Changi Airport Special: Vientiane, Laos

If New York City is “the city that never sleeps”, then Vientiane would be the city that is always in slumber. The small city (although the largest in Laos, also the capital) moves at a very laidback pace, so do not mistake it as the locals being lazy or unpunctual. It would be best to take it as a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of our hectic and hasty lifestyle.

Splendid Buddhist stupa Pha That Luang, national symbol of Laos. Photo credit: danau_info on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

As with most cities in Southeast Asia, Vientiane is not lacking in terms of magnificent temples and sacred sites. In fact, the Laos national symbol is the golden stupa Pha That Luang. It is said to be dated back to as early as the 3^rd century, although it has been reconstructed many times since due to foreign invasions. One thing is for sure, though, is that it has never lost its beauty.

Although the city is never quite bustling, you might still want to catch the best time to head to Pha That Luang for a peaceful visit. The temple closes from noon to 1 p.m., so tour groups would most likely leave by 11 a.m. or after it reopens. Between 11 a.m. to noon would be a time with relatively less activity.

Wat Si Saket is another temple worth visiting. It is Vientiane’s oldest surviving temple in its original form. Photo credit: fluffyemily on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

 Another notable religious site would be the Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan (spellings may vary). Here you can find over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues, from humans to animals, gods to demons.  Among all the figures scattered across the park, the highlight is the 120-metre-long reclining Buddha.

The reclining Buddha. Photo credit: preetamrai on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.    

This “pumpkin” is also one of the main features. The demon head is actually the entrance; you enter through the mouth into the three-storey high structure. Each level from the bottom to the top represents hell, Earth and heaven respectively, with each level containing sculptures that depicts the level. At the very top would be a fantastic spot to capture some photographs as you will get an aerial view of the park. Photo credit: simply_lydie on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

Tired from pacing holy grounds all day? Take a relaxing stroll to wind down at the Mekong riverside. There is no better way to enjoy the evening than watch the sun set, a beautiful and serene sight to calm you down after a taxing day. There are also various Mekong River cruise packages on offer, if you want to further explore the river.

While you are wandering down the riverside, get yourself some cold Beerlao – Laos’ national beer. Unofficially, it should come second to Pha That Luang as the national symbol. Photo credit: felixtriller. on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.

 A vacation is not complete without a shopping spree. There are a few great places around Vientiane suited for you to hunt for tokens for loved ones back home and a good loot for yourself.

Talat Sao morning market. Photo credit: www.visit-mekong.com.    

 Talat Sao morning market is where you will find your handicrafts, cheap clothes and other such souvenir items. It is rather messy and as busy as you will find Laos to be, but it is clean. Being a morning market, it closes around mid-afternoon. If you are not a morning person, there is also the Riverside Vientiane Night Market which starts around sunset. As with all such markets in Southeast Asian countries, remember to haggle hard!

Talat Sao shopping mall. Photo credit: www.visit-mekong.com.    

Talat Sao shopping mall is the only air-conditioned shopping mall in Laos. More orderly and modern than the morning market, the shops here offer electronics, sports items and jewellery.

If you are up for splurging a little more, Ministry of Silk is a rather newly opened store in Nam Phu Square. Here is where you can shop for exquisite silk dresses, blouses and some pieces for men as well. Photo credit: www.visit-mekong.com.

There are six weekly Lao Airlines flights from Changi Airport to Vientiane.