Sunday, March 22 – Vientiane

My plans for today include some Journal work and rest. But first, a leisurely breakfast…

And the offerings here at the Amari Vientiane are significant!

I like this honey distribution method!

After breakfast, I spent a little time checking out the pool area…

That’s the Mekong River in the background.

Travel Note: Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, with a population of around 800 thousand. A little different than Luang Prabang!

By early evening I was getting a little hungry, so made my way out to explore the neighborhood. I came across this grocery store that also offered prepared meals.

This chicken sub looked pretty good! 59k LAK = 2.75 USD.

I ordered it as a takeaway and brought the sandwich back to the hotel. Tasty!

Monday, March 23 – Vientiane

After a rather lazy morning, I was finally motivated to get out and do some exploring!

A daytime view of the hotel.

Just down the road from the hotel is…

…the Statue of Chao Anouvong, who led the Lao rebellion (1826–28) against Siam (now Thailand) as the last monarch of the Kingdom of Vientiane.

Passed by this cute street art.

Spotted an interesting sign outside of this hospital…

…so, I guess they have hospitals where smoking is allowed?

The Vientiane City Pillar (Hor Lak Muang)

It was constructed in 2012 on the remnants of an ancient city pillar dating back to the 4th or 5th century.

Street vendors

I’m now approaching Wat Si Muang, known as the guardian temple of the city.

From this view, the sim looks rather ordinary…

…but a closer look reveals some intricate architectural details.

There is a lot to take in here!

I enjoyed exploring Wat Si Muang, but when these two large tour buses pulled up, I knew it was time for me to move on!

My next stop was Ho Phrakeo. The 30k LAK entrance fee equals 1.50 USD.

Ho Phrakeo was first built in 1565 to house the Emerald Buddha (now in Thailand), but has been rebuilt several times.

The last restoration took place in 1993.

The grounds are pretty.

The interior of the temple now houses a museum of religious art.

I should mention that it is very hot here, with high temperatures in the mid-90s. As a result, my time spent outside roaming around will not be as extensive as I’m used to!

I passed by this (literally!) middle-of-the-road stupa on my way back to the hotel. Further investigation (at a later time) may be necessary!

After returning to the hotel, I had a little pool time and then was done for the day. The heat kind of wore me down, and breakfast must have filled me up, because I wasn’t very hungry!

Tuesday, March 24 – Vientiane

More exploring to do today!

The Presidential Palace (ca. 1986)

Time for another Fuel Price Check: 40,540 LAK/liter = 7.15 USD/gallon. Wow! Much higher than Luang Prabang. However, the price of oil has been spiking recently, so that may be the reason for the big difference.

Next stop is Wat Sisaket. The entrance fee was 30k LAK.

Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 in a contemporary style of Buddhist architecture at the time, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof.

The armies of Siam that invaded Vientiane in 1827 used the compound as their headquarters and lodging place. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French colonial government restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 and again in 1930.

Photography was not allowed inside.

(I even got scolded for taking this picture! Ugly American!)

A square, roofed walkway surrounds the central sim.

The “Wall of 6,000 Buddhas“. The cloisters are known for housing over 6,800 Buddha statues. These range from the 16th to 19th centuries and are made of wood, stone, bronze, and ceramic.

I am now just outside of the sim compound.

Royal Funeral Carriage.

Approaching Wat That Khao.

It’s a little run down here, but…

…this immense Reclining Buddha made the visit worthwhile!

On my walk back to the hotel, I happened by this Hard Rock Cafe. I didn’t realize they had one here. Not the most impressive exterior, right? Regardless, I decided to stop in…

…and bought this pin. My second (purchased) souvenir on the trip!

Now in the hotel lobby, I’m taking advantage of their complimentary Pandan Water (Nam Bai Toey) to cool down a bit. The drink is an infusion of pandan leaves in water, sweetened lightly with sugar.

A little bit of sweat on the hat, but not as severe as the South Pacific!

(And no, I have not received any Wisconsin shoutouts while in Vientiane. Still early though!)

Travel Note: Well, it was bound to happen. I’m feeling a little under the weather this afternoon. Nothing major, just a little achy and tired. Hopefully it’s a 24-hour thing. First illness of the trip. I’m in for the night!