Since a few years I have maintained a tradition to meet New Year in a different country. This is why I flew in Laos on the 31st of December, 2017.
Welcome to Vientiane, the capital of Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Vientiane is incredibly quiet and relaxing for a capital – even on the 1st of January.
A morning walk starts with nice temple garden.
The city abounds with serene Buddhist temples (wats). On the photo: Wat Inpeng – a very colourful temple with beautiful murals.
The inside of the temple’s door.
Next to the main building of the temple there are smaller sights.
Including a little horse.
Local transport – “Eye of the Tiger.”
Xieng Nyeun Temple – one of the most important Buddhist monasteries.
Laos used to be a French colony. The Patuxay war memorial is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
View from above the Monunent onto the capital’s main avenue – Lane Xang.
The former French presence can be still traced in the street names.
Government’s Office.
Pha That Luang – a large a gold-covered Buddhist stupa.
Tradition and modernity: Buddha and 4G internet.
Buddha’s feet.
Lively atmosphere at the Mekong riverside at night.
Time for local delights.
People chilling out at the riverside. Mekong is central to the livelihoods of many Southeast Asian countries.