Overdosing on Vientiane’s temples

I only had a day to explore Vientiane, the current capital of Laos. After a great couple of days in Vietnam I’d kinda crashed a little by the time I got here and had a bit of a cbf feel. I often go from boom to bust and today was one of those bust days. That’s said I got myself some breakfast, downloaded the local ride share app (Loca) and got my arse out of the hotel to explore some of Vientiane - mainly its Insta worthy temples.

My research on Vientiane pre trip was either you love it or don’t, and I get that. What was commented on a lot in forums and blogs was the abundance of temples. On the drive to the main temple area I passed at least a dozen smaller temples on the way. It was only a 20min drive which cost me about $4 AUD. Bargain and could pay the driver in cash with a 100,000 kip bill and get change.

On arrival at the main temple - big gold kinda thing - it was quiet. Did a lap, took some pics - next. One sign requested (demanded) no jumping or wrong cultural dancing. The latter begs the question is it no dancing from other cultures, or is it no wrong dance moves of this culture? If it’s the latter, who judges this?

There was a heap of other temple and temple like buildings around. All beautifully bright and ornate but all kinda same-same too if you don’t get temple design (which I don’t). Without a guide also they don’t really make too much sense. One to the buildings was university for become a monk - at least that’s what I took away from the google maps entry.

I think I found my spiritual Buddha pose tho - the reclining gold Buddha. Just like me, ready for a nap. I read later that this pose is supposed to be just before passing into the afterlife. Hopefully I’m still a bit away from that point. Wandered into another temple nearby and, shoes off enjoyed the cool feeling of the tiles on my warm feet. The roof of this one was decorated with images that I assume tell a story. Given my upbringing it was giving me stations of the cross vibes (but much more peaceful).

Outside they were was a small market and a few chickens and rooster (cock) wandering about. One lady saw the cock, gasped and clutched her pearl necklace (if she was wearing pearls). Click - funny photo captured. There was probably more to see and do here but I was tempted out after an hour so decided to grab another rideshare and explore some non temple sights of the capital instead.Les mer