Laos Vientiane History: A Look at the Ancient City
Laos Vientiane is a city located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is the capital of Laos and one of the oldest cities in the region. It is situated along the banks of the Mekong River and is home to a rich history and culture. Vientiane has been an important trading hub since the 15th century and has been a major crossroads for travelers from China, India, and Thailand.
The city of Vientiane was founded in 1563 by King Setthathirat I, who was the ruler of the Lan Xang Kingdom. The city was originally called Viang Chan and was the capital of the kingdom. King Setthathirat I built a large temple complex, Wat Si Saket, which is still standing today and is one of the oldest surviving temples in Southeast Asia. He also constructed a wall around the city to protect it from invaders.
During the 18th century, Vientiane was annexed by the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya and was made part of the Siamese Empire. The city was sacked by the Burmese in 1778 and was later taken by the French in 1893. Under French rule, the city was renamed Vientiane and became the capital of French Indochina.
During the Second World War, Vientiane was occupied by the Japanese. After the war, the city was returned to the French, but was later taken by the Pathet Lao, a group of communists who wanted to establish a socialist state in Laos. The Pathet Lao declared Vientiane the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.
Today, Vientiane is a bustling city with a population of over 700,000 people. It is a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Patuxai Victory Monument, the That Luang Stupa, and the COPE Visitor Centre. The city is known for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Lao cuisine.
Vientiane is an important cultural and economical hub in Laos and has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is a great place to visit and explore the ancient city and its many attractions.