Vientiane Views: Snapshots of a Laos Capital
Vientiane. The capital of Laos faces neighboring Thailand through shimmering heat waves across a wide flood plain and muddy waters of the Mekong river. Golden stupas, reclining buddhas and vibrant temples contrast against remnants of French rule: rambling colonial mansions and Arc de Triomphe style victory gate.
My first visit to Vientiane, while living in Nakhon Sawan in Central Thailand, saw my friend Sophie and I wading along flooded, potholed streets during rainy season. I have vague memories of wandering in a small town. Not a capital city!
Now, 14 years on in the swelter and dust of the dry season, traffic scurries along streets rimmed with a frosty air-con oasis of modern cafés, restaurants and hotels linking the plethora of Laotian Buddhist temples while condo developments sprout up along the riverside. A city in progress but it still feels relaxed and exotic.
Wat Inpeng
Wat Inpeng
Wat Haysoke
Patuxay Victory Gate & Patuxay Park
Ceiling inside Patuxay Victory Gate
View from top of Patuxay Victory Gate
View from top of Patuxay Victory Gate
Patuxay Park
For visitors tuk tuks or bicycles are the way to get around and see the sights. After a few days of exhausting footwork and motorized laziness I rented a bicycle and peddled around Vientiane visiting temples and museums.
Tuk tuks opposite Patuxay Park
Phra That Luang
Wat That Luang
Wat That Luang Neua
Wat That Luang Tai
Wat That Luang Tai
Wat That Luang Neua
Sunset fishing in the Mekong River
Sunset fishing in the Mekong River
Sunset fishing in the Mekong River
Sunset lit derelict buildings along the Mekong riverbank
Chilling out during the heat of the day in cafés, reviving on French baguette and iced coffee I’d venture out to photograph again during the late afternoon glow. Around sunset, relishing in the slightly less steamy air, I joined other cyclists, walkers, joggers and skate boarders along Vientiane’s riverside.
Leisure time at sunset along the Mekong riverbank
Presidential Palace
Wat Sisaket
Tomb offerings, Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket
Derelict house
Derelict house
Wat Ho Phra Keo
Offerings at That Dam
Tombs at Wat Sisavat
Wat Sidamduan
Monks’ robes drying in the sun among tombs, Wat Sidamduan
Wat Sidamduan
Temple gateway, Wat Sidamduan
loca4motion 
Wow!! Me gustan estas fotos.
April 7, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Gracias Miggy!!! Te extraño!!!
April 7, 2013 at 8:32 pm
Wow Lucy it looks absolutely gorgeous! Love the pics of the monks robes and the rundown houses. I’d love to visit Laos someday! 🙂
April 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm
I know you’d love it Nicole!! Come to Thailand too!!! 🙂
April 7, 2013 at 8:34 pm
I will….someday!
April 8, 2013 at 9:53 pm
🙂
April 10, 2013 at 7:42 pm
So beautiful Lucy, I m jealous 😀 I wish I could have been there too 🙂 *sigh*
April 8, 2013 at 12:31 am
Thanks Wolke! It is beautiful but very hot and dry this time of year. Great for photos though! It’s fascinating to visit if you ever get a chance.
April 8, 2013 at 9:54 am