Unveil the Mysteries of Laos: Six Must-Visit Attractions in the Capital, Vientiane

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Laos

Laos, this mysterious country that borders Thailand across just one river, has its capital Vientiane (commonly referred to as Laos) as a city you can reach simply by crossing the "Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge." Many backpackers from Europe and the U.S. choose to explore northeastern Thailand before venturing deeper into the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia—Laos—and heading to its border city, Vientiane. But what are the must-see spots for first-time visitors to Laos’ capital?《ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud》reporters interviewed local guides in Laos and compiled the following six unmissable locations. When you visit Vientiane, make sure to check them all off your list!

1. The "Little Arc de Triomphe" That Feels Like France


▲The Little Arc de Triomphe, built in the style of Paris, France, gives visitors the illusion of being in Europe at first glance. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The guide said, "When it comes to must-visit spots in Laos, the Little Arc de Triomphe is definitely at the top of the list."The reason it’s called the Little Arc de Triomphe is that Laos built this arch in 1896 to celebrate national independence. Its exterior is full of European style, giving off the vibe of traveling in northern France from afar. However, what’s unique is that although the two triumphal arches may look similar, the one in Vientiane has a distinct "Laotian flavor" upon closer inspection—folk myths and stories are carved into the interior walls and ceilings. Visitors stop here for photos, reflecting on memories of Laos’ colonial past.

Read more>>>No Need to Fly to Europe: Vientiane’s "Little Arc de Triomphe" Makes You Feel Like You’re in Paris, France

2. The "That Luang Temple" Covered in Gold Leaf


▲The glistening "That Luang Temple," covered in gold leaf, is majestic and radiant. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The "golden" Buddhist temple That Luang, covered in gold leaf, is a national symbol of Laos. According to the guide, "It was initially built in the 3rd century BC to enshrine the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni—his hair and breastbone." The 45-meter-tall golden stupa is surrounded by 30 smaller stupas (symbolizing the 30 kinds of blessings of the Buddha), each side allowing worshippers to pay their respects. Because of the grandeur of the golden stupa, it has become a must-visit attraction in Vientiane.

3. The "Wat Si Saket" Temple Home to Ten Thousand Buddha Statues



▲The "Wat Si Saket," home to over ten thousand Buddha statues, is the oldest temple in Laos. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The 200-year-old Wat Si Saket carries the heavy scars of war and is also the oldest temple in Laos. In 1828, when Thailand attacked Laos, a large number of Buddha statues were gathered here. The guide explained, "Killing monks and destroying Buddha statues are serious sins in Buddhism. During the war, people thought of hiding the Buddha statues here, and because the temple's architecture resembles Thai temples, the statues were almost all preserved." The entire temple is surrounded by Buddha statues of all sizes, totaling more than ten thousand, making it the place with the most deities in all of Laos.

4. The "Wat Ho Phra Keo" Temple Once Reserved for Royalty

 
▲The "Wat Ho Phra Keo," the only temple in Laos to have once housed the Emerald Buddha, now serves as a statue museum. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Located opposite Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo was built in 1936 as a royal temple to enshrine the "Emerald Buddha." It is the only Emerald Buddha temple in Laos and now functions as a Buddha statue museum. The guide said, "There are also Buddha statues from Thailand, but the ones with drooping arms, palms facing forward, or crossed wrists while seated are unique features of our Laotian Buddha statues."

5. The "Vientiane Night Market" Where You Can Buy Grasshoppers and Dried Frogs


▲Visiting traditional markets is one of the fastest ways to get to know the lives of locals. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Although it's called a morning market, this traditional market actually operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is one of the must-visit spots recommended by guides.He said, "The fastest way to understand the lives of local people is to visit the market."The Vientiane morning market is divided into old and new sections. The old traditional market sells everything from vegetables and fruits to daily necessities, clothing, and groceries, even including Laotian "street food" such as fried crickets and dried frogs. The new market is where higher-value goods like silverware and jewelry are traded. The guide said, "Laos is rich in silver, so buying silver here is very affordable."

6. The Super Bargain "Mekong Night Market"


▲The night market by the Mekong River stretches 1 kilometer long, with many vendors setting up shop even before evening falls. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Laos also has its night markets. The night market by the Mekong River is one kilometer long and is the largest in the capital, Vientiane. The guide said, "There are plenty of vendors selling clothes, bags, and daily necessities. Locals love coming here, and travelers can also find cheap souvenirs." Upon visiting, reporters found that clothes and bags cost around NT$100 when converted, and Thai baht, U.S. dollars, and Lao kip are all widely accepted in Laos.