During the next century the two states, constantly quarreling, were overrun by the armies of neighboring countries. Travel distance from vientiane to luang prabang is about 340 km by land. He then visits vang vieng, and luang prabang in the north, speaking with monks and guesthouse owners who have been studying english in anticipation of the border opening. In 1707, however, internal dissensions brought about a split of lan xang into two kingdoms. In this picture people from pak luang village gather to receive mcc donated rice following a drought in luang prabang almost a decade after the first mcc food aid efforts. During the ascendance of the chenla kingdom, centred in southern laos and northern cambodia between the 6th and 8th centuries, luang prabang became known as. Khun lo established a dynasty whose fifteen rulers reigned over an independent muang sua. Luang prabang to vientiane by land laos forum tripadvisor. Luang prabang is a great example of the fusion of traditional architecture and lao urban structures with the colonial influence from the 19th and 20th century. Tour included chilled water and a lovely buffet lunch.
The height of vientiane s success was probably in the years after it became the lan xang capital in the mid16th century, after king setthathirat moved the capital from luang prabang. If you you plan to visit vientiane at this time make sure you book your. We would like to sail from luang prabang to vientiane mid january. Book now 8day cruise through northern laos from luang prabang to chiang rai luang prabang embarkation pak ou caves pak beng pak tha the golden triangle farewell. Vientiane s outstanding building is the that luang, a stupa temple, dating from about 1566 and restored by lao civil servants under prince phetsarath during the french colonial period. Luang prabang history from 54 until 1563 luang prabang was the capital of the lan xang kingdom, a powerful laotian kingdom that finally split up in three kingdoms in 1707. If youve been planning a romantic holiday with a partner, itching for an adventurous solo escape to one of the globes most fascinating destinations, or just looking to soak up some local history and culture, flights from luang prabang to vientiane provide the perfect getaway. Luang prabang to vientiane by boat luang prabang forum. What to do in vientiane, the capital of laos claires. The town itself is picturesque and offers a wonderful mix of ancient temples and frenchindochinese architecture. It is believed that the current principal stupa of pha that luang was built in the 1566 century and to this day is the national symbol of laos.
You can already book and buy bus etickets and flights to luang. The perfect vientiane itinerary things to do in 24 hours. Luang prabang travel guide what to do in luang prabang. Indeed, if you have good references, do not hesitate to share. Laos traces its history to the lower paleolithic period stone tools and skulls were discovered in huaphan and luang prabang provinces. Luang prabang to vientiane 3 ways to travel via plane. It takes about 7 or hours by bus, depends of what type of bus you choose and what is their route.
A national symbol, which made it on the countrys official seal, the complex is believed to enshrine a breast. Pha that luang is located in that luang village, xaysettha district, vientiane capital, lao pdr. Picturepoint, london the town was founded during the late th century, and in the mid16th century the capital of the lao kingdom a state known as lan xang was moved to vientiane from its previous traditional location at luang prabang now louangphrabang. Great sacred stupa pha that luang, vientiane tripadvisor.
This section need to be updated in its english version. First of all, it was the capital of several realms and joined its past with that of the greatest people in the area. Luang prabang is another interesting site in northern laos. Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area. World heritage encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most. The town is named after the phra bang buddha image, the most highly revered image in the country. It was founded in the 3rd century to house the breastbone of.
Check out our ultimate guide for visiting vientiane, laos, with top tips on getting. However, i would have liked more general background on the country, especially the history that predated european contact. This map shows our location, opposite preprimary school sonenalin, on the houayhongsainamngern roads. Visitors can book by themselves or via available service in any hotel, guest. He travels from vientiane to the south on local buses and cargo trucks. During the vietnam war or the american war as it is known in the east, over. It is a centre of religion and culture and teaches people about laos ancient culture and history. This current edition is a substantially revised and updated work, with new sections added as well as additional photographs and. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to luang prabang. Muang sua was the old name of luang prabang following its conquest in 698 ce by a tai prince, khun lo. In 4 days in vientiane, go laos tours will bring to you the best famous sites in laos, the ancient temples with over 300 years.
Luang prabang to vientiane by van, flight from lak 180,103. When lan xang broke up following the death of king suriya vongsa in 1694, one of suriyas grandsons set up an independent kingdom in luang prabang, which competed with kingdoms in vientiane and champasak. That luang, vientiane, laos that luang photos and more. Vans from luang prabang to vientiane depart during the day there are approximately 1 departures a day. Flying to vientiane on 9th on 11th or 12th travelling by vip bus or if i can split car costs car to van vieng. Aug 19, 2014 pha that luang in its current state consists of a lot of restorations as recently as the 1930s, but the original site dates back to the 3rd century. Useful tips for travel from luang prabang to vang vieng while van is the only option we offer for this route, these simple tips and recommendations will help enhance your travel experience.
This current edition is a substantially revised and updated work, with new sections added as well as additional photographs and the latest research and traveler information. Vientiane to luang prabang by bus, van, flight from lak 189,106. Wat that luang neua is an impressive temple with unique architecture. Siem reap phnom penh vientiane luang prabang by air.
The inhabitants are quite proud as this ancient capital of the realm has a long history behind it. Between these cities are bus and flight connections. Useful tips for travel from luang prabang to vientiane while van is the only option we offer for this route, these simple tips and recommendations will help enhance your travel experience. Wat that luang neua vientiane 2020 all you need to. List of books and articles about laotian history online. When to go december and january are cooler, less humid months, allowing you more. Our list of things to do in luang prabang highlights the unescolisted towns natural and manmade attractions. Journeys laos, the best laos travel agency offers laos guided tours, small group tours, private tours, laos cycling tours and travel. Vientiane reached a new height of importance in 1560, when king setthathirath relocated his capital from luang prabang in the north to presentday vientiane. Ive mentioned this in a few of my laos blog posts, but it is the most bombed country in the world.
Pha that luang, vientiane, laos asian historical architecture. Places to stay the coolest airbnbs in luang prabang, laos. As an eyewitness of lao history, pha that luang had undergone several major. Pha that luang temple vientiane laos poster print by 36 x 12 pha that luang temple vientiane laos print by. Mar 05, 2015 the first edition of ancient luang prabang was published in 2006, and a critically acclaimed revised edition appeared in 2008.
Located in the outskirts of vientiane city, the first impression about pha that. Luang prabang is often called the heart of laos and many visitors choose to come here instead of vientiane as it is known for its gorgeous countryside and scenic views across the majestic mekong river. Town of luang prabang unesco world heritage centre. The kingdom of vientiane was the strongest of the three, with vientiane extending influence across the khorat plateau now part of modern thailand and conflicting with the kingdom of luang prabang for control of the xieng khouang plateau on the border of modern vietnam. The stupa placed in this temple was established in the year 1566 when the capital was moved from luang prabhang to vientian.
The history of laos, starting in luang prabang with fa. Vientiane vang vieng luang prabang tour laos classic. The french guide book le routard also talks about the bad reputation. Pha that luang top tourist attraction in vientiane capital, laos. Set at the confluence of two rivers that almost surround the town, and beneath a templetopped hill, luang prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional lao wooden houses and hints of european architecture. He built the impressive that luang stupa on the site of an ancient khmer temple east of the city. Bus ride from vientiane to luang prabang pearlspotting. History of luang prabang lonely planet travel information. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your hotel for checkin. Being an important administrative city during various times, vientiane officially became the capital of the lao kingdom in the mid16 th century after moving from its previous location at luang prabang. With tour prices ranging from 245 usd to 7,050 usd and tour durations varying from 5 days and to 27 days, there is plenty to choose from. Luang prabang, the former royal capital, is situated on the mekong river and surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Vans from luang prabang to vang vieng depart during the day there are approximately 1 departures a day.
Vientiane sightseeing, attractions, culture and history tours. History early thailao meuang citystates established themselves in the high river valleys along the mekong river and its major tributaries, the nam khan, the nam ou and the nam seuang, sometime between the 8th and th centuries. Phat that luang was built in 1566 by king setthathirath and has been rebuilt over time after pillaging and damage, especially in 1827, when vientiane was razed by. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. Experience many sufferings, especially the severe damage by the burmese, siamese, and chinese invasions. Our sightseeing, attractions, culture and history trips are supplied by 8 handpicked tour agencies in vientiane. The town was founded during the late th century, and in the mid16th century the capital of the lao kingdom a state known as lan xang was moved to vientiane from its previous traditional location at luang prabang now louangphrabang. Largest bus from vientiane capital to luang prabang fr. It was good to see all the main points of interest in the city and having a guide made it more interesting as he told us the history behind all the places we visited. Throughout the book, boyter reflects on his life and considers what he wants for the future. A fine book on the recent history of laos, the author strives to be fair and evenhanded in placing responsibility for the various troubles plaguing the country.
Decided to book a tour for a city discovery, it sure beats walking around in the heat. Vientianes widest boulevard, lane xang rd, runs from the presidential palace now used for governmental offices and for state receptions to the northeast around patuxai, the victory gate, towards pha that luang, the that luang stupa, the most important religious monument in laos. Several of vientiane s wats were built following this shift and the city became a major centre of buddhist learning. Search and compare airfares on tripadvisor to find the best flights for your trip to vientiane.
Vientiane to luang prabang by bus, van, flight from lak. Pha that luang is a buddhist stupa located just 5km from the centre of vientiane in laos. Discover our stunning destination luang prabang, laos. In order to honor him, a crafted statue of him was erected in front of the main entrance to that luang. Often described as the jewel in laos crown, luang prabang has managed to preserve its longstanding tradition and charm, exuding a missedoutonmodernization vibe. Once inside, you will see historic hand painted pieces of art, which will excite all art history lovers. The majority of luang prabangs sights including 33 buddhist temples can be reached on foot, so. Be sure to show up early, before the tourist buses arrive. Vientiane to luang prabang 3 ways to travel via plane, bus. It is not so large town, the population is about 50 000 people and slowly growing.
Posters for your wall and fine art prints for the home or office. Preferably by slow boat or cruise, but i havent been able to track down any websites. Khun lo had been awarded the town by his father, khun borom, who is associated with the lao legend of the creation of the world, which the lao share with the shan and other peoples of the region. The monument looks like it was straight from a french history book. Architecture the best temples in luang prabang, laos. Many lp travel agencies quote 10 hours for the vip buses but realistically, more like 1112 hours. It was founded in the 3rd century to house the breastbone of buddha, which was brought to laos by an indian missionary. The current structure was built by king setthathirat in 1566, after vientiane became the capital of laos. Over centuries, rural settlements in laos grew slowly to muang townships along the. Luang prabang also lies on the nam khan river, meaning that you can take to the water on a trip here and this is also a unesco world heritage site, which tells you everything you need to. The stupa is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in laos, and one among the top tourist attractions and features some of the oldest archeology in vientiane and the country. Pha that luang is a sacred monument and one of laos most impressive religious structures.
Pha that luang is a goldcovered large buddhist stupa in the centre of the city of vientiane, laos. That luang stupa a valuable treasure in laos laos tours. Pha that luang, and patuxai, to name the most famous ones. Vientianes outstanding building is the that luang, a stupa temple, dating from about 1566 and restored by lao civil servants under prince phetsarath during the french colonial period. I happened to visit on a saturday when the monks were participating in commencement exercises really cool photo ops. Explore the culture and history of luang prabang, a unesco world heritage site, on this private half day tour. Keep reading to find out why you should take a bus from vientiane capital to luang prabang and how easy it is to book your tickets with easybook. Luang prabang is a great example of the fusion of traditional architecture and lao urban structures with the. Main history events first settled around the 9 th century, vientiane formed on a curve of the mekong river surrounded by fertile silty plains. Vans from vientiane to luang prabang depart during the day there are approximately 3 departures a day. Luang prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and lao urban structures with those built by the european colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. This place is known to be built in the third century however the stupa is known to be placed in the year 1566 when the capital of laos was changed to vientiane due to the fear of burmese invasion. Even after the capital moved to vientiane, luang prabang remained the main source of monarchical power throughout the lan xang period.
Book cheap flights from luang prabang to vientiane. Im going to start this list of vientiane attractions off on a slightly sombre note. That luang festival is the most important religious festival in laos. Rome2rio makes travelling from luang prabang to vientiane easy. The history of laos, starting in luang prabang with fa ngum. Vientiane arrival vientiane city tour buddha park vientiane cooking class that luang stupa morning alms giving departure sabaidee with laos. In vientiane, you can find transportation to each and every town throughout the country, as well as sleeper buses to bangkok, hanoi, and other neighboring countries.
Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. See more ideas about luang prabang, laos and laos travel. Several of vientianes wats were built following this shift and the city became a major centre of buddhist learning. Its unique, remarkably wellpreserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. Visiting pha that luang in vientiane architecture of the. The history of pha that luang the construction was operated by king setthathirat in 1566. Find all the transport options for your trip from luang prabang to vientiane right here. An image of pha that luang appears on 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 100,000 kip notes as well as on the national seal used to endorse official documents. Stunning photographs and texts by heritage experts complete this fascinating insight into the history, evolution and prospects for the future of one of asian. The first edition of ancient luang prabang was published in 2006, and a critically acclaimed revised edition appeared in 2008. Vientiane sightseeing, attractions, culture and history.
Laos trip tours and travel, vacation packages journeys laos. The height of vientianes success was probably in the years after it became the lan xang capital in the mid16th century, after king setthathirat moved the capital from luang prabang. The section between vang vieng and vientiane more precisely, closer to vang vieng is in fairly bad road condition and as you get closer to vte theres more congestion there are many shared vans from luang prabang to vang vieng and much less to vientiane though many between vang vieng and vte. Luang phabang in upper northern laos and vientiane in lower southern laos. The stupa is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in laos, and one among the top tourist attractions and features some of the oldest archeology. From luang prabang to vientiane laos best art galleries. The city is listed as a unesco world heritage site, and it is recognized as the seat. You can see vientiane in a single day, unlike luang prabang where you need to allot at least 2 days to see the most of it. Pha that luang in vientiane is the most important religious site in laos, and a symbol of laotian national identity. Bus to luang prabang flights to luang prabang book and buy tickets luang prabang is one of the most visited places in laos. Pha that luang temple vientiane laos poster print by 36.
520 1470 822 91 456 976 1167 502 1424 1087 53 528 585 1176 826 600 105 1280 575 774 493 991 857 40 152 1220 1462 1083 1401 234 927 1198 196 46 1480 756 128 900 618 1306 1031 309 109 163 717 1442 908