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Laos

Vientiane

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Vientiane

8 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Vientiane, Laos

Updated December 27, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Vientiane

Buddha Park

Vientiane, Laos

Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park)

More than 200 statues filled with cryptic symbols give this park spot an aura of horror vacui fantasy.

Patuxai

Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai

When the USA donated cement and funds to expand the airport in Laos, the Laotians built a massive monument instead.

Vientiane, Laos

Wat Dane Soung Jungle Temple

An ancient jungle temple carved into a rocky overhang of the Dane Soung Plateau.

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Formerly used prosthetic limbs are everywhere in the visitor centre.

Vientiane, Laos

COPE Visitor Centre

In the world's most bombed country relative to its size, this incredible organization helps pick up the pieces.

The Lao National History Museum is located in the former French governor’s mansion, built in 1925.

Vientiane, Laos

Lao National Museum

American bombs, morbid memorabilia, and graphic photographs tell the story of the CIA-led “Secret War” from the Pathet Lao perspective.

That Dam (Black Stupa)

Vientiane, Laos

That Dam (Black Stupa)

This mysterious tower is said to enshrine a dormant seven-headed serpent that once protected Vientiane from destruction.

Wat Si Muang

Vientiane, Laos

Wat Si Muang

This Khmer temple is named after a young woman who sacrificed herself to protect the city from a disastrous deluge.

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Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.

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