Vientiane

INTRO
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and unlike the other Asian capitals it has a relaxing atmosphere and provides its citizens with a slow and peaceful way of living. This city has a unique image - you can find big streets and next to them rice fields or small houses next to French Colonial architecture buildings. Most of these French-styled building has been reconstructed to hotels, restaurants and offices. The modern part of the city occupies a small territory and somehow look out of place in this quit capital.

City Profile
City: Vientiane
Country: Laos
Area: 237,000 sq km
Population: 450,000
Language: Tai-Kadai or Kadai, Lao

LOCATION
Like most of the big cities in Laos, Vientiane is also settled on the Mekong River. Around Laos are the countries Thailand, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, on the west is the Mekong river and on the east - The Annamite mountains.

TIME TO VISIT
The city has only two seasons - a dry (from November to May) and a wet one (from December to January). August is the wetter month of the year, it will probably be best to visit the city around between November and February because by then the rains are over and roads are passable.

POPULATION
Vientiane's population is around 450,000 people which are around 10% of the whole country. Among them there are 68 official ethnic groups belonging to 3 main groups: Lao Loum, Lao Theung, Lao Sung and also Chinese, Cambodians, Burmese.

DISTRICTS
There are 5 districts in the city - Chantabuly, Hadxaifong, Sikhottabong, Sisattanak, Xaysetha. It is known that in the past Sisattanak or Sri Sattanak was the former name of Vientiane. The city's other familiar nick-name is "'land of a million elephants' and one of the last place where you can enjoy the beauty of old Indochina. <

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Ho Phra Keo - the original temple was destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt later between 1936 and 1942. It isn't allowed to take pictures in the large main hall where are situated some very old and beautiful Buddhist sculptures.
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/vientiane/thatluangindex.htm
Pha That Luang - this attraction is the symbol not only to the city but to the whole country. It is religious and national monument and is located 3 miles from the city on a hill. The magnificent architectural masterpiece is based on three levels each representing part of the Buddhist doctrine. The whole complex has an amazing image and looks like a true golden jewel.
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/vientiane/thatluangindex.htm
That Dam Stupa - the landmark is a favorite tourist destination because of its unusual look. The legend says that in the cave under the monument lives a seven-headed dragon that protects the city and came out when the area is in danger.
http://www.igougo.com/attractions-reviews-b77595-Vientiane-That_Dam_(Black_Stupa).html
Patuxai Arch - that arch is more than obvious reminescent of the Arc de Triomphe of Paris and as its bigger and more famous sister this one also stays in the middle of a big circle with many roads radiating out of it. It was also built with donation from the United States.
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/vientiane/thatluangindex.htm
Wat Hai Sok - built in the 16th century it was destroyed in the 1828 as some other landmarks and then rebuilt in the 19th century. The largest bronze Buddha image in Vientiane is there. What's more, the incredible temple is a home to the respected Lao Supreme Patriarc.
http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/vientiane/thatluangindex.htm

AIRPORT
Vientiane's Wattay Airport is very close to the city on its west part. Its international flights are quite limited but recently this is starting to change. There are direct flight to Kuala Lumpur, Siem Ream, Bangkok and some other major cities. Many of the hotels will pick you form there or you can take a jumbo or a taxi for around US$6.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Buses - taking a bus in Vientiane is a one-life experience. It is like an adventure because you not only share it with the locals but with their products, the things they have just bought, kids eating strange food and sometimes even animals. Anyway the buses and minibuses aren't particularly useful to tourists because they don't connect the city center with the main attractions.
Taxis - They aren't many taxis there and the few ones wander around the Friendship Bridge, the airport and the big hotels. You can bargain for the price but usually they go for US$0.50 per km or US$20-40 for a day.
By tuk-tuk or jumbo - they are quite cheap under 1$ for a short hop around the city.
By bike - they are the best way to travel around for sure. The city isn't that big and can be easily seen by bike or on foot. You can easily find a bike for 2$ per day or your hotel can provide you with one. It is safe to ride around the city because there isn't much traffic.

HISTORY
Phra Lak Phra Lam is believed to be the founder of the city. He was denied the throne in his country so he established his own kingdom on the western banks of the Mekong River. The original name was Maha Thani Si Phan Phao. In 1354 Vientiane became an important administrative center although it wasn't a capital yet. In 1893 it passed to French rule and in 1899 the city, still under French protection became a capital of Laos.

CITY LINKS

A very full site with tourist information - http://www.visit-laos.com/index.htm
Map of Vientiane - http://www.ecotourismlaos.com/images/map/vientiane/vte_bg.jpg
Vientiane's newspaper - http://www.vientianetimes.com/
Medical information - http://vientiane.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html
History of Vientiane - http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-88279-vientiane_history-i

UNIVERSITY LINKS

LNational University of Laos - http://www.canpub.com/nuol/