VIENTIANE Vientiane, the delightfully friendly capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is situated on the northeastern bank of the Mekong River not far from the border with Thailand. Studded with colorful Buddhist temples & crumbling French mansions, is one of southeast Asia's most laid-back capitals. With a population of about 600,000, it is quite small for a capital, especially an Asian one, hence the charm.

The city, which exudes a special aura that combines Lao, Chinese, Thai, French, Soviet & American elements, is not disfigured by towering skyscrapers like so many other SE Asian cities, although a 15 storey hotel, overlooking the Mekong, was recently erected. The conveniently compact travelers’ enclave is based around Nam Phu square, the Mekong riverside, & Setthariat & Samsenthai streets. The best way to explore the city center is still on foot. To get a panoramic view of the city, before skyscrapers start to pop up everywhere, go to the top of the “Patouxay” arch.

King Setthathirath officially established it as the capital of Lan Xang in 1560. It later became the capital of Laos under the French protectorate in the late 19th century, & has continued as the capital since then. After their victory in 1973, the Communist Pathet Lao briefly considered moving the capital but then relented, & the city began its transformation from notorious den of vice to an austere socialist outpost. Since opening up to international investment, Vientiane has slowly been shedding its parochial skin.

More photos & info here: http://www.molon.de/galleries/Laos/Vientiane/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vientiane

This is a fabulous site for Laos information: http://www.culturalprofiles.net/laos/

so is this one: http://www.asia-planet.net/laos/introduction.htm