We will highlight some of the well-known places in each part of Laos and let you uncover the mystic the other parts at your own time when you come to Laos. We ensure that Laos will be very different from other places that you have been.
Champasak
This is one of the main political and economic centers of Lao PDR and situated in the southern part of Laos. People of Champasack province settle along the bank of Kong Se Done river. In this province you will find ancient temples which were influenced from the Angkor in Cambodia.
Wat Phou - one of the most fascinating ancient sites in Indochina. Wat Pou was built along the slope of Pou Kao mountain and dated from the 6th century to the Angkor period of the 9th to 13th centuries.
Xieng Khuang
Xieng Khouang is located in the north of Laos. Most of its landscape consist of mountains and hills.
The most famous attraction in Xieng Khouang is the Plain of Jars, the largest standing over 3 meters tall, are scattered over a grassy plateau. There are more than 300 stone jars aged 2,500 to 3000 years old in this area.
Some suggested that they were used as wine containers, or burial urns.
Vientiane
Vientiane is the National Capital City of Lao PDR. It is the political and economic center of the country with the population of 500,000. Vientiane is located on the curve of the Mekong river which is a natural border with Thailand.
Thaat Luang Stupa - the national symbol of Laos. It was built in by King Xaysetthathirath in 1566. Thaat Luang was once destroyed by war and was restored in 1935. It has been said that if you do not visit Thaat Luang you do not arrive Laos yet. This is a must place to visit.
Patuxai - also known as Anousavali which means the gate of victory. Its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triumph in Paris incorporated with traditional Lao design and sculpture. You can climb up to the top to get a panoramic view of the city of Vientiane.
Morning Market (Talat Sao) - this is the main shopping place in Vientiane. There are a variety of goods and local products with reasonable prices. You can buy Lao designed and handmade souvenirs such as textiles, Lao skirts (sinh), handicraft, jewelry and antiques. Get another shopping experience by go to Talat Sao and shop till you drop.
National Ethnic Cultural Park - also known as Suan Vatthanatham in Lao, is located 20 kilometers from Vientiane. In this one place you can see the lifestyle of all the ethnic groups in Laos, their homes, a small zoo and a good view of the Friendship bridge linking Laos and Thailand. There are a number of riverside bars and restaurant so sit back, relax and enjoy the day at Suan Vatthanatham.
Vang Vieng - about 152 kilometer from the city of Vientiane. The temperature there is a bit cooler than in Vientiane with a magnificent natural environment. You can climb up to Tham Jung (a beautiful cave with limestone). If you want some adventure you can float on a tube along the Nam Song river to feel the unspoiled nature around the river. Catching the sun set is a must when you visit Vang Vieng. There are daily buses taking tourists from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and vice versa.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang was the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom (the ancient name of Laos). It was declared as one of the world heritage city by UNESCO. Luang Prabang has a lot of historical and cultural landmarks that are indescribably beautiful and unspoiled by the modern world.
Phra Thaat Phou Si - was built in 1804 and situated on top of Phou Si mountain in the center of Luang Prabang city. If you want to go up from the base to the top of Phou Si, you have to climb up the 328 zig-zag stairs up the hill slope. From the top you will be able to see the view of the city, from there you can also see the National Museum (used to be the King's Place). It has been told that you are still not in Luang Prabang unless you visit Phra Thaat Phou Si.
The National Museum - the former Royal Palace. In here you will find the richness of the Lao throne, gifts presented to Kings of Lane Xang from foreign leaders at that time and other invaluable antique. Just outside of the museum you will see the statue of King Sisavangvong made by former Soviet Union. Right in front of the King's statue is the Phra Bang Chapel which houses the Phra Bang (the holy Buddha statue that represents the city of Luang Phrabang).
Wat Xieng Thong - This is the most beautiful wat (temple) in Luang Prabang. It represents the truely Lao architecture and reflecting the lifestyle of the people of Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560, it houses the royal urns used during a royal funeral ceremony.
Tham Ting - this is one of the most amazing caves in Luang Prabang. It is located at Pak Ou about 40 kilometers from Luang Prabang city. There are lots and lots of small buddha images inside the cave. No one knows how long ago that people took those buddha images and kept them there. Buddha images are made of wood, all sorts of metal and other materials. This place represents how much Lao people especially Luang Prabang people believe in Buddhism. You can go there by using speed boats or slow boats which give different kind of feeling.
Taat Kuang Si - this is the biggest and most famous waterfall in Luang Prabang. It is located 30 kilometer down south from the city of Luang Prabang. This is a perfect place for relaxation because of its fresh air and fantastic view. Around the area you can see how rural people live. In there you can also see many different ways that people use hydropower in their basic lifestyle.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น