THAT LUANG STUPA (Great Sacred Stupa)
The site of That Luang has been builtin use since the year 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307BC). When the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan built a structure that looked like a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original stupa was built on the site in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument.
Time: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00, Open: Tuesday-Sunday (except Monday), Time: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00, Open: Tuesday-Sunday (except Monday), Admission Fee: 30,000kip/person
SISAKET TEMPLE
Sisaket is the only ancient templeremaining intact after the destruction of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city,where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and certainly is one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little inches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images.
Time: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, Open: Monday-Sunday (closed public holidays), Admission Fee: 30,000kip/person
SIMUANG TEMPLE
Simuang Temple is one of Vientiane’s mostpopular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism. The original city pillar of Vientiane is found in Wat Simuang located in Ban Simuang village along Setthathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl called “ Si ” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) attracts large crowds to Simuang Temple, taking place just two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November. On a daily basis, Wat Si Muang attracts crowds of local Buddhists who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers. It is commonly thought that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing you return and fulfill your promise.
Open: Monday-Sunday, Time: 7:00am – 8:00pm.
LAO NATIONAL MUSEUM
The building, typical of French colonial architecture, was built in 1925. It was the place where independent was declared in 1945. since then, the building has been extended and used for various purposes, including the headquarters of Laos government, housing the King when visiting from Luang Prabang, and prime minister’s office until 1975, when the Laos people democratic republic was established. On December 1st, 1980, the building was converted into the Lao exhibition Hall of the revolution and in 1985 it was further upgraded to the Lao museum of the revolution. In early 2000 the building was newly opened as the Lao national museum, which now houses some 8.000 artifacts across the country. The museum’s collection continues to increase, representing paleontology, archaeology, history and ethnology. This charming French-era building, flanked by cherry blossom and magnolia trees, is due to be knocked down and moved to newer premises. Formerly known as the Lao Renolutionary Museum, much of its collection retains an unshakeable revolutionary zeal. Downstairs has a potted account of Khmer culture in the south, accompanied by tools and Buddha statuary; upstairs has ponderous displays that tell the story of the Pathet Lao, prepared with busts of Lenin and Ho Chi Minh.
Open: Monday-Sunday, Time: 08:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00, Admission Fee: 30,000kip/person
SINOUK COFFEE PAVILION
Located at the headquarters of Sinouk Coffee, one of Laos’ best known coffee planter and roaster, this place stand as a Coffee Learning House, unique in Laos. You will learn about the History of Coffee in the Coffee Gallery, including Planting and harvesting process. Watch a live roasting, and experience a cupping session to identify flavors and aroma like a master. Regular cupping sessions are held on Saturdays and require prior registration, you can check on Facebook for detail (sinoukcoffeeofficial). To book private session, it is recommended to book at least 1 day in advance. Cost per person is 80 000 LAK for a two-hour session. Barista course are also available to beginner and intermediate, for half day or 2 days. You will learn how to prepare latte art, and understand a coffee shop environment. Onsite, there is also a Coffee Shop, Café Sinouk, where you can enjoy coffee and food. That makes a good stop on the way to or back from Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) if you have your own wheels. It is sign posted just past the US Embassy when traveling towards the Friendship Bridge from Vientiane. For reservation or additional detail, please contact: [email protected], Phone: (+856-20) 58392364.
TA LAT SAO (Morning Market)
Located on Lane Xang Avenue, the Morning Market consists of 3 main buildings each with 2 floors. This lively shopping market has become the commercial center of Vientiane. A large variety of goods are sold including Lao Antiques, textiles, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and products imported from abroad.
Open daily from 7:00am-5:00pm.
