Exploring Laos

In mid-January of this year, the writer and friends flew to Luang Prabang (with a population of 60,000), renowned for its Buddhist heritage. We flew from Hanoi, Vietnam for an hour or so by plane. As the plane descended toward the airport, we were greeted by the sight of a sprawling basin enclosed by towering mountain ranges. To the west, the Mekong River meandered through the landscape, adding to the picturesque scenery.

After checking into a hotel, we promptly embarked on a climb up Mount Pusey, renowned for its panoramic views of the city. Upon reaching the summit, I was captivated by the picturesque scene below, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in a fiery red hue, I found myself momentarily lost in a dreamlike state.

Laos is bordered by several countries, including China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This geographical setting has led Laos to embrace diverse cultures, including Buddhism, architectural influences, crop cultivation practices, and a multitude of ethnic groups. In contrast to neighboring countries, Laos developed its national system relatively late. Moreover, its fate remained in constant flux due to the fluctuating fortunes of surrounding nations.

The Lao people, among various ethnic groups, built the kingdom of Lan Xang from AD 1357 to 1707 in Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Later, museums and almost 80 temples were built. Many historic and cultural treasures, including French-style architecture from the colonial period, have been preserved in Laos, offering a glimpse into its rich heritage. Therefore, UNESCO named Luang Prabang a World Heritage Site in 1995.

One of the main attractions in Luang Prabang is witnessing the monks perform the one-kilometer-long alms-giving ceremony, which begins at 5 a.m. Most of the people who served the food were travelers. I also participated in the event. A citizen said that all the food would be served to the poor except for the monks’ food. The night market features an array of handicraft stalls operated by Lao minorities, where travelers are encouraged to browse or purchase items. Furthermore, the sunset viewed from the Mekong River was exceptionally breathtaking.

Two days later, we took a four-hour train ride to Vientiane, the capital. On the way, the Karst topography, primeval forests, and idyllic atmosphere observed from the window reaffirmed why I chose to visit this country. A traveler likened Laos to the closest thing to paradise on earth.

Vientiane has been the capital of Laos since the era of French colonial rule. It is located on the banks of the Mekong, running along the border between Thailand and Laos. In the city, we visited Patuxai, which is called Independence Gate of Laos. It mimics the French Arc de Triomphe. It’s so famous that citizens and travelers continue to visit it.

I believe the people of Laos built them to more earnestly embody and embrace the teachings of Buddha in their lives.