page_title: Vientiane Prefecture
section_title: Landmarks
hierarchical_section_title: Vientiane Prefecture / Landmarks
caption_attribution_description: English: The Buddha Park near Vientiane, Laos
context_page_description: Vientiane is a prefecture of Laos, in the northwest Laos. The national capital, Vientiane, is in the prefecture. The prefecture was created in 1989, when it was split off from Vientiane Province.
  On a curve of the Mekong River, and bordering Thailand, the prefecture covers an area of 3,920 km². Vientiane city was built in the 16th century in the reign of King Saysethathirath. The older part of the city has ancient temples, museums, monuments and parks.
  Protected areas in the prefecture include Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Phou Phanang National Protected Area, and Houay Ngang Forest Reserve, a good area for bird and butterfly watching.
  The prefecture is the site of the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong to connect with Nong Khai Province, Thailand.
context_section_description: Some of the important landmarks in the Vientiane city are That Luang Stupa (Great Sacred Stupa), Lao National Museum, Haw Phra Kaew Museum, Wat Sisaket, Patuxay Monument, Revolutionary Monument, Wat Simuang, Wat Ongtue, Wat Inpeng, Ta Lat Sao (Morning Market), Suan Wattanatham Bandapao (National Ethnic Cultural Park), Khau Midthaphab (Friendship Bridge), Xieng Khouan Buddha Park and the Hinkhanna Waterfall.
  Ta Lat Sao, the morning market is on Lanexang Avenue. It has three main buildings, each with two floors. It is the commercial center of Vientiane. The market has shops where Lao antiques, textiles, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and other imported goods are available.
caption: Xieng Khouan Buddha Park
exif: {}