Rediscovery Laos - Sabbai Dee and welcome to Laos
This is my first overland trip, the trip was organised by Penang 4x4 Adventure Club. The trip was a Fun, Interesting, Exciting and Challenging trip. The convoy took 3 days travelling in Thailand before we reached our destination - Vientiane (Laos)
Laos, often referred to as the Land of a Million Elephants, is the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French Indochinese states. A ruinous sequence of colonial domination, internecine conflict and dogmatic socialism finally brought the country to its knees in the 1970s, and almost ten per cent of the population left. Now, after two decades of isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace, stabilising its political and economic structures and admitting foreign visitors - albeit in limited numbers due to a general lack of infrastructure
The lack of foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional South-East Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, travellers who have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of South-East Asia.
During our trip in Laos, we visited the following cities :-
Vientiane
Vientiane, capital of Laos is Asia's biggest village. Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population of 450,000, about 10% of the country.
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 gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup.
There is little modern in Vientiane. Old French colonial houses are being restored as offices and as restaurants and hotels. There are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably out of place in this quiet capital.
The most famous landmark of Vientiane is That Luang (Royal Stupa) which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat and restored in 1935. The stupa is situated 3km north of the centre of the city.
Patuxai (Anousavary) - Victory Monument
The Victory Monument is situated at the north end of Lane Xang Avenue and resembles Paris' Arc de Triomphe - 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 (Buddha Park)
Luang Prabang is renowed as the cultural and religious capital of Laos. On the 2nd December 1995, UNESCO inscribed the town on to it’s World Heritage List,
The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river. In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still.
The town was once the former capital of Laos, during the Lane Xang Kingdom from the 13th to 16th centuries
Most of the attractions are within walking distance which is why it is a pleasure discovering this heritage town with its ancient buildings and mansions of the French colonial era as well as a number of Wats, some in need of urgent restoration.
Wat Xieng Thong, a ‘Golden City Temple’ near the Mekong river, is the town’s most magnificent Buddhist temple. Built by King Setthathirat in the 16th century the temple enjoyed royal patronage until the monarchy was ousted in 1975. The Wat is typical of Laos’ Luang Prabang architecture with impressive curved roofs, dazzling paints and a ‘tree of life’ mosaic. Richly decorated wooden columns support a ceiling that depicts ‘dharma wheel’ as enshrined in Buddhist legend. A small entry fee is collected for ongoing restoration efforts.
Wat Mai Souvannaphoumaram, (Wat Mai) , is of recent origin. Built in 1796, it was restored under the patronage of King Manthaturath in 1821. It has an impressive five- tier roof and bas-relief depicting scenes from daily life as well as scenes from Buddhist legends. The front veranda has decorated columns and there are gold relief panels on the door. It was once the residence of the Sangakharat or Supreme Patriarch of the Lao Sangha.There are other small and intricate Wats like the Wat Banpakham.
The Royal Palace Museum is worth a visit for its exhibits showcase local history. The entry fee is 15,000 kip (approximately $1.5). Several religious objects and a collection of rare Buddhist sculptures from Cambodia, India and Laos are also on display. The pride of place belongs to exhibits connected with the monarchy — the royal throne, elegant furniture used by royalty, the king’s and queen’s rooms with all their finery, weapons, dresses, gift items presented by several national leaders, including Indian leaders. There are also fine paintings of some royal members.
Phu Si is the hill that dominates the Luang Prabang skyline. It is fairly easy to climb and gives a commanding view of the town, the river and the surroundings. At the hilltop is a stupa, which has railings around it and intricate umbrella decorations. There is also a small cave temple, Wat Tham Phu Si. One can see the Luang Prabang airstrip and planes landing and taking off.
The Nam Kham river can be seen clearly from this height, and there are small temples dedicated to Buddha on the other side of the hill.
Kuang Xi waterfall is about 37 kilometers from the city. On the way we passed through villages whose inhabitants are paid salaried by the European Union to ensure that the teak trees in the area continue to flourish.
The spectacular waterfall is located in an ideal area deep in the forest, away from the human habitation. It makes a perfect place for rest and relaxation. Also great for the kiddies in the family, is the chance to see the Thapene park housing a tiger and a bear in cages.
Luang Namtha is the northeastern most province of Laos, remote and an up-coming eco-tourism destination. It shares a common border with China (north) and Thailand (west). It's still very much a back packers' paradise, and can be reached by road via Luang Prabhang-Oudamxai ( a back breaking ride ), or by air from Vientiane or Luang Prabhang. The province has the largest number of ethnic tribes - 25 in all, most of whom depend on swidden agriculture. The Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation Area is pristine, and an adventurer's wonderland....
Huay Xay is a commercial center at the crossroads of China, Thailand, and Laos. It is just a short and easy river crossing between the two last countries. Its market is usually busy with hill tribes from the surrounding villages.