The Asia Series - Part Nine - A Quick Stop In Laos To Reboot!
“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”
During a girls trip across Southeast Asia a few years back I had some extra time on my hands. After we ventured across several countries we said our goodbyes in Thailand. Instead of staying in Thailand for the remainder of my trip I decided to take a few weeks and travel overland to Laos. Suddenly on my own again, I had to adjust my mindset and encourage myself to continue on to visit some more amazing places! It is amazing how used to being in a group you become, but it was time to reboot and I chose Laos. I got an overnight bus, sorted my visa and landed in Vientiane, the capital. The buses to Laos from Bangkok are easily arranged from any tourist agent and they also handle your visa. It is advised to research your broker and be mindful of scams that are very existent in the area. The bus takes on average 9-10 hours with stops for refreshments and costs about 500-600 Baht.
On arriving in Vientiane I did what I do every time I visit a new city, - head for the first coffee shop with an outdoor decking and do some people watching. There is something refreshing about landing in a new place and taking in the scenery before going out on your first adventure. I like to keep a travel diary and in my experience it is an essential asset for keeping the brain engaged and focused on what you want to achieve while you are away. It gives you something interesting to do and it is a lovely keepsake to have to reflect on in years to come.
Here is my list of must do’s in the city!
Many people venture outside of the capital to partake in the infamous tubing and scenic side of Laos, but as I had just spent months travelling and was genuinely exhausted and a little sad that my girls had departed, I decided to be a city tourist for once, - which is very unlike me, but it built me up for a return visit in the future!
Facts: “Vientiane, Laos' national capital, mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets are many notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, built atop a Hindu shrine.”
Patuxai Victory Monument.
Patuxai is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, built between 1957 and 1968. The Patuxai was dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. In romanising the name from the Laotian language, it is variously transliterated as Patuxai, Patuxay, Patousai and Patusai.
Xieng Khuan
Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, Laos in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple, the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. Now this is a little outside of the city but taxi/tuktuk/buses are easily accessible and it is more than worth a day trip.
Address: Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane, Laos
That Luang
Pha That Luang is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of the city of Vientiane, Laos. Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area.
Eat at Vientiane Night Market.
The Vientiane Night Market takes place along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can see rows of red-roofed stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and electronics. There’s also a children’s playground, a Chinese shrine, a flower garden, and an imposing statue of Chao Anouvong pointing across the Mekong
Lao National Museum
The Lao National Museum is located in the city centre. It was founded as the national museum highlighting the revolution of the 1970s and is located in a French colonial building. The museum, which was originally built in 1925 as the French governor's residence, presents the history of Laos, highlighting the Laotian people's struggle to free the country from foreign occupiers and imperialist forces. It is located on Samsenthai road, opposite the Cultural Hall. I must admit that I am a museum buff, but I feel that when you have an extra hour to spare, learning a bit of local history is imperative!
There is only a quick highlight for a relaxing week in Laos. It is such a vast country with an immense history. It will definitely be one for the “go back to” list.
I hope you enjoyed my latest travel blog and I look forward to seeing you next week!!
Happy travelling!
s