Buddha Park - Fusion Philosophy

Buddha Park is the vision of a Hindu Buddhist fusion philosophy of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, and materialised in 1958 near Vientiane. It’s a rough sculpture garden filled with unusual sculptures from Buddhist and Hindu Pantheons. Bunleua Sulilat moved across the Mekong into Thailand following the communist takeover of Laos in 1975.  He then built a similar park in Thailand called Sala Keoku.

This video from geobeats gives a snippet of what this park looks like.

Patuxai - Gate of Victory

Patuxai ( previously known as Anousavali) is the Arc de Triomphe of Laos, located in Vientiane.  Completed in 1968, the Patuxai is a monument to the war of independence from France.   It has intricate designs representing Buddhist and Hindu philosophies.  Tourists can go up into the monument to browse the museum inside and to get souvenirs. The top floor is accessible and has a viewing platform with a telescope for a great view of Vientiane city.

This video by nicko7054 gives an idea of how the Patuxai looks like.

Pha That Luang - Golden Symbol of Laos

The Pha That Luang is an imposing golden Buddhist Stupa in the center of Vientiane.  It is said that a Buddhist Relic, the breastbone of Lord Buddha is housed in this stupa. It is a national monument and a symbol of Laos and its culture. 

Destroyed by raiding parties from Burma, China and Thailand many times, the stupa has been rebuilt time and again, most recently by the French.

This video by nfsutton gives an idea of how this majestic golden landmark and shrine looks like.

Vientiane - The Phoenix of Laos

Vientiane (Viang Chan), on the Mekong River, is the capital of Laos. It is about a thousand years old and has survived attacks by its neighbours, Burma and Siam many times over the years, the last being the Siamese destruction of 1827. The French, on taking over the city from Siam in the 1890s, rebuild the city and its temples from the encroaching jungle. Vientiane today is the economic centre and the largest city in Laos.

Pha That Luang, Buddha Park, Patuxai, Wat Si Muang, Wat Si Saket are some of the notable sights to see.  There is a wide range of food and you can try the night market and the stalls along the river to get that Vientiane atmosphere with a BeerLao in hand. 

There are excursions to the rural areas nearby including the Nam Lik Jungle Fly for kayaking, rope walking, to the forest reserves and many other day eco tours.  Just check with the local tour agents on what are available.

This video by wezluntungan gives a good feel of Vientiane.