The Great Stupa of Laos
Vientiane
The Great Sacred Stupa was my introduction to Laos.
It's the definite highlight of Vientiane, the capital. Built
by a Laotian King in the 16th century, the Great Stupa is
both a national symbol of Laos, and a religious symbol of
Laotian Buddhism. The Great Stupa shines near sunset.
It's the definite highlight of Vientiane, the capital. Built
by a Laotian King in the 16th century, the Great Stupa is
both a national symbol of Laos, and a religious symbol of
Laotian Buddhism. The Great Stupa shines near sunset.
Here you can see a portion of the dark wall which
surrounds the Great Stupa, interfering with wide
angle photos. Like all such stupas, it is geometrical.
surrounds the Great Stupa, interfering with wide
angle photos. Like all such stupas, it is geometrical.
Another glittering angle from inside the
compound, just before being kicked out at closing
time.
compound, just before being kicked out at closing
time.
Every young man in Laos is expected to spend some period of
time, which can be short, as a Buddhist monk. So there were
more monks to photograph in Laos than anywhere else on this
trip. Not what I expected, considering that Laos still has a
Communist government. But unlike the situation in Vietnam,
the Laotian Communist regime appears to have made peace
with the Buddhists.
time, which can be short, as a Buddhist monk. So there were
more monks to photograph in Laos than anywhere else on this
trip. Not what I expected, considering that Laos still has a
Communist government. But unlike the situation in Vietnam,
the Laotian Communist regime appears to have made peace
with the Buddhists.
If you have a high speed internet connection, watch the
Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free streaming video of this trip,
"Ho Asked Me to Go", by clicking on AdventurePics.com .
Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free streaming video of this trip,
"Ho Asked Me to Go", by clicking on AdventurePics.com .
