The Buddha image in Wat Ong Teu is, I believe, the biggest in Laos. Its serenity held a strong appeal for me.

Novices I met at Wat Ong Teu. On a couple of occasions I sat with the monks and novices for their evening chanting. They invited me to return for the morning chanting but I told them I would still be asleep at 4.30 am.

Main entrance to the National Library of Laos.

Dancers in the Lao Tradition Show present Then Sere, a traditional dance of the Thaidam tribe, usually performed on New Years Day.

This column from top:

Wat Ong Teu in Thanon Setthathirat was built in 1556.

Shop-houses in Thanon Setthathirat, almost opposite Wat Ong Teu.

Many French colonial mansions still stand in Vientiane.

Samlors, or bicycle rickshaws, or not all that common in Vientiane now. This one has a bamboo roof.

Vocal and percussion group on a barge entertains the riverbank crowd during the boat race festival. The racing boats behind the barge must be about 20 metres long and have a crew of 52. On the far side of the river is Thailand.

Wat Mixai in Thanon Setthathirat.

All photos taken during my October 2004 visit to Vientiane. More information on my visit can be found in my blog commencing with 19 October.

In the Vientiane markets you will find more silk than you can poke a shuttle at.

site © copyright John Shield 2001—2004