Capturing a Blissful and Blessed Vientiane
Capturing a Blissful and
Blessed Vientiane
Vientiane boasts examples that an Asian city can offer diversity and its meaningful side beyond its temples
and national monuments. Blending its eccentric and vocational side together will shine
a new light on one of the world’s smallest capitals.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Vientiane is not your average capital. Heavily influenced by the French, the seat of the Laotian government lacks aspects of what is commonly defined as a hustle-and-bustle metropolis where time moves fast. The contrary is actually the truth; tree-lined boulevards with small coffee corner, temples and religious shrines where a coming-and-going of the faithful may be the only traffic jam during that day, and where life takes on an even slower pace when settling down along the Mekong for the sun to set.
The aura of Laos’ kind-hearted city flows, not inadvertently, also further afield. A slightly different approach of Vientiane’s artistic and warm-hearted side comes in the shape of this almost full day exploration of the often overlooked side.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:30 - 14:30
In tune with the city’s rhythm, your guide and driver will arrive at your hotel at around 9:30pm, ample time to prepare yourself without the rush. The tour commences with an approximately 45-minute drive to the Buddha Park. Situated on the outskirts of Vientiane on the Mekong River is a vast manicured garden lined with trees that is home to over 200 concrete sculptures of Buddha, Hindu Gods, demons and mythological creatures of different sizes. The park’s most striking sculpture is a huge pumpkin with three levels representing earth, heaven and hell which can be explored via a staircase and at the top offers spectacular views of the park. Despite its interesting sculptures, Buddha Park is not a temple although locals regularly frequent the park to worship its religious monuments like its large reclining Buddha. Built in 1958 by an eccentric business man, The Buddha Park offers great views into neighbouring Thailand.
From here, we head over to our lunch address at a unique and meaningful place in Laos. The Lao Disabled Development Centre is a non-government organization delivering free education and support to the disabled females in the Laotian society. Women from across the country are able to come, live and study here to become valuable and contributing members of the Laotian population. After enjoying a locally prepared lunch, your guide will show you around the complex where handicraft, sewing and weaving are being taught by volunteers. The whole centre is maintained through donations: contributing and visiting this centre of hope and empowerment directly contributes to the wellbeing of disabled women.
After this meaningful visit, we head back to Vientiane to bring you back to your accommodation at around 2:30pm.
