It is an impressive stupa on the east side of Vientiane. Its gilded structure reflects marvellously in the midday sunlight.

At the end of Lane Xang avenue, this monument brings to mind Paris's Arc de Triomphe. During the day, you can climb to the top to see ove the whole city.

You'll have to drive or take a taxi, since it's located 25 minutes from downtown. Although not an old temple, the architecture is fascinating since it combines both Buddhist and Hindu philosophies.

6,800 images of Buddha await you. They are ritually cleaned every New Year. Constructed in 1818, it's the oldest temple you can visit in Vientiane.

This French colonial building houses a collection of paintings, photographs and artifacts on the Laotian revolution.

In the shadow of the presidential palace is found the temple of the last royal family. It was constructed to house the emerald buddha, a function it served until 1778. Thais then invaded the city and took away the famous buddha, which can now be seen in Bangkok.