City Orientation Walk - PDF Free Download

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - City Orientation Walk Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a colorful blend of French colonial architecture and Buddhist shrines set alongside the broad boulevards and leafy streets. Some of the most notable places of worship are Wat Si Saket, filled with thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, perched over a Hindu shrine. To explore these and other prominent sights of the Laotian capital, follow this orientation walk. Guide Location: Laos» Vientiane # of Attractions: 15 Tour Duration: 2 hour(s) Travel Distance: 3.6 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" downloadable on itunes App Store and Google Play. The app provides turn-by-turn GPS navigation to guide you from one tour sight to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Vientiane. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit https://www.gpsmycity.com for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Nam Phou Square B) Carol Cassidy's lao Textiles C) Wat Mixai D) Rue Setthathirat E) Wat Ong Teu F) Wat Inpeng G) Rue Samsenthai H) National Cultural Hall I) National Museum J) That Dam K) Morning Market L) Presidential Palace M) Wat Si Saket N) Haw Phra Kaew O) Wat Si Muang Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - A) Nam Phou Square (must see) Nam Phou Square is the city s meeting place, hub and popular tourist spot. Decorated with floral arrangements, Nam Phou has been the icon of Vientiane for many years. There are numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding the square which is crowned by a beautiful fountain. It is a great place for a morning coffee or an evening walk. Tuk tuk drivers gather here in numbers, making the square a good place to start your tour of the city. Address: Nam Phou Square, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Adriaan Castermans B) Carol Cassidy's lao Textiles Carol Cassidy is a textile factory, shop and gallery situated in a French colonial villa and specializing in hand-woven silk. They have fabrics such as scarves, wall decorations and shawls that are presented in various museums and cultural centres in Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Tokyo and other cities. There is also a workshop open for the public that displays the best traditions of Lao silk manufacturing. Visitors are also invited to observe weavers working on handlooms. Come here to enjoy American artists' contemporary interpretations of beautiful traditional textile motifs. Open Monday to Friday 8 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm, Saturdays 8 am - 12 pm. Address: 84-86 Nokeokoummane Street, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Kyle T. Ramirez C) Wat Mixai Wat Mixai is another beautiful temple known for its ornate blue mosaic designs. Niak, or a giant guardian, stands on both sides of the beautiful gate welcoming the visitors. The colourful façade of the temple is decorated with gold coated wooden carvings designed in the finest traditions of Laotian architectural splendour. The temple s main highlight is a series of old Chinese funeral stupas found along the sim or main hall. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance to the temple is on Francois Ngin Road. Address: Francois Ngin and Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 - Image Courtesy of Flickr and Samnang Danou D) Rue Setthathirat (must see) Rue Setthathirat is another major shopping street in Vientiane replete with outlets specialized in Lao and Thai tribal and hill-tribe crafts. Alongside Lao and Thai goods here you can find products from Vietnam, such as lacquer work and Buddha images. Some of the shops selling textiles and clothing also carry a good selection of handicrafts and antiques. Address: Rue Setthathilath, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Kiran Jonnalagadda E) Wat Ong Teu Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan (Temple of the Heavy Buddha) is one of many Buddhist Monasteries that are present in the city of Vientiane. This name is given to the temple due to the large, bronze Phra Ong Teu Buddha image that is present within the temple: the largest Buddha in Vientiane. This temple was initially constructed by King Settathirat I in the 16th century (known as the golden age of Buddhism in Laos) when Laos was being bombarded by the Burmese, but was later demolished during a foreign invasion. Thus, it may have gone through many reconstructions during the 19th or 20th century to attain the appearance it has today. Though this temple is created in Vientiane, it has the basic shape for what is known as the Luang Prabang I style with its scare use of brickwork and rectangular-like body. Wat Ong Teu is said to have been placed along a cardinal point in accordance with three other temples, but that may just be coincidental. Opening hours: Monday Sunday: 8 am 5 pm "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 - Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clay Gilliland. Sight description based on Wikipedia. F) Wat Inpeng Wat Inpeng Voraamahavihanh or Temple of the Incarnation of Indra is another symbol of the city and a prominent religious landmark. According to legend, it was founded in the 3rd century, when Indra arrived to the area to aid local artists in creating the image of Buddha. However, historical records confirm that the construction of the temple occurred in the 16th century. The main highlight of the temple is its rich decorations with carved wood frescoes and a mosaic façade. Statues and numerous images depicting mythological creatures, colourful and intricate windows, and ornate multilevel roofs continue to catch tourists eyes and leave memorable impressions. There is a tranquil garden area with benches and topiary trees settled at the rear of the temple. Address: Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Gusjer G) Rue Samsenthai (must see) Pretty much everything that is made in Laos can be bought in Vientiane, including hill-tribe crafts, jewelry, traditional textiles, carvings, etc. One of the city's main shopping areas is Rue Samsenthai or, precisely, the eastern part of it near Asian Pavilion Hotel. Several shops in Rue Samsenthai sell Lao and Thai tribal and hill-tribe crafts. Most of Vientiane's jewelry shops are also located in Rue Samsenthai, selling primarily gold and silver items. Address: Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Kiran Jonnalagadda H) National Cultural Hall (must see) Situated in a magnificent building, the National Cultural Hall was built in 2000 with help from the government of China. This large venue includes a 1,500-seat theatre/auditorium, conference rooms and a large lobby hall with varying exhibitions of national and international artists. The art presentations and performances that take place here are often organized Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 - by foreign embassies, the Ministry of Culture of Laos and other government offices. Among the popular performances of the venue there is a Lao traditional dance, French cinema and even a beauty contest. Address: Samsenethai Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and joaquinuy I) National Museum (must see) Situated in a French colonial building, the National Museum is one of the city s most visited cultural venues, popular for its fascinating displays exhibiting everything from dinosaur bones and Buddhist sculptures to firearms, pottery, old musical instruments and archaeological findings. The Revolution Room depicts historical Lao fights for independence against French colonists and Americans. The National Museum offers its visitors the most comprehensive insight into the country s history, culture and religious legacy. The museum is open daily 8 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm. Address: Samsenethai Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and joaquinuy J) That Dam (must see) That Dam, known as Black Stupa, is a large ancient landmark situated in the heart of the city. The legend that has been feeding the imagination of locals for years says it was once coated with gold that was carted off after the Siam invasion. This mythological structure is also said to have been protected by seven Naga creatures who managed to withstand the armies of Siam despite giving up the gold. Today Laos oldest temple is crumbling and growing with moss and weed, which somehow adds to its splendor. Address: Chanthakoummane Street, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and James Evans Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 10 - K) Morning Market (must see) Morning Market, also known as Talat Sao, is one of the best shopping spots of the city with a great number of products to offer. The place is always full of locals and tourists wandering around. The market features numerous vendors selling local cuisine, fresh produce and small shops offering attractive gold and silver accessories, silk items, clothing, musical instruments, electronics, wooden crafts and lots of other other great products. This market is an awesome place to purchase unique gifts and souvenirs. Open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. Address: Lane Xang Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and fran001@yahoo.com L) Presidential Palace Situated on Lane Xang Street, Presidential Palace was originally built for the French colonial governor. It has also served as the residence of the royal family during the brief Laos monarchy reign. Today, the two-storey Beaux Arts mansion is mainly used for official government meetings and ceremonies. Presidential Palace s important historical significance and elegant façade insured its place among the top landmarks of the city. Address: Lane Xang Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and James Antrobus M) Wat Si Saket (must see) Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat situated on Lan Xang Road, on the corner with Setthathirat Road, to the northwest of Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly held the Emerald Buddha. Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 on the orders of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Wat Si Saket was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. This may have kept it safe as the armies of Siam that sacked Vientiane in 1827 used the compound as their Headquarters and lodging place. It may now be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 10 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 11 - restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 and again in 1930. Wat Si Saket features a cloister wall with more than 2000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. The temple also houses a museum. Opening hours: Monday Sunday: 8 am 12 pm & 1 pm 4 pm "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: Lane Xang and Setthathirath Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Jean-Pierre Dalbéra. Sight description based on Wikipedia. N) Haw Phra Kaew (must see) Haw Phra Kaew is a former temple situated on Setthathirath Road, to the southeast of Wat Si Saket. The interior now houses a museum and a small shop. Haw Phra Kaew was built between 1565 and 1556, on the orders of King Setthathirath. The temple housed the Emerald Buddha figurine, which Setthathirath had brought from Chiang Mai, then the capital of Lanna, to Luang Prabang. When Vientiane was seized by Siam (now Thailand) in 1778, the figurine was taken to Thonburi and the temple was destroyed. After it was rebuilt by King Annouvong of Vientiane in the 19th century, it was again destroyed by Siamese forces when King Annouvong rebelled against Siam in an attempt to regain full independence. The revered Buddha now resides in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok. The temple was rebuilt for a third time by the French in the 1920's, during colonization of French Indochina. Opening hours: Tuesday Sunday: 8 am 11:30 pm and 2 pm 4:30 pm "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: Setthathilat Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Flickr and Dan Searle. Sight description based on Wikipedia. Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 11 -

Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 12 - O) Wat Si Muang (must see) Founded in 1566, Wat Si Muang, also known as Simuong, is another lovely Buddhist temple that is popular among both locals and visitors for its stunning bronze Buddha statues. The temple is famous for bringing good luck and wealth, particularly to those trying to have children. Wat Si Muang s relatively modest construction is complemented beautifully by the elaborate wooden carvings and paintings. The temple is surrounded by ornate gates. Tourists willing to check out the altar and the rest of the temple s interior are advised to purchase flowers, incense sticks and candles from outside vendors to be used later at the altar. The entrance is from Setthathirath Road. Near the temple, the statue of King Srisavang Vong (1885-1959) is located; he is known to have fathered 50 children. Address: Thadeua Road, Vientiane, Laos Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Ondřej Žváček Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 12 -