A fairly large school on the walk downtown.
Main street. This section is quite narrow with three streets and the Mekong River on one side and the Nam Khan River on the other side. The town was declared a World Heritage Site a few years ago.
The Royal Palace. Quite small by Asian standards and photographs were not allowed. You enter into the throne room with impressive golden painted lotus thrones. The bright red walls have fabulous Japanese glass mosaics depicting people and local scenes. The royal apartments are surprisingly small with polished teak floors and furnished as it was when the Royal Family left. It is now the National Museum.
The temple on the grounds contains the Pra Bang Buddha, one of the most revered in Laos.
A large statue of Sisavangvong faces the Winter Palace now used for dance performances.
After the Communist takeover the royal family was taken into exile and died in very mysterious circumstances.
A street seller sets up shop for the evening Handicraft Market.
Wat Mai Suwannaphumahan
Small shops on the main street. There were also lots of airconditioned upscale shops all over town.
There were monks everywhere which was to be expected given the large number of Wats in town.
The lobby of my hotel. Some staff slept here during the night.
The Scandanavian Bakery. The local branch of my favorite Vientiane restaurant. Not as good but it will do in a pinch.
Wat Suwannaphumaham again. Two monks were busy ringing the huge drum.
In the center of town was a steep hill with a small Wat on top. Wonderful views from here at sunrise and sunset but a steep slippery climb.
Tiny inset Buddhas.
And the fabulous brass doors.
A brass relief at the outside of the building.
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