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Discover the serene and beautiful neighboring country, captivating travelers with its solemn temples and unique cultural heritage in a 5D4N Laos tour departing from Hanoi.
Explore the 'sibling country' on a 5D4N Laos tour departing from Hanoi
Join Mytour on a 5-day, 4-night Laos tour, embarking on a journey to explore the serene and beautiful neighboring country, captivating travelers with its solemn temples, stunning waterfalls, unique Buddha statues, and friendly smiles of the locals.
With its unique cultural aspects, distinctive architectural temples, and delicious cuisine suitable for Vietnamese palates, Laos has become a popular destination for many travelers. Let's explore the highlights of a 5D4N Laos tour departing from Hanoi.
Buddha Park
Buddha Park boasts over 200 mysterious Buddha statues created in the styles of Hinduism and Buddhism. The park was constructed in Vientiane in 1958 by a monk named Luang Pu Bounleua Sulilat. He studied both Indian and Buddhist religions. These statues at Buddha Park have existed for centuries, mainly made of reinforced concrete.
The intricate decorative patterns sometimes feature peculiar shapes from sculptures of deities, humans, animals to demons... Particularly, there are numerous Buddha statues and figures from Buddhist beliefs like Quan Yin. There are also figures from Hinduism like Arjuna, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Si Muang Temple
Wat Si Muang or Si Muang Temple was built in 1566. The temple is considered the soul of Vientiane, where Laotians often come to pray for safety, blessings, and peace. Si Muang Temple covers an area of over 2 hectares. Its structure includes a main Buddha worship hall and an area dedicated to Mother Si Muong.
The temple grounds feature many Buddha statues, notably the statue of Buddha seated under a Bodhi tree. Besides, there are 6 standing Buddha statues and one reclining Buddha statue symbolizing the divine protection of the Mother. At the temple, you can tie a piece of cloth around your wrist for good luck.
Morning Market (Talat Sao)
Morning Market is the largest shopping area in Vientiane offering a wide range of goods for tourists, so you definitely shouldn't miss this address. True to its name, the Morning Market opens very early and the outdoor stalls also close early, so you need to make time to come here for shopping.
The items sold at the morning market are mainly handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics, and clothes with various unique designs and styles. The sellers at the morning market also speak Vietnamese, making it much easier for you to buy and sell goods.
That Luang Stupa
The Buddhist stupa That Luang is located in the capital city of Vientiane, built in 1566 under the reign of King Xethathirath. The stupa has the shape of a wine goblet, on the ruins of a 13th-century Indian temple. That Luang was destroyed during the Thai invasion in the 19th century but was later restored to its original state.
The architectural style of the stupa temple reflects the culture and identity of Laos, consisting of a main tower 44 meters high, surrounded by auxiliary towers, gilded spires, and has become a national symbol of Laos, printed on banknotes, and the emblem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. According to legend, the stupa houses the relics of the Buddha, including a strand of hair and many treasures.
Patuxay Victory Gate
Patuxai Victory Gate stands at the end of Lane Xang Avenue, built in 1957 to honor the fallen heroes who sacrificed in the resistance against French invasion in Laos. Hence, it is also known as the 'Monument to the Unknown Soldier.' It symbolizes the brave sacrifices of the unsung heroes who fought courageously here to defend the nation's independence.
Standing 55m tall, Patuxai has 4 sides, each 24m wide, comprising seven tower floors and two auxiliary floors. Patuxai is modeled after the architecture of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, yet retains distinct Laotian cultural elements. The windows on the staircase towers are cleverly designed in the shape of Buddha statues. Upon reaching the highest floor of Patuxai, visitors can admire the picturesque and serene city of Vientiane.
National Museum
The Lao National Museum is a classic example of French architectural style. Built in 1925, it remains an ideal destination and repository of the nation's treasures. In the early 2000s, the new building was inaugurated as the Lao National Museum. It currently houses 8,000 artifacts nationwide, including paleontology, archaeology, history, and ethnology collections.
Xieng Thong Temple
Xieng Thong Temple can be considered one of the oldest and most significant temples in Luang Prabang, Laos. The temple was built during the reign of King Setthathirat in 1559-1560. The name Wat Xieng Thong means 'Temple of the Golden City.'
Wat Xieng Thong is the most beautiful and significant temple in Luang Prabang with its distinctive Laotian architecture, featuring gracefully sweeping roofs reaching towards the ground. The main temple is surrounded by small pavilions with the same architectural style, forming a picturesque landscape. From the outside in, the walls are adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and exquisite bas-reliefs, depicting Buddhist stories.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
The waterfalls boast a stunning emerald hue, ranking among the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet. At Kuang Si Waterfalls, you can swim and enjoy the pristine water in one of the nearby pools or stroll along the forest trails. Especially, witnessing the sunset from the top of Phousi Hill offers a panoramic view of the ancient city of Luang Prabang.
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves consist of Tham Ting (Lower Cave) and Tham Theung (Upper Cave), located near the center of Luang Prabang. Inside the caves are impressive carvings with over 4,000 ancient Buddha statues dating back over 300 years, of various sizes and shapes. These statues were hidden by Lao people at night, rowing boats to escape invaders, to safeguard them during the occupation of Luang Prabang.
By Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourDecember 29, 2022
