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Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos with a population of presently 464.000,
located on the bank of the Mekong River. Most travelers are fascinated
by the city's exotic Eurasian setting. The confluence of several
cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience.
Tree-lined boulevards, French historical dwellings and Buddhists temples
dominate the scene of central Vientiane and impart a unique character of
timelessness.
Vientiane's major attractions are its scenic Buddhist monasteries and
the significant monuments that dominate the scenery of the capital which
include Vat Sisaket, Vat Hoprakeo Patousay, That Luang stupa , Vat Ongtu,
etc...
Vientiane's That Luang stupa is the most impressive and biggest stupa in
Laos, featured on the Lao insignia. This stupa was constructed in 1566
by King Setthathirat. The Siamese damaged it badly during their invasion
in 1828, but it was restored in the 1936s. In mid-November, religious
rites as well as a fair are held here during the That Luang festival.
Don't forget to visit That Luang festival.
It takes place at the time of the fullmoon of the 12th lunar month
(November 21-22-23,99 and November 09-10-11, 2000). This is a Buddhist
festival to honour the That which is considered as the national shrine.
One of the days of this three-day festival is very special as large
crowds gather at 6:00 am for an impressive ceremony of prayers and
aims-giving.
Vat Phra Keo was also constructed by King Setthathirat. It was rebuilt
after the Siamese razed it during the Siamese-Lao war of 1828. The
building had housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok
following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778. Vat Phra Keo still displays
some of the finest Buddha sculptures found in the country.
The Patousay on Lane Xang Avenue is a large monument reminiscent of the
Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Its architecture incorporates typical Lao
motifs. From the top one can have a panoramic view of the entire city.
Vat Sisaket is the oldest temple of Vientiane, which has survived in its
original fomi. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the
courtyard surrounding it, a total of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small
niches or on shelves. At Vat Ong Teu resides the Buddhist Institute
where monks can study their religion under the guidance of senior
instructors.
Revolutionary Museum, housed in an impressive French colonial building.
The museum pays tribute to the sacrifices of the Lao People in freeing
the country from colonial rule.
The upstairs galleries feature photographs, artifacts and old weapons
from the revolution, as well as maps, paintings and dioramas. Downstairs
holds an archaeological display and exhibits about modern Laos.
Hours: 08.00-11.30, 14.00-16.00. Saturday 08.00-11.00.
Vat Xieng Khouane (Buddha Park ):
the park is in pleasant and it's a religious culture park located by the
Mekong River 24 kilometers down river from Vientiane. Features include
an enormous concrete reclining Buddha, and a three-tiered model of
heaven, earth and hell which visitors may climb through.
Hours: 08.00-16.30.
Weaving Village: A halfday excursion
of South Vientiane, where you can see the breeding of the silkworms in
most of the houses and traditional weaving. Tour ends with a visit to
the Buddha Park near Thadeua, the border crossing point with Thailand
and the National Ethnic Park beside the Friendship Bridge.
Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort: About 60 kms from Vientiane, it is the
eco-paradise hideaway. Nam Ngurn lake. This majestic and serene location
is a nature lover's paradise of over 250 square kilometers. Blossoming
out of this beautiful environment is The Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort. The
initial phase of this eco-tourism is now open and features a hotel,
restaurants, spa and gaming center. Future development will include the
outdoor entertainment Park, a fun-fair venue, a lakeside, clubhouse,
together with jetty boats, marine sports and golfing facilities.
The lake is dotted with hundreds of picturesque islands, which can be
explored by cruising around in small boats. It might also be interesting
to watch the locals felling underwater teak trees, which were submerged
when the Nam Ngum lake area was inundated. Near the lake, at Vangsang,
primitive Buddha images, dating from the 11th century, are carved into a
rock cliff.
Vangvieng: Vientiane Province offers
impressive scenery. At Vangvieng, 160 km north of Vientiane
municipality, breathtaking limestone formations nestle along the Song
River. The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most famous of
which is Tham Jang. Many of these caves can be reached by foot from
Vangvieng.
Lao Pako: It is an ecotourism lodge,
located on Namngum River about 50 kms from Vientiane. Access is by an
interesting drive from Vientiane to Ban Somxamai. From there, it is
approximately 25 minutes by local boat. The river trip is fascinating,
offering a chance of natural surrounding views.
Phongsaly Is situated in the most Northern tip of Laos, enclosed three
sides by china and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from Oudomsay
to the South. It consists of six districts: Phongsaly, Muangmai,
Muangkhua,Samphan,Sombounxay and Yot Ou.
More than twenty ethnicities make up the province's population of
approximately 153,400; among them Iko, Loma, Akha, Pusang, Thai Dam,
Thai Deng, Yao, Thai Lu, Khamou, Phal, Solo, Lao Hoy etc... All retain
distinct cultures, Languages and religious beliefs, though their most
obvious diffirence is their dress of the women of each tribe. Handicraft
skills-notably in weaving, embroidery and making silver jewelry are also
well developed.
Phongsaly can be reached by road and river, from Oudomsay it is possible
to travel by road as far as Muangkhua in Southern Phongsaly then
continues by boat. From Luangnamtha it is possible to travel by road via
Muangla ( Yunnan province, China). From Luangprabang it is possible
through the Nam Ou river straight north into the hearth of Phongsaly.
Another way, you can travel by Lao Aviation, which provides two flights
per week.
Huaphanh
Huaphanh province, a mysterious, beautiful and abundant land, is
situated in the North East of Laos, bordered by Xieng Khuang and Luang
Prabang to the west and Vietnam to the East.
It was the base of the Lao People's Revolutionary, activities and
especially the historic interest as the geographical heart of the
liberation struggle.
The province has a total population of around 247,300; consisting of
many, ethnic groups, each with their own life styles, costumes, folk
ways in wedding and other ceremonies, festivals, folk dances and songs,
differing from each other. Huaphan has six districts: Viengxay, Xamneua,
Xamtai,Viengthong, Xiengkho and Huamuang. The principal town is Viengxay
the former name know as Nakai, according to the former time this area
had many of birds, reptiles, wild animals.
The province is also famous by limestone mountains and caves; more than
one hundred caves are located in this area such as Tham Than
Souphanouvong, the former name know as Tham Phapount. In 1964 Mr.
Souphanouvong came to set up his residence in this cave.
Tham Than Kaysone, the former name known as Tham Yonesong, in 1964 this
cave was established for the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phomvihane. Tham
Than Khamtay is the part of Tham Xanglot, it was also the residence of
Mr. Khamtay Siphandone; consisting of many compartments such as meeting
room, reception room and research room…etc.
Sayabouri
Is situated in the North West of Laos; sharing borders with Vientiane
and Luang Prabang in the East and Thailand in the west.
Sayabouri is the most attractive destinations with sights and charms
peculiar to itself and picturesque NorthWest region.
The landscape of Sayabouri is magnificent by several peaks altitudes of
more than 1000 metres; the meadows and pastures with flower in full
boom; the thick and tangled virgin forests etc... there are, many
beautiful things to see in Sayabouri.
The principal town is commonly called Muang Sayaboury, where many
impressive temples such as Vat Ban Thin, Vat Ban Phapoun and Vat Ban
Natonoy are located.
The area of Muang Phieng, such as Ban Fainaimtan, Ban Nakhem and Ban
Nampoui have a tradition of agriculture because the land is fertile
suitable for agricultural production; particularly rice, water melons,
cabbages and sugar cane.
According to the local tradition, people who live in this area have been
using elephants for pulling logs.^top^
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang kingdom. According to
legend, its first name was Muang Swa. Later it was known as Xieng Thong. In
recognition of the city's vast array of Lao monuments and its historic and
culturally significant setting, UNESCO declared Luang Prabang as a World
Heritage Site in 1995.
Luang Prabang is situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. It is
surrounded by green hills and impresses travellers with its gleaming temple
roofs and crumbling French architecture. Luang Prabang offers a numerous
attractions.
Vat Xiengthong: with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Vat Xieng Thong, built
in 1560, represents classic local temple architecture richly decorated as well
as the rnosaic setting on red background on the walls. Its sim (chapel) has a
notable roof sweeping low to the ground. Other interesting temples are Vat
Wisunalat, Vat Aham and Vat That Luang.
Phousi Hill: The town is dominated by the Phou Si hill; getting up to the top
takes 328 steps. On its slopes several vats can be visited, and it is peaked by
a 24-metre high stupa, That Chomsi. The top of Phousi affords astonishing views,
especially during the serene sunsets which are characteristic of Luang Prabang.
Former's King Palace (National Museum): The Royal Palace Museum was constructed
1904- 1909 as King Sisavang Vong's palace. These days it functions as a museum.
It houses the royal throne and some interesting royal artefacts. The building
itself features a mixture of French beaux-arts styles and traditional Lao
motifs. The ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms
in which are displayed gifts from other countries to the Lao Kings and
collections of swords and Budda images. The room to right of the entry, hall,
once the King's reception room has walls covered with large-scale murals painted
in 1930 by the French artist Alix de Fautereau. They depict scenes from
traditional Laos life. A room in the rear of the former palace contains a small
collection of traditional musical instruments and dancers' masks used for
performances of the great Indian and Southeast Asia epic the Ramayana.
Pak Ou Cave: Equally fascinating are the Pak Ou caves which can be reached by a
2-hour boat trip (30 km) upstream from Luang Prabang. They are located within
the steep rock-cliff, which rises vertically from the waters of the Mekong River
at the point where it meets with the Nam Ou River. The lower cave, called Tham
Ting, and the upper cave, Tham Prakachay, shelter numerous Buddha images of
varying styles, ages and sizes, which have been brought to the cave by
generations of Buddhists.
The visit is combined with a stopover to see the rice wine distillation at Ban
Xanghai. After visiting the caves, picnic lunch will be served at the bamboo
cottage on the river overlooking its beautiful sceneries on the confluence
between the Mekong and Ou rivers.
Hmong village: Can be visited during a full day excursion on the dusty road by
four wheel-drive vehicles.
Khouangxi Waterfall: The spectacular Kuang Si waterfall is situated 29 km south
of Luang Prabang deep in the forest. The waters tumble over multi-tiered
limestone formations into several cools, turquoise-green pools ideal for
relaxation and swimming. Nearby, visit to Kmu minority village is foreseen.
Bane Pak Ou: On the eastern bank of the Mekong river opposite the caves of Tam
Ting is Bane Pak Ou. It is a fishing village that regularly supplies fish to the
market in Luang Prabang. The village grow rice in the paddy fields behind the
village. The village is a peaceful place with a thriving elementary, school
small shops sell among other things sweets and bottled drinks.
Laos New Year in Luang Prabang It is held every year. In 2000 it will take place
on April 13-14-15 and occurs during the hottest time of the year when the
symbolic renewal of washing, played out by ceremonial washing of the Buddha
images in the temples and people chasing and drenching each other with water, is
physically refreshing to all celebrants of the New Year in Luang Prabang. Enjoy
festive parades through the town of the Nang Songkran (Princess of New Year).^top^
Plain of Jars
North-East of Vientiane, the famous Plain of Jars is located near
Phonesavanh, the main city. It is reached by plane from Vientiane and
Luang Prabang. Also Hmong villages can be visited.
The second and third site of the Plain of Jars, about 25km from
Phonesavanh, can also be visited on request.
Xieng Khouang province offers the awesome beauty, of high green
mountains and rugged karst formations. The original capital city Muang
Khun was almost totally obliterated by US bombing and consequently, the
capital was moved to nearby, Phonsavanh.
Of several Muang Khun Buddhist temples built between the 16th and 19th
century, only ruins remain. Vat Pia Vat, however, survived the bombing
and can be visited.
The main attraction in Xleng Khouang province is the Plain of Jars.
Stone jars of different sizes, apparently carved out of solid rocks, are
scattered all over the plateau. The biggest one reaches a height of 3.25
meters. Researchers have advanced different theories as to the function
of the stone jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old.
According to local legend, in the 6th century King Khun Chuang had the
jars constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his
conquest of Xieng Khouang. Alternatively, some researchers have
suggested the jars were crafted as sarcophagi. This theory is supported
by the discovery of human bones and daily utensils nearby. To date, the
exact use of the jars remains a mystery.
Approximately 52 km north of Phonsavanh, hot spring will appeal to
travellers in search of relaxation. The waters of both, Ban Noi (Little
Spring) and Ban Yai (Big Spring), reach a temperature of around 60
degrees Celsius.
^top^
North of Laos
Bokeo: Located along the
three-border intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, form part of
the Golden Triangle. It is home to a large number of minorities. Bokeo
has five districts: Houixay, Ton Pheung, Muang, Pha Oudom, with 36
townships, more than 450 villages and a total population of 61,000
consisting of many ethnic groups, each with own lifestyles and customs.
The most lucrative occupation in Bokeo is gold panning and digging for
precious stones, where you can see at Ban Nam Khok (The Lu village), 6
km from the town and Ban Houi Sala (The Hmong village), it's around 18
km far from the town of Houixay.
At Ban Namkeung Kout, Ban Namkeung Mai and Ban Done Deng, it's 26 km far
from the centre of Houixay town to the north is where you can visit the
traditional Lu village, who came originally from Muang Sing, Luang
Namtha. The villages can be reached by boat trip upstream from Houixay.
Houixay: It is important gateway for
transport and trade as well as a valid border entry / exit point between
Thailand (Chiangkhong, 137 kms from Chiang Rai ) and Laos. It is the
starting / ending point for cruises to / from Luang Prabang.
Pakbeng: This long thin strip of
village is perched half way up a hill with a view over the Mekong river.
It is a stopover point for the journey by cruise to Luang Prabang from
Houeixay or vice versa. Overnight at Luangxay Lodge in Pakbeng is
feasible.
Hongsa: The area famous for
authentic lifestyle of local people and elephant safari riding.
Oudomxay: This mountainous northern
province is wedged between Luang Prabang in the cast, Phongsaly in the
north cast, Sayabouri in the south and china sharing a small northern
borders. This region has recently opened to tourism. The highlight of
the visits is the unspoiled colorful minority villages, the beautiful
nature and friendly people. Most of the provincial population of 283.000
is a mixture of 23 ethnic groups such as Hmong, lko, Mien, (Yao), Samtai,
Thai Daeng, Thai Lu, Kamu, Lamet, Shan etc… Each with it owns distinct
culture, religion, language and colorful style of dress. They are
nonetheless hospitable and welcome visitors to their singular cultures
are mostly untouched by 20th century.
The capital, Muang Say, lies between
two strings of Hmong villages. Oudomsay is also the ideal base for
excursion and trekking to the varied sights and attractions, as well as
destination in its own right.
Near Muang Say a waterfall, Lak Sip-Et, attracts visitors, as do the hot
springs near Muang La. Muang Say is connected by road to Pakbeng, a
rustic town stretching along the Mekong.
Luang Namtha, is a northern province
bordering on China and Myanmar and its selection is based upon a series
of environment, social, cultural, historical and development factors
which make the site an excellent location to evaluate the potential for
sustainable cultural and ecotourism in and around a protected area. The
forests are dense, and cover near 99% of the protected area. Wild cattle
(gauar and banteng), Asian wild dogs, tigers, clouded leopard, bears and
gibbons also having in the forests and there is still a large bird
population.
The area is populated by a variety of different ethnic groups. They
consist of Khamu. Akha, Hmong, Yao (Mien). Besides the province also
consist of the lowland Lao, Tai Lue, Thai Neua and Thai Dam who live in
village just outside the protected area and the historic town of Muang
Sing. Muang Sing originally formed part of group of principalities
loosely linked under the leadership of a political entity called the
Sipsongpanna whose political scat centered in southern Yunnan province,
China.
This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many, old
temples. Although many temples have been destroyed during the war, there
still remains one major attraction and old temple noticeably different
from other classical temples.
Usually tour itinerary includes an outing to Boten, the Lao-Chinese
border checkpoint. South west of Luang Namtha, the still pristine
forests of Nam Ha protected area with varieties of wildlife and
vegetation can be found.^top^
Center of Laos
Borikhamsay is located in the narrow
"neck" with moderately high mountains sloping southwest into the Mekong
River valley.
Vientiane and Xieng Khouang provinces lie to the north. Khammouane
province to the south. Paksan the capital town is a commercial centre.
In Borikhamsay province, between Vientiane and the provincial capital
Paksan, a "footprint of Buddha" shrine at Vat Phra Bat is an important
pilgrimage site.
The most famous attraction of the region is its striking landscape. At
Ban Nahin, Poupha Mane, a stone forest featuring thousands of rock
pinnacles, can be found. Due to its proximity to Lak Xao, the latter is
within easy reach for tourists crossing to Vietnam. South of Lak Xao,
the still pristine forests of Nam Thuen, protected area with varieties
of wild life.
Khammouane is situated in the
central part of Lao PDR with area of moderately high mountains sloping
down to the Mekong valley. Fertile land here is suited to plantations of
rice, cabbage, sugar bananas...
A total population of 260,000 is made up of land and uplanders Lao
groups: Phuan, Td Kri, Katang ...
Thakhek is the provincial capital and is well known to day-tripping Thai
from Nakhon Phanom, across the Mekong River. It also has much
well-preserved French colonial architecture similar to that found in
Vientiane.
About 8 kilometres to the south of the town is the That Sikhotabong or
Sikhotabong stupa, constructed around 9th to 10th century by King
Nanthasen and restored in the 1950s. Besides, Khammouane province also
rich with many caves, such as Tham Xieng Lieup, Tham Nang An, Tham
Phanan and Tham Phaya In.
Savannakhet is the most populated
province of Laos. Touristically, it does have the surrounding villages
that are among the most typical and beautiful of the region, notably
Kengkok.
Geographically, its position lies at the crossroads of commerce and
communication with Viethnam (Hue- Danang) bordering on the western side
with Thailand (Mukdaham).
Khanthabouly, the provincial capital of Savannakhet, is a busy market
place for trade with nearby Thailand. Numerous examples of French
architecture tell of the town's importance during the colonial era.
Khanthabouly's main attractions are its noteworthy temples such as the
beautiful Vat Saja Phoum and That Ing Hang. The latter is the holiest
edifice in southern Laos housing a hollow chamber with a distinguished
collection of Buddha images. That Ing Hang and That Phone stupa which,
during the full moon of the 3rd month, repectively holds the special
festival.
Near Muang Phin, on the route to Vietnam, dinosaur remains are on
display. They were discovered by a French scientist in the 1930s.
Not as old as these prehistoric relicts but of no less significance, is
the northernmost example of Khmer art at Heuan Hin (stone house). The
buildings were constructed between 553 AD and 700 AD. Today little more
than unrestored ruins remain.
Visitors interested in the latest period of Lao history may want to
visit the former Ho Chi Minh Trail, whose outer edges are next to Xepon,
170 km east of Khanthabouly. North and south along the trail, remnants
of downed US helicopters, fighter planes and other war material can be
seen.^top^
South of Laos
Saravane province, a Southeastern province situated on the Bolavens Plateau is
devoted to agriculture and nature offering idyllic scenery. A prehistoric site
exists not far from the cascades where a wonderful scene can be seen.
Within a caven huge stone caskets are piled one on top of the other, providing
not only beauty but also much interesting thoughts as to how it originated. Tat
Lo Lodge is located on the northern edge of the Bolaven Plateau right beside the
Sexet River, it's only 10 metres high. The bungalows are blended into the
embankment surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. A tour of the area on
elephant back is an exotic attraction, or exploring the ethnic minority villages
on the Bolaven Plateau, rich of coffee, tea and fruit plantations, can provide a
variety of interests.
Sekong is situated in the heart of the southeastern part of Laos and has common
borders with Saravane to the West, Champassack and Attapeu to the South and
Vietnam to the East. The province has a total population of around 64,200.
Overall, the Sekong River valley is characterized by a Landscape of a fertile
plain patterned with a patch-work of rice paddies and fruits orchard. Dotted
through out are villages and small towns such as Lanani, Kaleum, Dakchung and
Thateng, where the majority of people follow the unchanging lifestyle of
traditional farming.
Its also complex geographical conditions form colourful Eco-Tourism resources
because it's famous by rich of untouchable tropical forest, home to many rare
species of flora and fauna.
Attapeu is the most southeastern tip province of Laos; sharing borders with
Sekong in the North, Champassack in the West, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia
in the South. The province has a total population of around 87,700; consists of
five districts: Savsettha, Samakhixay, Sanamxay and Phouvong. The town is built
in a large valley, surrounded by mountains and also in the loop of the river,
opposite the confluence of the Sekong and Sekhamane rivers. Where the join an
island is formed by a small arm of water collecting them upstream.
In early morning you can visit the traditional market, where many, different
minorities go to buy and sell their product. Most of the population in Saravane,
Sekong, Attapeu are uplanders minorities. Comprising nine major tribes: Alak,
Katang, Kaleum, Katou, Suay, Nge, Lave, Tahoy, Nyaheung.
Champassack lies to the South Westhern Laos. Its capital is Pakse that is
located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedon rivers. Champassack lush,
fertile land encouraged rice cultivation. It's one of the largest producers of
rice in the country. Parts of Bolaven Plateau, which rests on the border of
Saravane and Champassack are used for cultivation of coffee, cardamom, bananas
and other crops.
Other parts, however, still offer pristine nature, especially in the mountainous
central part constituting Dong Hua Sao, a proposed protected area. Several
waterfalls drop over the escarpment. One of the most spectacular is Tat Phan
with a height of 120 metres.
Forty six km south of Pakse, Vat Phou, one of the most important sights in Laos,
is located. Vat Phou literally means mountain temple. The different levels of
the temple structure, built along the slope of the adjacent mountain, date from
the 6th century to the Angkor period of the 9th to 13th century. The upper
platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong plain. Energetic
visitors may want to climb the near by Phou Passak, whose peak is shaped like a
lingam or Shiva phallus. Another Khmer monument, Muang Tomo or Oum Moung, can be
visited on the opposite side of the Mekong. It is however less accessible than
Vat Phou.
Phapho Village: located 67 kilometers south of Pakse on the road No. 13. The
Dong Houa Sao Forest reserve is in this area has dense jungle and abundant wild
animal life. Elephants can be ride to this forest reserve. The area has the
remains of an ancient Khmer stone temple on Mount Phou Asa.
At the most Southwestern tip of Laos, along the Cambodian border, the Mekong
river reaches its maximum breadth of 14 km (during the rainy season). When the
water level falls back again in the dry season, thousands of small islands rise
from the river, giving the area the name Si Phan Done (4000 islands). The
biggest island with 55,000 inhabitants is Done Khong, a peaceful place for an
overnight visit. From here, South East Asia's biggest waterfalls Khone Pha Pheng,
are within easy reach by boat or by road.
Another interesting island in this area is Done Khone, where the French built a
14 km long railway, to bypass the rapids. Visitors can follow the old railway
line, view an old locomotive, pass a massive French-built bridge and watch a
series of huge river cascades called Tat Somphamit, also known as the Li Phi
falls. From the southern tip of Done Khone a small island is accessible from
which Irrawaddy dolphins can be watched during the dry season. It is the only
existing place like this in Asia. The Mekong Dolphin Conservation Center is
located on Done Khone Island, tourists are welcome to visit the center. To visit
the center, visitors must go by road to Bane Veun- khain Village and then take a
boat north a few kilometers to the center.^top^
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