| Page Views: 183 Last Visit to Vientiane: November, 2008 | Vientiane by ValbyDK - last update: Dec 14, 2008 |
|  | VIENTIANE - FACTS Vientiane is located on the bend of the Mekong River and is the capital of Laos. Vientiane is also the largest city in Laos, with around 200000 people in the city area, and 700000 in the area surrounding it.
The city has been inhabited since the 10th century and was a part of the kingdom of Lan Xang ("one million elephants"). In 1560 King Setthathirath moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
In 1828 the city was attacked by the Siamese and was, more or less, left in ruin. When the French arrived in the late 19th century they found Vientiane nearly abandoned, but they still chose Vientiane as the capital of the new colony - and once more Vientiane was reborn as a city.
During the Vietnam War, Laos had a really hard time and Laos is the most heavily bombed nation per capita in the history of warfare. However, things were different in the city of Vientiane. There was a lot of US personnel stationed in Vientiane and the economy boomed. New buildings were built around the city – but the city also became known for its opium dens and sex shows. With the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Lao communist took over and life in Vientiane changed.
Soviet and Vietnamese advisor's replaced those from the United States, and Soviet funded and styled buildings were built around the city. But with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Lao Revolutionary Party was forced to open Laos to the rest of the world. Today, the increased number of tourists visiting Vientiane has brought new hotels, guest-houses, internet cafes, golf courses and more to the city.
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| | MY VISIT I visited Vientiane in November 2008 and stayed three nights at the Inter City Hotel. I arrived in Vientiane after a few days in Hanoi, and compared to “hectic Hanoi” there was a small town atmosphere in Vientiane.
You can easily get around in the city centre and most of the sights are also located in the centre of Vientiane. I enjoyed just walking, but tuk-tuks are also an efficient and cheap way to explore the city.
The city is full of Buddhist temples; That Luang Stupa, Wat Sisaket and Haw Pha Kaew are the most famous temples, but during a stroll through the city, you will pass several beautiful temples. Don’t miss the sunset over the Mekong River. Along the river there are many small bars and restaurants, and this is a great place to watch the sunset – and enjoy a cold Beerlao…
I really enjoyed my stay in Vientiane, but two days is enough to see the sights. Very friendly people – had no problems at all.
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| In A Nutshell: | "Small town atmosphere, Buddhist temples, friendly people..." |
ValbyDK's Vientiane Travel Tips
 Comments for ValbyDK about Vientiane | | | | |
PierreZA Sun Aug 30, 2009 20:08 UTC
Seems like a place where one can have a relaxed time. | BruceDunning Tue Aug 4, 2009 23:54 UTC
It appears you took in many great sites to view and take pictures of, in addition to wonderful comments. | picek Fri May 8, 2009 14:16 UTC
That's one of the cities I have to come back again and again... sometimes for silly reasons. But most of all, I loved tom yums by Mekong, haha | balhannah Sat Dec 20, 2008 03:04 UTC
Sorry I missed visiting Laos after looking at your beautiful photos. So many nice "Wats" and beautiful buildings, didn't expect to see them in Laos. |
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- Novotel Vientiane Hotel
Unit 9 Ban Khountathong, Samsenthai Road, Sikhotabong PO Box 585, Vientiane
- Cosmo
Km 7, 13 South Rd., 894-26 Ban Phakhao, Saythany Dist., Vientiane
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