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With the domination of Buddhism in both Thailand and
Laos, there are plenty of holy sites to visit. Some of the
most opulent Buddhist sites in the world are found in Thailand,
however, Laos offers more peaceful, atmospheric retreats.
Plain of jars, near Phonsavan
The fact that no-one knows the origin of this man-made phenomenon
makes the Plain of Jars even more intriguing. A vast area
of rolling countryside is littered with hundreds and hundreds
of stone jars, the largest being 10 ft high and weighing 6
tons. Fashioned somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago,
modern day theories as to their original purpose range from
wine fermenters to burial jars.
Visitors are under no restrictions here - the photo of your
friend standing inside a jar and peering over the rim is a
favourite - but it is advisable to take a guide as unexploded
US bombs are still prevalent in this area.
Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), near Vientiane
About 25 minutes drive outside Vientiane is a large field
full of imposing stone sculptures, featuring characters from
both Hindu and Buddhist religions. The Mekong River
flows nearby, enhancing the tranquillity of this site.
Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden City temple),
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is really one big temple compound, but this
wat deserves special mention as the most ornate of the town's
temples. Saffron-robed monks pray within the beautifully decorated
temple and chapel, and an atmosphere of peace pervades the
grounds as the scent of incense drifts through the leafy courtyard.
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