Buzz
In the chilly weather of February, what could be more wonderful than embarking on a spring journey to the famous tranquil capital of Vientiane, the land of a million elephants, with your family and friends?
There are numerous ways to explore the capital of Laos. Here's a suggested one-day itinerary to ensure you don't miss out on any precious moments.
6:00 AM: Arrive at Vientiane Bus Station
Several tuk-tuks are readily available, and drivers eagerly welcome tourists. From the bus station to the center of Vientiane (along the Mekong River, where standing on this bank, you can see the neighboring waters of Thailand) is about 15 km and costs 20,000 kip per person (60,000 dong).
7:00 AM: Check-in and Store Luggage at the Front Desk
The central area of Chanthabouly district is packed with numerous hotels and guesthouses, all of which lead to the main road alongside the Mekong River. Staying at a riverside hotel can be costly. To save money, you can opt for hotels along Frangcois Ngin Road.
8:00 AM: Have breakfast at a local eatery with authentic Laotian dishes.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore Xiengkuane Buddha Park.
Head to any street corner to hire a tuk-tuk for 220,000 kip (576,000 dong) to visit famous attractions in Vientiane such as Xiengkuane Buddha Park, Pha That Luang Stupa, Ho Phra Keo Temple, and Patuxay Victory Monument. A tuk-tuk can accommodate 6 passengers. Remember to bring snacks for lunch as the tour route covers quite a distance from the city center.
Xiengkuane Buddha Park is located in Thadeua village, about 25 km east of downtown Vientiane. Built by monk Bounlua in 1958 within a 4-hectare compound, the park is a magnificent sculpture with over 200 large and small Buddha statues made of concrete, covered with moss and aged colors. There's a peculiar pumpkin-shaped statue with an open mouth, housing three levels representing hell, earth, and heaven. You can climb the stone steps next to narrow pathways to reach heaven and admire the panoramic view of Xiengkuane Buddha Park. The entrance fee is 5,000 kip (15,000 dong).
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Visit Pha That Luang Stupa.
Pha That Luang, also known as That Luang Stupa, is located at the end of Lan Xang Avenue, serving as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of Laos, the Buddhist land of a million elephants. This is the largest and most beautiful Buddhist monument in Laos, built in 1566 on the ruins of a 13th-century Indian temple, with its exterior covered in gold leaf. The main stupa of That Luang is surrounded by three massive walls, adorned with intricate lotus petal motifs and golden spires, along with dazzling smaller stupas. Surrounding the main stupa is a lush green lawn and covered walkways. Within the compound are two small temples: Wat That Luang Neua to the north and Wat That Luang Tai to the south.
The entrance fee for Laotian citizens is 2,000 kip, while for foreign tourists it is 5,000 kip (equivalent to 15,000 Vietnamese dong). It is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm in the morning and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the afternoon. Before entering, tourists wearing shorts or short skirts will be provided with sarongs to cover their lower bodies.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Marvel at the renowned Ho Phra Keo Temple known for its precious sculptures.
Ho Phra Keo is a famous temple in Vientiane, second only to Pha That Luang. Although referred to as a temple, it has never housed monks. It was built in the 17th-18th century when King Setthatirath relocated the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Today, it still holds many valuable Buddhist relics and is considered a national treasure. Surrounding the temple are rows of exquisitely crafted bronze Buddha statues. The entrance fee for visiting Ho Phra Keo is 5,000 kip (15,000 dong).
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Admire the Patuxay Victory Monument.
Patuxay is a symbol of the Laotian people's victory, located at the intersection of Lan Xang Avenue, the grandest boulevard in the capital of Vientiane. Formerly known as Anou Savary (Monument to the Unknown Soldier), it was built in 1958. While its lower and outer structure resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, the upper levels and interiors exhibit distinctive Laotian architectural features and sculptures. Standing on the highest tier of Patuxay Victory Monument, you can witness the peaceful life of the people in the capital city of Vientiane.
5:30 PM: Return to the hotel to relax and purchase advance tickets for the journey to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang (other must-visit destinations in Laos).
6:00 PM: Take a stroll around the streets, visit the night market along the Mekong River bank.
The market offers a variety of items such as clothing, footwear, scarves, and jewelry. With 15,000 kip (40,000 dong), you can buy a sparkling pair of earrings or a stylish pair of pants.
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a roadside eatery.
Most eateries in Laos serve fried rice and noodle soup. It's hard to find plain rice as few places offer it, but many Laotians speak Vietnamese. The fried rice in Laos is exceptionally delicious. Particularly, Han Sam Euay Non on Chao Anou Road (parallel to Francois Ngin Road, Chanthabouly District) offers uniquely flavorful fried rice. The slightly burnt golden rice, mixed with young coconut, fried egg, shredded pork skin, added with vermicelli and a tangy spicy salty taste, served with lettuce, basil, and sliced banana flowers. The spring rolls are also uniquely delicious, complemented by a tangy sweet spicy dipping sauce with peanuts. A satisfying dinner for 15,000 kip (40,000 dong).
8:00 PM: At the end of the day, take a leisurely stroll through the night streets, enjoy the fresh air, and you can stop by local bars to savor the taste of Laotian beer.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 16, 2015
