It may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan although the park is not a temple (Wat). The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. although the park is not a temple (Wat). The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues.

Buddha Park, Vientiane, Laos

Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan (as well as other variations of the spelling). The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City.

Buddha park, Laos

Buddha park, Laos

Buddha park, Laos

Buddha park, Laos

Patuxai (literally meaning Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, formerly the Anousavary or Anosavari Monumentm known by the French as Monument Aux Morts) is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, which was built between 1957 and 1968. Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. In romanising the name from the Laotian language, it is variously transliterated as Patuxai, Patuxay, Patousai and Patusai. It is also given the name of Patuxai Arch or the Asian version of Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane as it has general resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; however, it is typically Laotian in design, decorated with many Buddhist mythological figurines such as of kinnari (half-female, half-bird figures)

Vientiane, Laos - Patuxai

Patuxai park, Laos

Patuxai, Laos

The Lan Xang Kingdom (the first truly Lao Kingdom) was founded here in 1353 by Fa Ngum and remained the capital until 1545 when it was moved to Vientiane further south along the Mekong River. The name Luang Prabang derives from a sacred Buddha image called the Pha Bang which was a gift from the mighty Khmer Empire, hence the name Luang Prabang meaning Great Pha Bang. For us, Luang Prabang was of particular importance because of our interest in religious architecture. It is a treasure trove of various temple styles boasting Lao, Thai and Burmese characteristics.

This small village is on the banks of the Mekong River ensconced by towering mountains in Northern Laos.

Luang prabang, Laos

Buddhist Temple in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Temple City in Laos

Laos. Luang Prabang. Modern temple

Champasak also offers a variety of temples, including Wat Phou, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Wherever you go, Laos travel is sure to be nothing short of fascinating due to the country’s unique variety of rural and urban culture, and its complicated past.

Wat Phou in Champasak Laos, Khmer ruin

Wat Phou, Champasak Region, Laos

Overlooking Wat Phou, Champasak Region, Laos

Ruins of Wat Phu. Notice stone window columns - near Champasak

Wat phou, Champasak

This shining golden temple is Laos’s national symbol. Phra That Luang is a Buddhist stupa built in the 16th century under King Setthathirat on the ruins of an earlier 13th century Khmer temple. The stupa was destroyed by the Thai invasion in 1828 and rebuilt by the French in 1900 It doesn’t matter how many photographs you’ve seen before you come, the first glimpse, even from a mile away, will take your breath away. You could be forgiven for thinking that the stupa, not the sun, is lighting up the sky.

Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - Vientiane, Laos

Entrance to the Phra That Luang, or Golden Stupa.

Main stupa of Phrathat Luang.

Phra That Luang, in Ban Nongbone, Vientiane, Laos

Phra That Luang stupa in Vientiane, Laos

Phra That Luang - That Luang Neua

Gold covered Phra That Luang

Laos is a landlocked country surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Those who are not familiar with the region and the Asian culture, which includes 10,000 years of human history and a rich Buddhist tradition, may dismiss Laos travel. However, visitors will find an abundance of historic buildings and temples in this lovely country, a traditional Buddhist culture, and a peaceful landscape. If you’re seeking a unique and unspoiled destination for your next vacation, consider taking a trip to Laos.

The capital city of Vientiane is also a popular destination for those planning a trip to Laos. Although it is the capital city, it is not as modernized as other cities in Asia, making it a pleasant and relaxing place to spend time. The list of attractions in Vientiane and the surrounding area is extensive, including the Wat Sisaket, That Luang, Patuxai (Victory Gate), and the Buddha Park. It is also the perfect base to travel to some of the other well-known parts of Laos, such as the Bokeo Region. This area is home to more than 30 different ethnic groups, beautiful forests, unique wildlife, and a well-preserved traditional culture. Bokeo is ideal for those looking to get away from the city during their vacation.

Located in the southern part of Laos, Savannakhet and Champasak are two popular destinations. Savannakhet is ideal to explore on foot, and there are numerous walking tours and eco-tours that visitors can choose from. Throughout the city visitors will find Buddhist temples, Catholic churches, and Vietnamese temples to explore. Travelers will also want to visit That Ing Hang Stupa, one of the most impressive Buddhist sites in Southern Laos, Heuan Hinh (Stone House), and the Dinosaur Museum. Champasak also offers a variety of temples, including Wat Phou, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Wherever you go, Laos travel is sure to be nothing short of fascinating due to the country’s unique variety of rural and urban culture, and its complicated past.

Laos top attractions:

• Mekong River
• Town of Luang Prabang
• The capital city of Vientiane :  Sisaket, That Luang, Patuxai (Victory Gate), and the Buddha Park
• Bokeo Region
• Savannakhet
• Champasak – Wat Phou
• That Ing Hang Stupa
• Heuan Hinh (Stone House)
• the Dinosaur Museum.