Destinations Of the Month

Vientiane is the capital city of laos, situated in the Mekong Valley. It is also the Laos’ largest city. Laos’ sleepy capital feels more like and extensive village than an Asian metropolis. Today, wine shops and French restaurant still dot the streets near the Nap Phou Fountain, but the “City of Sandalwood” has begun to shed its colonial legacy.

The name of the vity is derived from Pali, the literary language of Theravada Buddhism, and it’s original meaning was “the king’s grove of sandalwood”, this tree being prized for its fragrance in classical India. It is also believed that the original name of Vientiane means “City of the Moon” in the Native Lao Language.

Vientiane is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial architecture sits next to glided temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup.


The Nam Phou Fountain serves as a convenient landmark. Several temples and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the city grace Setthathirat Road and Quay Fa Ngum Road. The most famous landmark of Vientiane is That Luang (Royal Stupa) which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in 1935.    
Patuxai- the Victory Monument is situated at the north end of Lane Xang Avenue and resembles Paris’ Arc de Triumph, as it is sometimes known. During the day, the monument can be climbed and makes an excellent vantage point of the city.

Wat Xieng Khouang is the Buddha Park which is nevertheless fascinating for its huge structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu Philosophies. Wat Sisaket features over 6800 Buddha images which are all ritually cleansed at the time of the Lao New Year. The temple was build in 1818 and is the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane.

Wat Ho Prakeo was the temple of the former Lao Royal family. The temple was the hoe of the Emerald Buddha that was stolen by the Thais in 1778, and now resides in Bangkok.