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Overview
Of Tourist Destinations
In Laos
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LAOS -
THE LAND OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS
Laos
seems to be a more quiet country than the neighbouring countries
- Vietnam and Cambodia. However, things have changed. Laos
is now becoming one of the major, largely unknown areas of
the world for travelers to exotic places. For the travelers
who look, there are treasures at every turning in Laos, from
the many beautiful wats that have already been declared national
treasures to the forgotten little decade-old fire hydrants
on street corners in Vientiane. French colonial architecture
is another highly appealing feature of the country, only Phnom
Penh perhaps rivals Vientiane for the concentration of colonial
style architecture. Sight-seeing around town is thought-provoking
with the many temples and monuments steeped in age-old history.
Pay a visit to some temples and enjoy the peace and tranquillity
that they offer. Stroll through the city streets at night
and enjoy the heady smells, sights and sounds of balmy magic.
Laos is also known for its beautiful silver goods and fascinating
textiles which are so much a part of the culture of its people.
You never know what treasures a tiny shop down a back street
will offer, so be adventurous and explore. Of course, Laos,
contemporarily known as Asia's hidden little gem, has more
surprises for the tourists and it is awaiting to be discovered
in here.
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Vientiane:
The capital of Laos, located on the bank of Mekong river,
is a charming city brimming with ancient temples, beautiful
gardens and fascinating museums. Places of particular interest
here are Wat Prakeo, National Museum and Wat That Luang as
well as Wat Sisaket and the Central Market. The influence
of the French can be seen most prominently in the architecture
and cuisine of Vientiane. The sidewalks are wide-open and
usually shaded by decade-old trees. As in most of the tropics,
this town puts a unique spell on the visitor. It is perhaps
the sight of gracious old French colonial buildings, or the
croissants and coffee by the sidewalk in China Street - it
must be the cheeky grins that the girls on motorcycles give
you as they skim alarmingly close. Visitors can walk to Vientiane's
pagodas from their hotels, Laotians will smile at the walkers
and usually say sa-bai-di ("hello"), and it is just
a sheer joy to feel safe and secure while stretching the leg
muscles. Vientiane is a destination for those who want to
look and also be part of what they are seeing.
Luang
Prabang:
Only a 45-minute flight north of Vientiane, Luang Prabang,
being called isolated splendor, is nestled serenely, virtually
untouched by time in a steep valley at the joining of the
Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. The royal capital of the Kingdom
of Lane Xang (meaning "a million elephants" in Laotian)
was once situated here. Luang Prabang had long been the centre
of culture and religion for the Lao, and also situated the
former seat of the government and location of the Royal Palace,
which is now a museum. Millenniums are reflected in the wooden
houses, century-old temples and simple serenity. Laos, for
the travelers, usually begins and ends in Vientiane, but once
coming here to Luang Prabang, you will find there is much
more to this country than the capital city.
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