Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has a population of 200000 and is one of southeast Asia's most laid-back capitals, with relatively little traffic in the streets. Vientiane has no tall buildings and exudes a special aura that combines Lao, Chinese, Thai, French, Soviet and American elements. The city is located in a fertile plain on a broad curve on the northeastern bank of the Mekong River. King Setthathirath officially established it as the capital of Lan Xang in 1560. When Lan Xang fell apart in 1707, it became an independent kingdom. In 1779, it was conquered by the Siamese general Phraya Chakri and made a vassal of Siam. Later it became the capital of Laos under the French protectorate in the late 19th century. It has continued as the capital until today.
Vientiane has changed a lot since my last visit in March 2000. There are now more cars in the streets (but still very few for a capital), and you can feel that the economy is speeding up. There is more dynamism in the streets, more activity, especially in the tourist sector. Mobile phones are now relatively widespread.
Pha That Luang photo gallery  - 22 pictures of Pha That Luang
Wat Sisaket photo gallery  - 12 pictures of Wat Sisaket
Ho Phrakeo photo gallery  - 12 pictures of Ho Phrakeo
Other temples photo gallery  - 11 pictures of Other temples
Patuxai Gate of Triumph photo gallery  - 10 pictures of Patuxai Gate of Triumph
22 photos of Pha That Luang, the most significant religious and national monument in Laos
12 photos of Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest Buddhist monastery
12 photos of Ho Phra Keo, a former monastery and royal temple of the Lao monarchs
11 photos of Buddhist temples in Vientiane
10 photos of the Patuxai arch
People in Vientiane photo gallery  - 6 pictures of People in Vientiane
Near Vientiane photo gallery  - 16 pictures of Near Vientiane
Miscellaneous photos photo gallery  - 20 pictures of Miscellaneous photos
6 photos of people in Vientiane
16 photos of the surroundings of Vientiane
20 miscellaneous photos of Vientiane
Gallery with all images
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