The “PDR” part of Laos PDR stands for “Pretty Damn Relaxed”, they say. Visit Laos People's Democratic Republic – a landlocked country wedged between several nations, including Thailand – and you will find that the saying rings true. The pace of life rarely exceeds a buffalo stroll.
Some say that Vientiane, the low-cost country's French colonial-influenced capital, is dead. But the city with 200,000 inhabitants might more fairly be described as sleepy. Vientiane, which means Sandalwood City, has a streak of style and mystique...
Vientiane top five attractions
1. The Mekong
Yes, the Mekong is a long river that cuts through plenty of other countries alongside Laos. But in Vientiane the Mekong serves as the setting for a parade of laid-back low-cost wooden decking restaurants strewn with cushions. The riverside feels tailor-made for indulging in what Laos is all about: hanging out while you sip a mojito (or Beerlao) and watch the sunset. Any moment now, the dam construction project that turned the chill-out zone into a moonscape should be done.
2. Nam Phu Square
Pretty in a flowery, geometric Gallic way, Nam Phu Square is the focal point of Vientiane. The stage for a fountain, the square is ringed by chic French restaurants that reflect the town's colonial heritage. Picture-postcard-perfect.
3. Patuxai (Victory Gate), Avenue Lane Xang
Victory Gate is a bizarre French colonial-style folly modelled on Paris' Arc de Triomphe but – just to bug the French – a touch higher, if unfinished. Some cement used in construction was supplied by the US government and meant to be used in building an airfield during the Vietnam War. Hence the monument's nickname: 'vertical runway'.
4. Lao National Museum (Revolutionary Museum), Thanon Samsenthai (next to Lao Plaza Hotel)
The more you delve into Vientiane's identity, the less like a normal administrative capital it seems. Lao National Museum contains everything from sandstone sculptures of the Hindu god Shiva to dinosaur bones and machine guns. The museum also features Politburo member socks and a chest expander used by the founding father of communist Laos, Kaysone Phomvihane. Admission: 10,000 kip.
5. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Set some 20km outside Vientiane, Buddha Park confronts you with a kaleidoscopic straggle of giant concrete sculptures. The sculptures depict real and imaginary beasts vying for attention with Buddhist and Hindu gods. In particular, the reclining Buddha is sensational. To reach the park, catch a 14 minibus.
Vientiane Travel Tips
- You can transact in US dollars, Thai baht or Laos Kip. Many shops exchange currency, but this will render you subject to whatever exchange rate the shop owner decides. Best approach is to stick to a single currency – we recommend THB if you Thailand is next on your itinerary, USD if Cambodia is next.
- Talat Sao – the morning market that's open all day – is an excellent resource for clothes and silks.
- Rent a bike to avoid tuk tuk charges – tuk tuk fares for foreigners are on par with those in Bangkok, if not higher, so renting a bicycle in this flat, slow-paced city is a great low-cost alternative.
- Try the laab moo (minced pork salad) – it's less spicy than its Thai counterpart.
- Feast on cheap baguettes – a tasty holdover of French occupation.
- Overnight buses and trains depart for Bangkok several times a day. During peak periods buses will be often be oversold, so booking a train sleeper ticket in advance is a smart idea.
No comments:
Post a Comment