Vientiane, the capital city of the Lao PDR, with a population of 503000 and an area of 180 square kilometers, is located on the bank of the Mekong River. Vientiane is the center of culture, commerce and administration in Laos. Vientiane's major attractions are its serene Buddhist monasteries which dominate the streets of central Vientiane.

That Luang, the National Symbol, is featured on the Emblem of Laos. It was constructed in 1566 by King Xayasetthathirath in typical Lao style and is one of the best known That or stupas in Laos.

Patousai, or Arch of Triumph, was formely known only as Anousavary (Monument). Constructed in 1958 on Lane Xang Avenue, the architecture is inspired from the Arc de Triomphe of Paris with typical Lao motifs.

Vat Phra Keo was constructed in 1565 by King Xayasethathirath when he moved the capital of Lan Xang to Vientiane. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok. This is one of the oldest Vats in the country. Vat Sisaket is the only temple in Vientiane that survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. It is the oldest monastery standing intact in its original form, and certainly one of the most interesting in the whole country. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, are hundreds of little votive niches containing a total of 6840 Buddha images.

LUANG PRABANG PROVINCE

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom. According to the Luang Prabang legend, the first name of Luang Prabang was Muang Swa, named after King Khun Xua around the eighth century, and later came to be known as Xieng Dong and Xieng Thong. During the reign of King Fa Ngum, between 1354 and 1372 A.D., Xieng Dong, and Xieng Thong cities were renamed Luang Prabang in the name of the gold image of Buddha, the Phrabang. Luang Prabang was in 1998 declared a world heritage sight by UNESCO.

Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lane Xang kingdom from 1354 A.D. The capital was then transfered to Vientiane city in 1560 A.D. Luang Prabang is rich in its cultural heritage, and is known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries,and monuments, and is set in exquisite natural surroundings. UNESCO has declared the citiy to be a World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang province has a total population of 365000.

The National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace.
Constructed as a palace between 1904 and 1909 A.D., during the reign of King Sisavangvong, it has now been turned into a National Museum housing the Throne of the Lane Xang kingdom in its original splendour, along with many other regalia and religious treasures. It is located on the bank of the Mekong River, facing Mount Phusi.

Situated on the bank of the Mekong River, on the wedge of land where the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers meet, Vat Xiengthong was constructed in 1559/1560 A.D. by King Xayasetthathirath. Vat Xiengthong is the most beautiful among all monastries of Luang Prabang, and represents the typical Lao art style.

Many old and beautiful religious artifacts dating from the sixteenth century, and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art, form a valuable part of its collected treasures.

Vat Mai, constructed in 1821 A.D., during the reign of king Manthatourath, was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriach of the Buddhist clergy). The five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim is built in the traditional Luang Prabang style.

That Chomsi of Luang Prabang was constructed on top of the Phusi hill in 1804 A.D. during the reign of King Anurut. It is an impressive structure, fully renovated in 1994. At mid-slope, and at the foot of the hill, are several religious sites including caves and Buddha footprints. Sounding the drums on top of Phusi was once a tradition of the Luang Prabang people. The sound of the drum every three hours could be heard for miles around.

Vat Visoun was built between 1500/1520 during the reign of King Visounarat. The Phrabang, the fine gold Buddha image, the religious symbol of the Kingdom, was enshrined here from 1504 to 1715 A.D., and from 1866 to 1874 A.D. In 1942, it was turned into a Museum of Religious Arts, and housed collections of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the fourteenth century. Within its precincts stands the gigantic That Makmo (watermelon stupa), originally known as That Patum or Lotus Stupa, constructed in 1503 A.D.

The cool limestone caves are located on the steep rockcliff rising vertically from the waters, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The craggy mountain scenery is breathtaking with overhanging cliffs above the swift flowing river.

The best attractions here are the two caves full of Buddha images of varying styles, periods and sizes. The lower cave called Tham Ting, or Tham Leusi contains the statue of a hermit of Leusi. The other noteworthy cave is called Tham Theung (Upper Cave), or Tham Prakachay. The caves can be reached by a boat trip, upstream from Luang Prabang.

The spectacular Kouangsy Waterfall is located in an area deep in the forest, away from human habitation. It is perfect for rest and relaxation. On the way to the falls, quaint villages with their traditional hydro-rice mills can also be seen.

Ban Lu or Lu village of Ban Phanom, only 2.5 km from the center of Luang Prabang town is famous for cotton and silk weaving, and some beautifully hand-crafted souvenirs. The Lu people of Ban Phanom came originally from Sip Song Panna in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, having been invited by King Kitsarath.

Champassack province is one of the main political, cultural and economic centers of Southern Laos. It is a province where there are historic sites in Pre Angkorian style. Champassack was a rich cultural center. The capital of Champassack is Pakse. The Province is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers.

Vat Phou is an ancient pre-Angkhor Vat Hindu temple, an architectural marvel, located on the eastern slope of Kao mountain, some 45 Km, from Pakse district, and is the crowning jewel of Champassack Province. It has recently been declared a world heritage sight by UNESCO.

Khone Pha Pheng Waterfall

Khone Pha Pheng waterfall is about 130km from Pakse and is considered the most beautiful waterfall of Southeast Asia.

Siphandone Islands

The "Pa Kha" or river dolphins inhabit this part of the Mekong river. They are nearly extinct, however, due to extensive bomb fishing. However, the dolphins are a major attraction for tourism, as they are only found in this part of Asia.