Pha That Luang, Vientiane.
Pha That Luang is an impressive stupa on the
east side of Vientiane.
Its gilded structure reflects marvellously in
the midday sunlight.
During my last visit, many monks were busy
repairing the roofs of the surrounding
walkways. New large temple structures were
being built around the stupa.
 Pak
Ou Caves
Pak Ou Cave is located about 25 km from
Luang Prabang. It can be reached by boat from
Luang Prabang. Alternatively you can go by a
soonthaew, that will bring you to the opposite
bank of the river, where boats will be waiting
to take you to the other site.
There are two levels. One cave entrance is
clearly visible from the river. The higher
level can be reached after climbing some
stairs. Bring a flashlight with you, if
possible.
Both caves have lots of small and bigger
Buddha images, mostly donated by local people.
 Wat
Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is the temple highlight of
Luang Prabang. It was built by King
Saisetthathirat in 1560 and is located on a
peninsula, in between the Mekong and Khan
rivers.
Temple structures are decorated in various
ways. Some with gilded stucco's and doorways.
The main sim has a marvellous 'tree of life'
mosaic pattern on an outer wall.
A smaller temple is decorated with mosaics,
depicting mostly daily life activities.
 Luang
Prabang : City Life.
Luang Prabang is altogether a rather
small, but very charming town. While you walk
around, some people may want to entice you to
visit their small shop. Most however, will
just go about their daily business.
The main street houses a few bakeries and
restaurants, and is the place to wind down,
especially in the evening with a cool, not
expensive beer.
As you will see, in the late afternoon, young
people cool down by plunging or floating on
rubber tires, in the Khan river.(at least
during the dry season, possibly the currents
and water level are a little bit less enticing
during the rainy season)
 Vientiane
: City Life
People seem to move about a lot in
Vientiane. Most use motorcycles and bicycles.
Up Pratuxai monument, you get a nice view of
the city and the activity around.
For a quiet afternoon, you can wander through
the many temples, scattered around town. You
will quite a few students, making drawings of
the buildings.
In the evening, the area around the central
fountain, is a good place to wind down. Laos
people like to stroll around the fountain in
the evening. But soon after 10 P.M., most
places will close, time to head back home or
your hotel. |
