We ventured a little farther from Phnom Penh and have been exploring the northern part of Laos.
Some first impressions are:
- it's more expensive
- the people arent as friendly
- there are no beggars on the streets
- drugs are sold in bars/restaurants
- the internet is dodgy
- the scenery and mountains are the most beautiful I have ever seen
Our first stop in Laos was the capital Vientaine. It's a beautiful city with a great relaxing atmosphere. Probably the oldest standing temple in Vientiane and among the most atmospheric is Wat Si Saket which was built in 1818. In the centre of the courtyard is a five-tier-roofed sim (ordination hall) housing Buddha niches and beautiful but fading murals of the Buddha's past lives.
Within the cloister walls are hundreds of niches housing Buddha images large and small, made of wood, stone, silver and bronze.
Next on our list was to see Haw Pha Kaew (because we LOVE temples!). Haw Pha Kaew is King Setthathirat's former royal temple, which housed the magical Emerald Buddha (pha kaew) after it was taken from Lanna (Chiang Mai). The Siamese took it back in 1779 and is now housed in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew. The present structure is a 1942 reconstruction of the Emerald Buddha but you aren't allowed to take pictures.
Haw Pha Kaew*
On our way to another attraction, we stumbled upon this much smaller temple where monks were performing blessings. Local people brought items of worship and gifts, and in return were given a blessing.
Compared to the hectic, bustling capitals in other countries, Vientiane's relaxing atmosphere is wonderful. At the end of each day, it was very nice the to wander down to the riverside, relax on a patio and watch the sun set over the Mekong.
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