Laos, one of the poorest countries on the planet yet rich in culture and spirit. With a population of seven million, the Laotians are a deeply Buddhist people living under communist rule and it reflects in the photos you're about to see. Here are some of the old and some of the new structures that the people of Lao are very proud of. These photos were taken in the small Capital City, Vientiane. Population 800,000.
Patuxai Gate is a monument built between 1957 and 1968 to commemorate Laos independence from France.
This is a government building located right next to Patuxai. It contains offices for the Ministry of Sciences and Technology.
Pha That Luang is considered the most grand Buhdhist Stupa in the country. It's covered in gold and was last renovated in the 1930s, but is said to have been here since the third century. It's visited by Buddhist from all over Southeast Asia. There are several other structures in the area you can see below.
That Dam, meaning the Black Stupa is believed by some Laotians that it is inhabited by a seven headed "naga" who helped protect them from the invasion by the Siamese army in 1827.
This is the Lao National Cultural Hall.
This is a statue of King Chao Anuovong who reigned over the Kingdom of Laos from 1767-1829. His rule ended when his army was defeated by the invading army of Siam (Thailand) led by King Rama III.
This is the Lao Presidential Palace lit up at night.
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