Top sights in Laos' capital

If you are longing for a trip to an undiscovered corner of south-east Asia, then Laos has a lot to offer holidaymakers keen to see a different way of life.

Sandwiched between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is built around its most important river, the Mekong, which is also runs through the capital, Vientiane.

Many operators running tours to Laos start their itineraries from Bangkok in Thailand, giving holidaymakers a chance to experience entering the country via the Mekong river, before heading to the country's main city and sights.

However there are also flights that land in Vientiane, for those who want to start from the country's quiet and peaceful capital.

Home to around 500,000 people Vientiane retains much of Laos' reputation for being friendly laid-back, despite its status as the capital.

One of the key sites in the city is Wat Sisaket - the only Buddhist temple in Vientiane to survive the Siamese invasion in 1828, which saw much of the capital's heritage destroyed.

Reckoned to be the oldest in the country, the interior of the temple is intricately decorated with hundreds of niches inset into the walls. The temple also has shelves containing nearly 7,000 images of Buddha and Buddhist inscriptions, dating from the 18th century.

Another visitor attraction in the city is Wat Ho Phakeo, built in 1565 by King Setthathirat when the capital of Lan Xang was moved from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The temple originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok.

Another Buddhist monument visitors, as well as monks, are drawn to is the shrine of That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa).

The shrine is the most important national monument in Vientiane, with a golden dome that is believed to contain a relic of Buddha.

The stupa was built in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in typical Lao style and is one of the best know stupas in Laos, as well as being the emblem of the country.

For good views over the city travellers can head to Patuxay, which is a large gate, inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe. Located on Lan Xang avenue, the gate dates from 1958 and is adorned with typical Lao motifs.

Among the tour operators offering packages to Laos are Exodus, Audley Travel, Responsible Travel, and Intrepid Travel. XXX