Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
To venture further, this time took the Thai local flight from Changmai to Udon Thani. Then an hour drive by Taxi from Udon Thani's airport to Nong Khai, the border town, famous for its Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which is connecting Nong Khai in Thailand with Vientiane in Laos. Gone through the immigration check point, then hired a van heading toward Vientiane, a journey of about 30min. It was about late evening when reaching the hotel.
Vientiane, the Capital of Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong River. A relaxed town, has a grace and charm of its own. As this is a small 'village' city, also the smallest capital city in Asia! The most popular tourist spots are located well within the city limit. Therefore it is nice and comfortable to ride a bicycle and tour around the city. It is equally comfortable and safe, to walk leisurely from place to place.
Whatever way, you will interact with the local people and know the city intimately. Yes, it is always people oriented trip to discover more by surprise.... and also can see more interesting things. To compare with other Asian cities, this is a relaxed town with life in slow pace. One can feel a real colonial background of the city with its historical monuments and buildings.
Final scene and climax of the trip was to take lovely and lazy walks along the amazing Mekong River front. Then sat on the beach of Mekong River watching the sunset cloud with afterglow (晚霞). Started to reminiscing the history of this country. Ha, what else to expect more from life? Enjoyed that moment of peace...
Patuxai - the Victory Monument - from far view.
First look, flash across my mind to the Paris's Arc de Triomphe.
Somewhat there is resemblance when look from far. After all,
Laos was once a colony of French. Laos' 凱旋門...
Patuxai (Victory Monument): It is the best known landmark of Vientiane.
It was built in memory of those who died in the wars before the
Communist's takeover. It is located in the heart of the city.
Pha That Luang- "World Precious Sacred Stupa". It is the most significant
religious & national monument in Laos. It is situated in hill side of 4 km
from centre of Vientiane. The Stupa was built in the 16th century, initially
covered in gold leaf. Pha That Luang was destroyed by Siamese invasion
in 1823, then later reconstructed by the French in 1930.
Pha That Luang, the Stupa has become a symbol of Lao nationalism.
It consists of 3 levels, each conveying a reflection of part of Buddhist
belief. The Stupa reflects the artistic inspiration of the lotus flower.
Front entrance of Pha That Luang. The design of the
45m high Stupa and surrounded by 30 small stupas.
Historically, however, the Stupa was repeatedly
plundered by the Siamese, the Burmese and the Chinese.
A staircase to second level of Stupa.
Pha That Luang - compound surrounded by walls, are roughly
280 feet long on each side and within the compound contain
a large number of Lao & Khemer sculptures.
The Buddha images installed at the front main entrance
of Pha That Luang.
Inside Pha That Luang, the colonnade surrounding the
Stupa erected with sculptures of Lao & Khmer.
Jayavarman VII (1125-1215), is one of the sculptures inside
Pha That Luang. He was a King in the Khmer empire, present
days, Siem Reap of Cambodia. As a Mahayana Buddhist, his aim
was to alleviate sufferings of his people. As the inscription says:
"He suffered from the illnesses of his subjects more than his own..."
This led his strong devotion to Buddhism in Khmer kingdom.
Outside Pha That Luang and its surrounding temple.
One of the eye-catching and artistic built temples surrounded
Pha That Luang, the Great Stupa in Laos.
One magnificent temple just outside Pha That Luang.
Destined to leave footprints (足迹) on this Great Buddhist Stupa.
Making my life more complete...
Outside the Pha That Luang, vendors selling birds. The local
devotees bought over and released the birds from cage to gain
merit, according to the Buddhist custom. Look, this bird
just flew over my head/camera! Haha, 'ran' for its life!
Next sight of Vientiane, Wat Haw Pha Kaew, the Jade Buddha Temple.
This was constructed by King Setthathirat with the intention of
housing the emerald Buddha in 1565.
From top of Wat Haw Pha Kaew, the compound of the Temple.
It is now a museum of art and historical artifacts. As with other temples,
original 16th century structure was destroyed by the Siamese invaders in 1828.
Main entrance to Wat Haw Pha Kaew, a museum now.
It was King Setthathirat personal Buddhist Temple built in 1565
to house Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred items in all
of Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the Emerald Buddha only stayed
over 200 years in Vientiane then it was taken back by King Rama I
of Thailand in 1778, and placed in Bangkok(in Wat Phra Haw Kaeo)
Side view of the Wat Haw Pha Kaew. A showcase of the religious art
of Buddhism, has many priceless artifacts in displays.Sadly, not allowed
to take photo inside the museum.
The exterior of Wat Haw Pha Kaew or the Jade
Buddha Temple.
A row of Buddha images outside the Wat Haw Pha Kaew.
The city view of Vientiane, nearby is the Mekong River front.
A man with motorcycle carried a baby, she so much enjoyed the ride...
Suddenly....Wow! here you see the fastest car in the world, a Ferrari or
Lamborghini? The local told me this kind of cars owned by
the local Chinese businessmen. There is no highway, and
full of potholes everywhere? No worry, he said, they find their
way to indulge with their toys by going to the neighboring country,
Thailand! Singaporean sportcars to Malaysia's highway? Haha...
Vientiane is a city full of surprises, as you walk, you will
find more....They are people earning less than a couple of dollars
a day, and suddenly, in a flash of eyes, you see a fancy sport car
driving among the Tuk-Tuk trishaws...a huge contrast to
make us wander....
Morning Market, it is the center of Laos commerce and you
will stumble upon some surprise things that cannot find
in the formal tourist shops! Try your luck, you may dig
the 'gold'... But must be streetwise too!
The relaxed local policemen hanging around the place
of Morning Market, seemed easy going and mingled
with the locals, looked very friendly, indeed!
Vientiane, at Wattay International Airport's second floor.
Sale girls chit-chatting and most of the time no business.
Who is this gentleman? Chao Anouvong, Laos' last King, 1805-1828,
in Vientiane. From history, Chao Anouvong was an ally of Thai
monarch until 1826-1828, he rebelled against Siam to gain independence.
But he was defeated in the famous 3-day fight near Vientiane. Then Chao
Anouvong was captured and died as prisoner in Bangkok. Also Siamese
King Rama III ordered to destroy the whole Vientiane with only
ONE temple survived, the Wat Sisaket.
This is a new Park and the monument of Chao Anouvong was built to
honour him. The new Park facing the Mekong River, also to celebrate
Vientiane, the 450 years of anniversary as Laos' Capital. Interestingly,
today there are more than 20 million former Lao, nowadays Thais,
are living in Thailand. The site here and the history of the past make
it interesting, attracting tourists and the locals, providing them
entertainment, exercise, lovely walk along the Mekong River...
So happy ending - 没有隔日仇恨....
Evening at Mekong River - Children playing with water, jogging
along the beach. Atmosphere of peace and relaxed.
A healthy and leisure life style
Enjoyed sunset.
夕阳无限好, 因为它近黄昏.
A peaceful moment.... Reflection of Life
The heart takes its flight,
Listen, the stillness of River,
Listen, the stillness of River,
it is calling....
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