Vientiane

From Singapore to Vientiane

The travel time from Singapore to Vientiane was about 5 hours for me. My guess was that because it was a turnaround flight as although I had planned to arrive in Vientiane, the plane flew past Vientiane, took me north to Luang Prabang first, had a layover before it flew back south to Vientiane.

Arriving at Vientiane

During my research, I noted that their bus transport between Vientiane to Khammouane, from my accommodations to the caves that I planned to visit, between caves and back to Vientiane was quite challenging. Many visitors did the Thakhek Loop with motorbikes. As I did not have a motorbike licence and in view of the limited time that I had, I decided to self-drive instead. I pre-booked a car during my planning and it was mentioned on the car rental company's website that they had a counter at the airport to pick up the car upon arrival.

However, when I exited the arrival hall, their counter was nowhere in sight. I called them and they apologised that their website was not updated and promptly informed me that they would send a car to pick me up.

The driving distance between Vientiane and my accommodation in Khammouane was about 284 km. As it was already about 3 pm and sunset in Khammouane in December was about 7 pm, I hope to minimise driving at night as the mountain roads were undulating, winding and there were no street lights. While waiting for the pick-up and to save some time during the long drive for a pit stop for a meal, I had a quick bite at the airport.

After I was dropped off at the vehicle rental company, processed the paperwork and payment, I was off to Khammouane in a double-cab pickup truck in no time.

Do take note that it was left-hand drive in Laos.

Follow me to Khammouane for my leg of adventure there as the following about Vientiane was during my return leg.

In and Around Vientiane

Popular places to visit include:

• Ban Anou Night Market
• COPE Visitor Centre
• Kaysone Phomvihane Museum
• MAG Visitor Information Centre
• Patuxai Victory Monument
• Pha That Luang
• That Dam
• That Luang Night Market
• Wat Haw Phra Kaew
• Wat Si Muang
• Wat Si Saket

If you are confident of your cycling skills, you can rent a bicycle from a shop that provides that service. I rented one at 8,000 LAK for 24 hours. Remember to check the condition, any damages sustained before you, take photos of it and get a lock from the shop before cycling off.

I covered quite a few locations with it.

COPE Visitor Centre

COPE is the short-form for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise. The COPE Visitor Centre (bicycle parking fee: 2,000 LAK) aims to raise awareness about the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and provide support for those affected. Laos was one of the most heavily bombed countries during the Vietnam War and unexploded bombs and landmines continue to pose significant threats.

At the centre, visitors can learn about the history of the UXO issue in Laos and the ongoing efforts to clear affected areas and provide assistance to survivors. The centre also features exhibits, displays and multimedia presentations that provide information about the devastating impact of UXOs on the community.

In addition, the centre showcases the work of the COPE organization in providing orthotic and prosthetic services to people who have been injured or disabled by UXOs. COPE operates rehabilitation programs and workshops to help individuals regain mobility and live independent lives. Visitors can learn about the process of creating and fitting prosthetic limbs and other assistive devices.

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

The Kaysone Phomvihane Museum (5,000 LAK) is a museum dedicated to the legacy of Kaysone Phomvihane, a prominent political figure in the history of Laos. He played a significant role in the country's communist movement and served as the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party from 1955 until his death in 1992.

The museum offers insights into his life and political career, and showcases documents, exhibits, personal belongings and photographs related to his life and achievements.

Visitors to the museum can learn about his contributions to the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the socialist development of Laos. The exhibits highlight his ideology, leadership and involvement in shaping the political landscape of the country.

MAG Visitor Information Centre

The MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Visitor Information Centre provides information about the work and activities of MAG, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to mine action and humanitarian efforts.

Their work involves clearing and destroying these dangerous remnants as well as providing assistance and support to affected communities.

Patuxai Victory Monument

The Patuxai Victory Monument, also known as the Victory Gate, was constructed between 1957 and 1968 to commemorate the Laotian people's struggle for independence from foreign powers, particularly France. The monument's design was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but incorporates Lao architectural elements and cultural symbols.

The monument is a symbol of national pride and resilience, and features intricate carvings, decorative motifs and statues depicting mythical creatures from Lao mythology.

Visitors can ascend to the top of the monument by climbing a series of staircases, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang (10,000 LAK), also known as the Great Stupa, was built in the 16th century and underwent renovations over the years. The stupa's distinctive design features a towering central spire surrounded by smaller spires, all covered in gold leaf.

The monument holds great religious importance for Lao Buddhists. It is believed to house a relic of the Buddha, making it a revered pilgrimage site. The surrounding temple complex includes prayer halls, meditation areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The annual Boun That Luang festival, held in November during the full moon, attracts large crowds of devotees and visitors. The festival involves religious ceremonies, processions, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant market stalls.

That Dam

That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is a landmark located at a roundabout in the city centre. It is believed to be built in the 16th century. According to local folklore, it was once covered with a layer of pure gold but was removed during the Siamese invasion of Vientiane in the 1820s.

The stupa is made of brick and covered in a layer of black lacquer and is believed to house a seven-headed Naga serpent that guards the city against evil spirits.

Wat Haw Phra Kaew

Wat Haw Phra Kaew (10,000 LAK), also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, was originally built in 1565 as a royal temple to house the famous Emerald Buddha statue.

The statue, also known as the Phra Kaew Morakot, is a highly revered image of Buddha carved from a single block of jade and is considered one of Laos' most sacred religious relics. The statue was brought to Laos from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and was kept in Wat Haw Phra Kaew until 1779, when it was taken to Bangkok, Thailand, where it is currently housed in the Wat Phra Kaew.

Wat Si Muang

Wat Si Muang is believed to be built in the 16th century and holds great spiritual importance for the local community. According to local legend, a young pregnant woman named Si Muang sacrificed herself during the construction of the temple's foundation to ensure its successful completion. As a result, the temple was named Wat Si Muang to honour her.

The temple consists of several buildings and structures including the main ordination hall (sim) and a smaller building housing the city pillar (lak meuang). The ordination hall is decorated with intricate wood carvings and beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures and local folklore.

Wat Si Saket

Wat Si Saket (10,000 LAK) is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane and known for its unique architectural style and historical significance.

Construction began in 1818 during the reign of King Anouvong and it was built in Siamese architectural style which was prevalent during that time. One of the distinctive features is its cloistered walls that house thousands of small niches, each containing a small Buddha statue. These niches are made of wood, stone and bronze, and create an impressive visual display.

The temple also contains a beautiful collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. The main hall, known as the Ordination Hall, houses a large reclining Buddha statue and many other Buddha images. The walls of the hall are adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

Food and Beverage

There are quite a few night markets where locals and visitors enjoy a wide range of Lao dishes and snacks. You can find an assortment of traditional Lao cuisine including dishes like grilled meats, local desserts, noodles, sticky rice, soups, etc..

Ban Anou Night Market

Pha That Luang Cooked Food Market

As with any food market, do consider your tummy's ability to take street food and a general guideline would be to choose stalls with high customer turnover.

Departing Vientiane

After my initial pitstop in Vientiane to pick up the rental vehicle and back again to explore for 2 days, it was time to fly to Luang Prabang for my next leg of my adventure. Catch me there!