Things to See and Do in Vientiane
Buddha Park known as Xieng Khuan is one of the must-visit places in the capital of Laos. Going inside the park, travelers will find more than 200 sacred statues involving both Buddhism and Hinduism. The most impressive images are a large 40m high reclining Buddha, the King of Hindu gods riding a 3-head elephant, a 4-arm deity sitting on a horse and a 12-face deity with many hands. It is possible to move up to the top of some icons and have a great view of the whole park.
That Luang or the Great Stupa is a national symbol and the most religious monument of Laotians. Buddha beliefs of Laos is shown in the architecture such as the gold top of the main stupa, a lot of flowers, statues of Buddha and animal. The main event of the most important Buddhism celebration of Laos, Boun That Luang Festival is organized at this temple with many activities in three days.
The Patuxai Victory Monument is a spot expressing the national culture and traditions. It features Buddhism symbols such as lotus leaves, stupa-shaped towers, dragons, gods and elephants on the walls and ceilings. At the top of the monument, visitors can take a sightseeing to the ancient city of Vientiane with and ways across the Mekong River to the neighbour country of Thailand.
Wat Ho Phra Keo was constructed for a palace of the royal family and the Emerald Buddha. The wat includes a large number of Lao treasures such as Khmer Buddhist stone tablets, wooden carvings and bronze frog drums. On its balcony, traverlers will also watch several the typical examples of Buddhist sculpture in Laos. The garden consists of delightful imagines displayed under the trees, colourful flowers and lush green grass.
Lao history and culture are exhibited very much at Lao National Museum. Inside the first floor, there are a variety of old-fashioned things such as dinosaur bones, stone tools, pottery shards, rock paintings, intact jars and Khmer sculptures. On the second floor, more detailed information of Lao history from the Siamese invasions to the present day is presented.
Hotels and Restaurant in Luang Prabang
Dhavara Boutique Hotel is within a 5-minute walk from Wat Sisaket, Laos National Museum and That Dam Black Stupa. Both Lao traditional and international cuisines are provided at the Dhavara Restaurant. A cup of fresh coffee, tea or snacks are available at the bar of the hotel. Besides, there are many other conveniences like free parking and wifi, sun balcony, tour desk and currency exchange. All rooms include wooden floor, cable TV, air conditioner, minibar, terrace seeing the entire capital and Mekong River.
Salana Boutique Hotel is near Laos National Museum, Wat Mixai and Lao National Cultural Hall. Many kinds of book and DVDs can be found at the library. It is really great when you have a chance to both view Mekong River and enjoy drinks, cocktails or wines at the sky bar. Make use of the tour desk to have the best trips in the beautiful city of Vientiane. Each room of this boutique hotel comes with cable TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker, air conditioner, balcony.
Green Park Boutique Hotel is close to Buddha Park, Wat Si Muang and Royal Thai Embassy. The restaurant of the property serves local and international dishes. At the bar, guests will enjoy drinks, cocktails and snacks. Moreover, you can exercise in the fitness centre, relax at the outdoor pool and have body treatments at the spa. Free parking, bicycles and wifi are available for guests. Every room features cable TV, air conditioner, fridge, tea/coffee maker and terrace.
Kualao Restaurant is located in the centre of Vientiane and famous for the taste of food and its charming setting. The menu is various of flavours as well as colors such as handmade Laotian sausage, fried Mekong River fish, papaya salad and spring rolls.
Kong View Restaurant is situated next to the riverside of Mekong River. You can sit inside the restaurant or in the garden decorated with tree lines. In addition, guests may get a table near the river to both view picturesque sceneries and enjoy your meal. The restaurant serves not only Lao dishes but also Thai and Western ones.
