One of many small temples that lines the streets of Vientiane is Wat Khao Nhot. Likely destroyed by the Siam during the rebellion of Chao Avouvong in1927, this is a reconstruction. This is a small temple, and it was closed the day we went past.
Travel
Stories of my travels around the world.
Vientiane City Pillar Shrine
Sometimes, while wandering a city, you stumble upon something that draws you in. Something unassuming, yet somehow meaningful. That’s what happened to us in Vientiane, while walking between two temples. A strange coincidence led to me learning a small story about the city’s history.
Wat Si Muang: Mother Temple
Buddhist temples are always a meaningful place to visit in Southeast Asia, and Laos is no exception. Vientiane, the capital city, is home to many such temples, and we spent some time exploring a few of them.
Laos: Home of the Butterfly
I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many butterflies as I have while travelling Laos. I’ve always loved these amazing creatures, and to see so many in one place was such a joy.
I Went to Prison in Vientiane
Okay, no, I didn’t actually go to prison. Yes, this is a clickbait title. But this quirky little café-bar just outside the centre of Vientiane is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to add some unusual fun to your night out.
Nightlife on the Outskirts
While in Vientiane we wanted to explore the city’s nightlife. On this particular day we wandered toward the outskirts of the city, in search of the fabled Irish bar that many online had recommended.
Laos Art at i:cat gallery
We had plenty of time in Vientiane, so we explored not just the main tourist attractions but also some lesser-known spots on the outskirts of the city. One of our favourite discoveries was a small, independent art gallery showcasing contemporary work by local artists.
Vientiane COPE Visitor Centre
After spending some time in Vang Vieng, we took an eight-hour bus ride to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. One of the first places we visited was near our homestay: the COPE Visitor Centre, where we would learn about Laos’ UXO crisis and the ongoing efforts to address it.
Our Vang Vieng Guided Tour
Sometimes, the best adventures aren’t the ones you plan yourself. Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the work for you. In Vang Vieng, we decided to hand the reins to a local tour company for a day.
Pha Ngern View Point Hike
Looking back, we learned there are plenty of hikes around Vang Vieng. You just need to know where to look. So we did our research and found a nearby viewpoint that didn’t seem too difficult.