A visit to the land of million elephants

Pha That Luang, a symbol of the Buddhist Laos and a world’s cultural heritage, was built in 1566 on the ruins of an Indian temple constructed in the 13^th century. Located in Vientiane Capital City, this Buddhist stupa has its outside face gold-inlaid. It consists of 31 towers of different sizes. The biggest one is surrounded by 30 others, representing 30 years of Buddha’s religious life and is keeping the Buddha’s sarira. It is also the biggest and the most beautiful Buddhist relic in Laos.

Patuxay lies at the end of Lan Xang avenue. It symbolizes Lao people’s victory. Patuxay is regarded the symbol of Vientiane and a Triumphal Arch. This structure honors local troops in the national resistance war against Frech colonialists. 

Wat Phou is the eldest temple of Laos. It was recognized by UNESCO as a world’s heritage in 2001. Dated back from the 5^th century, it used to be a centre of Hinduism that worships Shiva, a principal deity of Hinduism. Wat Phou is called Mountain Pagoda as it is located at the foot of Phou Kao Mountain in Champasak province, some 670km to the south of Vientiane.

Khone PhaPheng is the most imposing and largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Called Niagra of Asia, it is 21m high and consists of numerous small rapids. 

Like other regional countries, Laos’ cuisine is diverse with familiar flavour. It is easy to find ingredients for Lao food but it is strange in making them. Lao people love baked dishes, regardless of fish, meat, vegetables. In the picture is a grilled fish dish, a specialty of Laos and baked banana, a favourite dish of domestic and international tourists.