Vientiane, Laos

According to abbreviationfinder, Vientiane is the capital and most important city of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Also known as Vientiane, it is considered one of the quietest cities in the world. It is located in the central west of the country, on a plain next to the Mekong River, almost on the border with Thailand. Its population is 200,000 residents.

History

King Setthathirath intervened in the ancient kingdom of Lao and Lan Xan and made Vientiane the capital in 1560. The kingdom was divided in two and Vientiane remained the capital now of Lan Xan.

In 1779 Phraya Chakri conquered the capital and made it a vassal of Siam. In one of the many attempts to conquer the area, in 1827 the city was almost destroyed but later it was rebuilt and began to progress economically. King Anouvong attempted a rebellion but was unsuccessful.

In 1893 Vientiane became the protectorate of France and 6 years later it became the capital of French Laos.

Finally in 1946 Vientiane was again named capital but now of a new independent state.

Geography

Vientiane is the capital and most important city of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Also called Vientiane, it is located in the west-central part of the country just where its territory begins to expand. It is also located in the prefecture of the same name. Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia

Location

Vientiane is located in the west-central part of the country, almost on the border with Thailand. It is the most important city in Laos and is located on a plain next to the Mekong River.

Climate

The climate can be considered tropical although there are variations in temperatures between the summer and winter months. In Vientiane the average is 22ºC in December and 29ºC in April.

From May to October is the rainy season in which the annual average rainfall is 1,800 mm.

Hydrology

The city is washed by the waters of the Mekong River

Administrative divition

Vientiane is made up of five districts:

• Chantabuly
• Hadxaifong
• Sikhottabong
• Sisattanak

Population

The population of Vientiane is basically made up of Laotians although of different ethnicities such as the Theung or the Sung. We also find Thais living in the capital but they are a minority. See population of Laos.

Economic development

The trade in its raw materials is what drives the economy mainly. They export wood, lacquer, textiles or leather.

Its most prominent industries have to do with food, footwear and construction materials.

Mineral resources are centered on gypsum, tin, gold, or precious stones.

They have an important airport.

Tourist attractions

The city of Vientiane, which is the capital of the country, is considered one of the quietest cities in the world. Suffice it to say that it only houses 200 thousand residents.

Among the monuments that cannot be missed here we find the That Luang Stupa as well as the Vat Sri Saketel monastery, considered the oldest temple in the city since it dates from the year 1818. If you want to continue practicing religious tourism then you cannot miss the Vat Ho Pra Keo Royal Oratory, which today functions as a religious museum. Inside this place is the image of Buddha, Pra Bang.

Continuing with this route, you can travel about 25 kilometers south of Vientiane to visit the Buddha Park. It is also recommended to visit the Patuxai which is the monumental triumphal arch of the city. Likewise, the visitor can dare to visit one of the most revered sanctuaries in the country, which is the 45-meter high Buddhist stupa known as Pha That Luang.

The former royal residence is also highly regarded among visitors.

It is also very traditional to visit the many markets that the city has and where you can find practically everything, such as Talàat Sâo.

Culture

Crafts

The goldsmith, textiles and baskets are manufactured major craft exhibitions in the city.

In addition to those already mentioned, tribal crafts, jewelry and various sculptures by local artists are also popular in Vientiane.

Religion

The Buddhism Theravada represents the majority religion of the population, but there are some very minority cults are officially banned. Some of them are the Phii or the sayasat.

Holidays and traditions

The festivals that take place throughout the year in Vientiane are closely linked to religious celebrations or the harvest season.

The Laotian Buddhist calendar is your system for locating yourself in time by setting your year 1 to 638 BC on the Christian calendar.

In the month of April, the Pii Mai is celebrated, a festival in which the Buddha figures are washed and then everyone splashes water in the streets.

The Visaka Bu-Saa festival, in the month of May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Finally, it is worth highlighting the Full Moon or That Luang party, which takes place in the capital in November, and for a week the fireworks are the protagonists.

Heritage

• Pha That Luang Temple, 16th century.
• Former Royal Residence.
• National Museum of Laos
• Buddha Park
• Great stupa That Dam
• Vat Si Muang, here is a famous stone column that indicates the place, where the city of Vientiane was founded.
• The Buddhist Temples Vat Sok Pa Luang, and Vat Si Saket
• Patuxai, a monumental triumphal arch built in commemoration of independence.