Viangchan

FRI 17 MAR 2017 VIANGCHAN, LAOS - BANGKOK, THAILAND

Today we tour the sites of Vientiane the capital and largest city of Laos, on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion, but was later razed and looted to the ground in 1827 by the Thai. Vientiane was the administrative capital during French rule and, due to economic growth in recent times, is now the economic center of Laos. The estimated population of the city is 760,000 (2015).

We begin with a visit to Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles workshop, studio and gallery where they create woven art. Specializing in 100 percent hand-woven silk, Carol and the 40 Lao artisans she employs produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabrics. Their pieces are displayed in galleries and museums around the world including the Unites States.  We  then go to the national museum for some Laos history.

Pha That Luang

The city contains many temples and Buddhist monuments and we are off to Pha That Luang, a Buddhist stupa, one of the most famous in Laos. It is the most important national cultural monument and very popular with tourists. The original part was built in 1566 by King Setthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.

Haw Phra Kaew

We visit Haw Phra Kaew which was built in 1565–1566 on the orders of King Setthathirath after he moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The temple was built on the grounds of the royal palace to house the Emerald Buddha figurine, which Setthathirath had brought from Chiang Mai, then the capital of Lanna, to Luang Prabang. Haw Pha Kaew  now serves as a museum of religious artifacts.

Statue at HOPE center

Also, earlier in the day we stopped by the COPE hospital and visitors center, they help in the rehabilitation for people injured by unexploded ordinance.  They are funded by a number of agencies including the USAID.  They have been credited with very good work.

We then head to the airport for our flight to Bangkok, then our hotel and leave our small group.  They fly home the next day and at 3 am we are up for our solo trip to Thailand.