Thien's Travelography: The Forgotten Land, Laos Part 1: Vientiane

As described by most guidebooks, Laos is much referred to as "forgotten". While having essences of Thailand and Vietnam influence, it is Thailand without the over commercialisation and Vietnam less the traffic and noise. A truly laidback environment with charming people and quite a nice change from the pace of Vietnam and Thailand.

Day 1
Having spent 3 days in the new capital, Vientiane is fairly quiet and quite small city with most of attraction being within walking distance from most accommodation you'll find and very easy to explore the city within a day if one chooses to do so.

After flying in from Vientiane from KL and feeling sleep deprived, my first order of business was to put in a solid nap before exploring the city nightlife. My first stop being the night market, located by the Mekong River and a short walk from my hostel, which also provided a nice opportunity to see the sunset.

Sunset by the Mekong River in Vientiane

Sunset by the Mekong River in Vientiane overlooking Thailand in the horizon.

Local fishermen goes fishing during dusk on the Mekong River in Vientiane

Given the right condition, sunset by the Mekong in Vientiane can provide a wonderful vantage point. However, this would be the last sunset I see due to the rainy season :(

Locals come out in the flock to exercise as the sun sets over Vientiane

Exercise crew is here!

Night Markets and more Night Markets!
The Vientiane Night Market by the Mekong contained a long stretch of stalls selling items from local handicraft, clothing, fake handbags to shops providing manicure services!

Vientiane Night Markets: Slipper's vendor

Come get your manicure at the Vientiane night markets!

Vientiane Night Markets: Alavan Artist

Vientiane Night Markets: Local beauty shopping the night market

After pondering myself through the night markets I thought to look at surrounding streets as I find my way to the Ban Anou Night Markets which is a night food market. Around the Vientiane night market itself many street vendor setup food stall as they go about their business. Speaking to a few, I find out alot of them are Vietnamese immigrants who have come to Laos to find work.

Vientiane Night Market: This lady, along with her sister and daughter come from Vinh, Vietnam. They setup a store next to the night market selling "Muc Kho"(dried Squid)

Set up next to the Vientiane Night market, this store sells grill meats and local dishes.

On the side streets of Vientiane, this lady sell local sweets priced at 2000Kip(0.25USD) a piece! Cheap and delicious

Papaya Salad by the street!

Store on wheels looking for a new place to setup their shop.

Locals playing a game of "Petanque"

The Local Barber Shop

Ban Anou Night Markets: Where to get truely local dishes

Ban Anou Night Markets: If you're missing Vietnamese food you can get it here too! Plenty of it around. Cuong, Phuong and Son from Vietnam and have immigrated to Vientiane to make a living. Phuong sell "Cha Lua" at the Ban Anou Night Markets

Ban Anou Night Markets: Laos marinated grilled pork and chicken cooked over charcoal. Yum!

Day 2
Local Wet Market, The one the guidebook doesn't mention
Not feeling too keen to do so much walking in the heat of Laos, day 2 started out with exploring a wet market which Phuong had directed me to the previous night which was located near the Ban Anou Night Markets.

Local Wet market in Vientiane located near Ban Anou Night Markets

Local Wet market in Vientiane located near Ban Anou Night Markets: Local gambling den

Tomato and banana vendor at the wet market. More than happy for he's photo to be taken!

"Padaek", fermented fish sauce seller

Come and get your chilli!

Eggplants and more!

Noodle seller

The chilli seller

Come and get your live fish!

Camera shy!

Buddha Park
Second stop for the day was Buddha Park which is located 26km from the city centre. Whilst the park wasn't that all fascinating, hiring a motorbike and riding there was a trip in itself. For those eager and fit, you can rent a bicycle a instead.

The country view and my ride to Buddha Park

The last 5-10km can be a bumpy and dusty ride

Big lying Buddha

The park contains many Buddha statues said to be created by a rogue monk

Patuxai and where the locals eat!
After returning from Buddha park and with the luxury of having a motorbike, I drove around the city exploring with my first stop being Patuxai, or otherwise known as Victory Gate in English.

Patuxai: Photographers capitalises on tourist with these mobile printing booth!

Patuxai

Patuxai: Posing for a shot with one of the many cameramen found at Patuxai

Patuxai: Tourist couple enjoying a romantic moment during sunset

Local Night Market near Pha That Luang
Located near Pha That Luang, there is a local night market absent of any tourist and plenty of local food to enjoy. I happen to stumble across as I tried to find my way to Pha That Luang.

Local night market located near Pha That Luang

This little remains busy keeping the bugs away at the local night market located near Pha That Luang

Local night market located near Pha That Luang

Vendor making Papaya Salad at the local night market located near Pha That Luang

Across the street from the market. Come get the latest movies!

Day 3: Temple Hopping and Khua Din Markets
Vat Sisaket
Built in 1819, it is the oldest temple remaining in Vientiane and only temple which wasn't destroyed during the Siamese era.

Vat Sisaket: Monk leaves temple

Vat Sisaket: Monk prepares himself as he enter the inner temple.

Vat Sisaket: Interior wall of the temple is lined up with Buddha statues

Vat Sisaket: Miniature statues in the wall make up the wall's architecture

Vat Sisaket: outer wall of the inner temple

Pha That Luang

Built somewhere in the third century, Pha That Luang is a large gold covered stupa in Vientiane

Pha That Luang: Hiding in the shade

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang: Tourist releasing the birds outside Pha That Luang

Khua Din Market
An interesting wet market located near the central bus station in Vientiane. The place can be abit tricky to find but presents itself with a lively environment and great photographic opportunities.