Vientiane located on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand, is both the capital and the largest city of Laos. Moreover, thanks to gaining achievements of economic growth, Vientiane becomes the economic center of Laos as well. When talking about Laos, people usually think about it as country of pagoda, monuments, and about Buddhism in Vientiane. Vientiane really is the home of the most significant national monument in Laos such as: That Luang considered as the symbol of Laos and an icon of Buddhism in this country. Besides, there are many other famous Buddhist temples here, such as Ho Prakeo, Haw Phra Kaew, Patuxai, Wat Si Muang and Vientiane Buddha Park…Travelers are always attracted to these destinations with hope not only to enjoy the beauty but also to learn about the history and religion. So, if you want to have a good journey in Vientiane one day, you should know where the best places in Vientiane for your journey? Today, we will discover together! To get more information about vientiane, you can click: Indochina tours Laos
Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang is the biggest stupa in Laos, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane, Laos. Since its initial establishment, it is estimated to be the 3rd century. It is generally regarded as the most important national monument in Laos and also is the national symbol. Moreover, it’s also recognizable throughout the world, gathering place for national Buddhism ceremony. Pha That Luang is considered as the Great Stupa in Lao and is one of the most important monument in Laos. One thing that is so interesting for those who love developmental history of Buddhism: this stupa has several terraces with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. In detail, the lowest level represents the material world and the highest level represents the world of nothingness.
Ho Prakeo
Ho Prakeo is the former home-temple of the emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo from the early time of Lane Xang Kingdom until 18th century. However today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane. Among several beautiful temples, Ho Prakeo is one of the most impressive and interesting. And you should spend time to get this palce when traveling Vientiane one day. For a long time ago now, the only part of the old royal palace that has survived, the temple is no longer used for religious purposes, it is now as a museum. Laos travel tours
Patuxai
Patuxai is situated at the end of one of the capital’s grand avenues, the large, square arch. It has a lot of features that is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Nonetheless, as a monument to Laos’ resilience and eventual independence, Patuxai was designed to pay homage to its national culture and traditions of Laos. Patuxai is created specially with decorations with both Buddhist religious symbols for instant: lotus leaves and the stupa-shaped towers, and statues of animist kinnari and dragons. Its interior is also richly decorated with painted walls and ceilings depicting gods, goddesses and elephants. When traveling here, you should not forget to pay a small fee to get the good chance to climb to the top of the temple. From here, you feel free to enjoy the panoramic view of the charming, old-fashioned city of Vientiane with its many trees, low-rise buildings and temples, even all the way across the Mekong River to Thailand.
Wat Si Muang
Wat Si Muang is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites for worship. In addition, it let us know a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly together with Theravada Buddhism. A local legend told that when the temple was being built in 1563 and there is a young pregnant woman named Si Muang volunteered to sacrifice herself to appease the angry spirits. Because of this reason, Wat Si Muang today is revered as the ‘mother temple’ of Vientiane. On the daily life, Wat Si Muang usually attracts crowds of Buddhists throughout the country who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers. It is commonly believed that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing that you return and fulfil your promise.
Some places mentioned above are the best ones you should spend your time traveling to when you are in Vientiane one day. It’s sure that you will have memorable experiences with them. Especially for those who like history and religion, this is a very good chance to enlarge your mind about the world.
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