao state in 1953. As the Laotian Civil War broke out between the Royal Lao Government and the Pathet Lao Vientiane became unstable. In August 1960, Kon Nog Le seized the capital and insisted that Souvanna Phouma become prime minister. In mid-December, Phoumi Nosavan then seized the capital, overthrew the Phouma Government, and installed Boun Oum as prime minister. In mid-1975, Pathet Lao troops moved towards the city and Americans began evacuating the capital. On 23 August 1975, a contingent of 50 Pathet Lao women symbolically liberated the city. On 2 December 1975, the communist party of the Pathet Lao took over Vientiane, defeated the Kingdom of Laos and renamed the country the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which ended the Laotian Civil War. The next day, an Insurgency in Laos began in the jungle, with the Pathet Lao fighting factions of Hmong and royalists.

GETTING THERE. By Air. Vientiane is served by Wattay International Airport with international connections to other Asian countries. Lao Airlines has regular flights to several domestic destinations in the country, such as Pakse and Savannakhet in the south, as well as Luang Prabang, Xiangkhouang, Houay Xai and others in the north. In neighboring Thailand, Udon Thani International Airport, one of Wattay's main connections, is less than 90 km away. By rail. The Laos-China Railway is a 414 kilometers standard gauge electrified railway running between the capital Vientiane and the town of
Boten on the border with China. On route you can stop at popular places, such as Vangvieng, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai.and Luang Namtha. The line was officially opened in late 2021. By bus. There are regular bus services connecting Vientane Bus Station with the rest of the country. In Vientiane, regular bus services around the city are provided by Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise.

ATTRACTIONS. Vientiane, Laos' national capital, is the biggest city in Laos. It mixes with Buddhist temples and French-colonial architecture. The capital of this landlocked country operates at a relaxed pace compared to other South East Asian cities. You can find many notable shrines along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets. Take the chance for a stroll past the markets and restaurants lining the Mekong River. As mentioned before, That Luang is a major sight of Vientiane. The great golden stupa is a national symbol of Laos. Pratu Xai, a massive monument is Laos’ answer to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is a war memorial dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Approx. 25 km east of Vientiane is the location of the Buddha Park. More than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues are scattered across this meadow. In downtown Vientiane, the two most famous temples are Wat Si Muang and Wat Si Saket. The first one is a colorful temple and the site of the city pillar, which represents the day the town was established. Wat Si Saket is the only temple in Laos to have completely survived the Siamese occupation. It is still an active monastery, where you can see monks roaming among the garden’s fruit trees and pavilion. 90 km north of the capital is the location of the Nam Ngum Reservoir, the largest lake of Laos. Here you can swim, fishing or take a cruise on the man-made lake with its approx. 300 mini-islands to nearby fishing villages and enjoy lunch on a floating restaurant. Vientiane’s main attraction in the evening seems to be the Night Market along the Mekong riverfront.