That Dam, also known as the Black Stupa, is a 16th-century Buddhist stupa located on a tranquil roundabout in central Vientiane, near Talat Sao (the morning market) and the American Embassy. According to local legend, the stupa was once protected by a seven-headed water serpent, or Naga, and was covered in pure gold. However, during the Siamese-Laotian War in the late 1820s, the gold was looted and taken to Siam (modern-day Thailand), leaving behind the dark, weathered structure seen today.
Month: October 2024
Patuxai in Laos
The Patuxai, also known as the Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, is a war monument in downtown Vientiane, Laos, constructed between 1957 and 1968. Initially called the Anousavary or Anosavari Monument, it was dedicated to Laotian soldiers who fought in World War II and the independence war against France in 1949. The French referred to it as the “Monument Aux Morts.” The name “Patuxai” comes from the Laotian words “Patuu” (door or gateway) and “Xai,” derived from the Sanskrit “Jaya,” meaning victory.
Who is King Chao Anouvong?
In 2010, the Chao Anouvong Statue was erected in Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Park to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the city’s founding. The statue faces the Mekong River, symbolizing his enduring legacy and serving as a focal point of national pride near the vibrant Vientiane Night Market.
Visiting Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, has a charm that feels more like a city in the rural areas of the Philippines when compared to major Philippine cities. It is situated along the banks of the Mekong River, right at the border with Thailand.
Amoj In Wanderland 