Vibrance of Vientiane

This was my first intended stop in Laos, and like all capital cities, it gives you a vibe for what else the country has to offer. Laos is a country that has been ravaged by war throughout time especially during the Vietnam War with US carpet bombing of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the CIA’s ‘Secret War’ to train guerrillas in the jungle to fight the communists. Even with not so distant devastation the people of Laos seem prepared to progress and Vientiane shows just that.

Walking in from the bus station through the Patuxai Gate you enter the central part of the city which is surprisingly modern with massive shopping centers, hotels, and all other amenities. The streets are well maintained and clean with citizens being both friendly and helpful. It is the architecture and cuisine that are the most telling aspects of the city however.

Sporadically dispersed throughout the urban landscape are Mosque’s, Buddhist temples, and Christian Churches all intertwined to make up the diverse yet peaceful people of Vientiane. Food vendors serving out an endless variety of ethnic dishes spill into the streets from every open hole in the wall.  Even still they do not even begin to represent the over 130 different ethnic groups of Laos although the night market of endless red tents lining the Mekong does display many of their handicrafts.

Primarily Buddhist, with elaborate Wats appearing on nearly every block, there is a gem that literally out shines the rest. The golden stupa of Pha That Luang dates back to the 1500’s but still dazzles in the sun today. It stands symbolic of both religion and freedom for the Laos people. With construction of a world trade center tower and other projects underway, this slow paced yet dynamic city is sure to lead Laos into the global market for a brighter tomorrow.