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97-770: The expressway is the first in Laos. Construction of the expressway is divided in four sections: The first section to be completed is the Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway; in June 2020, it was 71% complete and, in December 2020, it was inaugurated. Preparation work for the Vang Vieng–Luang Prabang section was to commence after opening of the Vientiane–Vang Vieng section. Construction of the first section began at

194-645: A Tai ethnic group native to Southeast Asia . They primarily speak the Lao language , which belongs to the Kra–Dai language family . Lao people constitute the majority ethnic group of Laos, comprising 53.2% of the country's total population. They are also found in significant numbers in northeastern Thailand, particularly in the Isan region, as well as in smaller communities in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Culturally and linguistically,

291-445: A badge of Isan (hence Lao) identity, but it is experiencing a decline in the advance of Thai. Religion in Laos is highly syncretic, and has drawn from three primary sources, although most Lao people claim to be Theravada Buddhists, many traditions are derived from Animist practices. Buddhism ( ພຣະພຸດທະສາສນາ , พระพุทธศาสนา, [pʰā pʰūt tʰāʔ sàːt sáʔ nǎː] ) is the most popular and state religion in Laos, practised by 67% of

388-673: 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 and the New Laos National Stadium open 2009 at Route 13 . The Laotian epic, the Phra Lak Phra Lam , claims that Prince Thattaradtha founded the city when he left the legendary Lao kingdom of Muong Inthapatha Maha Nakhone because he

485-602: A house for the first administrator of Vientiane , Pierre Morin. During World War II , Vientiane fell with little resistance to Japanese forces, under the command of Sako Masanori. On 9 March 1945 French paratroopers arrived, and liberated Vientiane on 24 April 1945. As the Laotian Civil War broke out between the Royal Lao Government and the Pathet Lao , Vientiane became unstable. In August 1960, Kong Le seized

582-431: A meal to help cool the tongue. The most popular meat is freshwater fish, which is also used to make two flavourings, fish sauce ( ນ້ຳປາ , [nâm paː] ; น้ำปลา Nampla ) and padaek ( ປາແດກ , [paː dèːk] ; ปลาร้า Pla ra ). Other common meats include pork, chicken, duck, beef, eggs, water buffalo . Protein intake includes a wide range of delicacies, including lizards, insects, frogs, and wild deer that also come from

679-596: A shared legend amongst various Tai tribes, a possibly mythical king, Khun Borom Rachathiriat of Mueang Then ( ເມືອງແຖນ , เมืองแถน, [mɯ́əŋ tʰɛ̌ːn] ) begot several sons that settled and ruled other mueang , or city-states, across South-East Asia and southern China. Descended from ancient peoples known to the Chinese as the Yue and the Ai Lao, the Tai tribes began migrating into Southeast Asia by

776-505: A simple monument with starred pinnacles was built in memory of those killed in the conflicts between 1945 and 1975. The Lao National Museum , on Samsenthai Road opposite the Cultural Hall. was founded as the national museum highlighting the revolution of the 1970s. It is in a French colonial building. This museum, which was originally built in 1925 as the French governor's residence, presents

873-621: A spiritual leader in the 1950s, created two theme parks including this park and another at Nang Khoi . In 1958, he started building concrete religious sculptures in the park on the outskirts of Vientiane. Suan Wattanatham Bandapao (National Ethnic Cultural Park) is 20 km (12 mi) south of Vientiane city close to the Khau Midthaphab ( First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong). Along tree-shaded avenues are traditional Lao homes, sculptures of famous literary icons of Laos, and there

970-439: A vassal of Siam . When King Anouvong tried to assert himself as an independent kingdom, and raised an unsuccessful rebellion, it was obliterated by Siamese armies in 1827. The city was burned to the ground and was looted of nearly all Laotian artifacts, including Buddha statues. The Siamese routed Anouvong and razed the city leaving only Wat Si Saket in good shape. Vientiane was in ruins, depopulated, and disappearing into

1067-552: A very limited extent the practice of spirit houses has been reimported from Thailand. Offerings of flowers, incense , and candles are given, and the spirits are consulted during changes or times of hardness for protection and assistance. Natural deities include those that reside in trees, mountains, or forests. Guardian spirits of people often include ancestors or angelic-beings who arrive at various points in life, better known as thewada . Malevolent spirits include those of people who were bad in past lives or died of tragic deaths, such as

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1164-538: Is 45 metres (148 ft) high and the edifice is described as a "gilded missile cluster". The gold colored central image inside the stupa is in the shape of a curve of an extended Lotus bud. The annual That Luang Festival is held here in the twelfth waxing Lunar month in accordance with the Buddhist Lunar Calendar , lasting for seven days. Near this stupa, there is the Revolutionary Monument,

1261-418: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Vientiane Prefecture Vientiane Prefecture ( Lao : ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ , Nakhônlouang ViangChan , pronounced [nā(ʔ).kʰɔ́ːn lǔaŋ wíaŋ tɕàn] , RTGS :  Nakhon Luang Wiang Chan ) is a prefecture of Laos , in northwest Laos. The national capital, Vientiane , is in the prefecture. The prefecture was created in 1989, when it

1358-459: Is a multi-ethnic region containing a mixture of Lao, Vietnamese, Cham, Mon, Khmer, and other Tai groups, it is majority Lao, and the Central Thais' perceived threat of Lao cultural and political dominance in the Isan region resulted in various Thaification policies being enacted to finally integrate the multi-ethnic Isan people into Thailand. Since Lao dominance was seen as the greatest threat in

1455-624: Is also a small zoo. Wat Si Saket Temple built in Siamese style between 1818 and 1824, by King Anou Vong (who was educated in Siam's court and was their chieftain in Laos) is in the old city and survived during the war with Siam. There are 6,840 Buddha images in many small niches in the main hall and the walls of the courtyard. Features of this temple are the silver and ceramics images of Buddha, 300 seated and standing Buddhas made in wood, stone, silver, and bronze. In

1552-609: Is not fully uniform, despite several reforms to move the language closer to phonetical systems, it has helped stabilise the language. No official standard exists, but the dialect of Vientiane is considered de facto official. The boundaries of Lao dialects also extend into the North-East of Thailand, known as Isan , but the Lao spoken in Thailand as a whole can be differentiated by adoption of much Thai vocabulary and code-switching . The language

1649-523: Is not taught or used in schools, government, and most media outlets. Thaification policies removed the alphabet and now the language is written in the Thai alphabet, if at all, and the name changed to Isan to sever the political connection with Laos. Despite this, the Lao language is spoken by 20 million people, almost a third of the population of Thailand, and is the primary language of 88% of Isan households. It continues to serve as an important regional language and

1746-460: Is now Yunnan Province . Tribes descended from the Ai Lao included the Tai tribes that migrated to Southeast Asia . According to the French linguist Michel Ferlus (2009), the ethnonym and autonym of the Lao people (ລາວ); nationality of the inhabitants of Laos is formed by the monosyllabization of the Austroasiatic etymon for 'human being' *k.raw . The peoples named Lao (lǎo 獠), supposed to be

1843-529: Is statue of King Sisavang Vong. Wat Ongtue , also called "the temple of the heavy Buddha", has a 16th century Buddha image, which weighs ten tons (10,160 kg). It was built by King Saysethathirath and is on the Wat Ongtue-Sethathirath Road. It is a said that the temple site was used in the 3rd century for religious purposes. The temple was destroyed in the Siamese–Laos war and rebuilt in

1940-452: Is the main sect of Vietnamese and Chinese minorities that have settled amongst the Lao and it has become syncretic with animistic practices. The temple in a Lao community is the centre of community affairs, where villagers gather to discuss concerns or ask monks for their wisdom and guidance, and most men are expected to enter the monastery at some point to further their religious knowledge and make merit. Paramount to religious living are

2037-660: Is the official language of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and its official script is the Lao alphabet. As the dominant language of most of the Lao Loum and therefore most of the Lao population, the language is enshrined as the dominant language of education, government, and official use. Numerous minority languages are spoken by roughly half the population, and include languages of the Austroasiatic , Sino-Tibetan , Austronesian and Hmong–Mien language families. Although spelling

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2134-429: Is used during ceremonial national parades. It is a popular location for visitors and local people who visit the monuments in the afternoons. That Luang Stupa ('Great Sacred Stupa'), with official name of Pha Chedi Lokojumani (meaning: 'World Precious Sacred Stupa'), was initially built in 1566 during the reign of King Saysethathirath. It was rebuilt as Luang Stupa in 1953 and now a national monument. Its golden stupa

2231-560: The Arc de Triomphe . The monument's five towers represent the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence among nations of the world. They are also representative of the five Buddhist principles of "thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour, and prosperity". It has gateways on four sides oriented to the four cardinal directions. The East-West gateway open to the Long Xang Avenue, which

2328-508: The Cold War and the region quickly being drawn into the Vietnam War , led to a protracted battle for government control that would not end until the communist victory in 1975. The Laotian Civil War was disastrous for the country; however, over the years the country has since relaxed many of its restrictions, which has opened up the country to trade and business resulting in Laos notably having

2425-520: The Franco-Siamese conflict of 1893 , which forced Siam to cede its claims to most of what constitutes modern-day Laos. The French prevented and preserved the Lao from becoming a regional sub-category of the Thai nation, much like their brethren in Isan , also known as the 'North-Eastern Thai'. Like former historical rivalries between the kings of Luang Phrabang, Champasak and Vientiane, post-independence Laos

2522-565: The French influences in Laos. Rice is the staple, and the main variety is glutinous rice or khao nio ( ເຂົ້າຫນຽວ , ข้าวเหนียว, [kʰàw nǐw] ), which is also a feature on Isan and Northern Thai tables since both have been influenced by Lao cuisine. Although sometimes replaced by noodles or other, less popular varieties of rice, it is commonly served with an accompaniment of various dips and sauces, raw vegetables, and several dishes that are shared together. Many dishes are very spicy, fired by

2619-548: 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. Patuxay is a memorial monument, which is a landmark in Vientiane built in 1958 on Lanexang Avenue. Its architecture inspired by

2716-630: The Khorat Plateau of Thailand as well as parts of Sipsongbanna in southern China, Sip Song Chau Tai in northwestern Vietnam, Kengtung in Myanmar, and Stung Treng in Cambodia. The powerful Kingdom of Lan Xang had wealth and influence due to the location of its capital along the Silk Route and also serving as the center of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. The kingdom prospered with riverine traffic along

2813-433: The Lao and Thai people are believed to have entered Southeast Asia from southern China , the few remaining Khmer in the area were either killed, removed, or assimilated into the Lao civilization, which would soon overtake the area. In 1354, when Fa Ngum founded the kingdom of Lan Xang , Vientiane became an important administrative city, even though it was not made the capital. King Setthathirath established it as

2910-571: The Laotian Rebellion of Chao Anouvong ( ເຈົ້າອນຸວົງ , เจ้าอนุวงศ์) against Siamese rule during the reign of Rama III . During both these periods, Vientiane and other cities were looted and their Buddha images and artwork moved to Thailand. The cities and much of the population was forcibly removed and settled in the lesser populated regions of Isan and central Thailand and others were enslaved to do corvée projects, resulting in Lao arts and language finding their way into Central Thailand. By

3007-692: The Mekong and overland caravan routes to the ports of Siam, which had emerged as a bustling entrepôt of sea-borne trade, and to southern China and other Tai mueang . The first Western visitors during the reign of Phra Chao Sourigna Vongsa ( ພຣະເຈົ້າສຸຣິຍະວົງສາທັມມິກຣາດ , พระเจ้าสุริยวงศาธรรมิกราช) (1634–1697 AD) noted how the kingdom prospered off exports of gold, benzoin resin, lac and lacquer ware, medicinal herbs, ivory, silk and silk clothing, and wood. Numerous temples, especially in Xieng Thong (now Luang Phrabang ) and Vientiane , attest this. During this time,

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3104-610: The Nyaw and Phuthai consider themselves distinct, and often have differences in clothing that distinguish them. Early Chinese records employed the term Yue to denote the non-Han Chinese people south of the Yangtze. During the Spring and Autumn period (770-475 BC), the term was applied to a state on the southeast coast which was destroyed in 334 BC as the Han Chinese moved across the Yangtze and into

3201-625: The Phou Phanang National Biodiversity Conservation Area (which covers much of the forest in the west), although Phou Khao Khuay NBCA borders the northeast. The Houay Ngang Forest Reserve, within Vientiane, has many species of birds and butterflies. A nature trail in the reserve is used for a day tour where the Ban Pako ecolodge is available overlooking the Nam Ngum River . Its approach is from Ban Pako by boat across

3298-513: The Tai–Kadai language family, closely related to Thai and other languages of Tai peoples. Most of the vocabulary is of native Tai origin, although important contributions have come from Pali and Sanskrit as well as Mon–Khmer languages. The alphabet is an indic-based alphabet. Although the Lao have five major dialects, they are all mutually intelligible and Lao people believe they all speak variations of one language. The Lao language ( ພາສາລາວ )

3395-464: The That Luang Festival held at the temple. The city pillar is a phallic symbol, considered as guardian of the city. It was destroyed in 1818 and rebuilt in 1915. A Buddha image in relief and carved wooden stele are seen opposite to this pillar. Behind the city pillar there is place where devotees place broken images and pots to get rid of bad luck. In the public park opposite to the pillar, there

3492-684: The United States , France, Canada and Australia . Other countries such as France , Japan , Argentina , and Singapore also took in Laotian refugees. The 2010 United States census reported over 200,000 Americans of Lao descent in the country, a figure which excludes Hmong and Mien, but may include individuals of Tai Dam , Khmu , and other descent in addition to the Lao due to confusions between national and ethnic identity. A 2012 estimate counted about 140,000 ethnic Laotians living in France, with over half of

3589-662: The communist party of the Pathet Lao took over Vientiane and defeated the Kingdom of Laos , thus ending the Laotian Civil War , but an insurgency in Laos began in the jungle, with the Pathet Lao fighting the Hmongs and royalists-in-exile. In the mid-1980s, there was growing concern regarding unplanned and uncontrolled urban growth, leading to the founding of the Urban Development Program of Vientiane Prefecture (UCP). Prior to

3686-459: The phi wat ( ຜີວັດ , ผีวัด) of temples and the lak mueang ( ຫລັກເມືອງ , หลักเมือง, [lak mɯːaŋ] ) of towns are celebrated with communal gatherings and offerings of food. Gods of Hindu derivation are included in the pantheon. Gods are ubiquitous, and some of them are connected with the universal elements: heaven, earth, fire, and water. Lao people also believe in thirty-two spirits known as khwan ( ຂວັນ , ขวัญ, [kʰwan] ) that protect

3783-685: The population (the remainder are largely hill tribe people). The ethnic Lao of Laos form the bulk of the Lao Loum ("Lowland Laotians") (Lao: ລາວລຸ່ມ , Thai: ลาวลุ่ม, IPA: laːw lum). Small Lao communities exist in Thailand and Cambodia , residing primarily in the former Lao territory of Stung Treng ( Xieng Teng in Lao), and Vietnam . There are a substantial number of Lao overseas, numbering over 500,000 people. Laotian migration outside of Indochina first occurred during French colonialism in Laos that started in

3880-690: The 1970 Expo Osaka held in Japan, the temple was depicted as the Lao national emblem. Wat Si Muang Temple in the Ban Simuang village on the Sethathirath Road has the foundation pillar of Vientiane. Built in 1956, said to be protected by the spirit of a local girl "Si", who according to local myth, while pregnant jumped to death as a sacrificial offering when the pillar was in the process of being lowered into its foundation. In November, Phasat Pheung annual festival ( wax tableaux parade) precedes, by two days,

3977-529: The 20th century. The deputy patriarch of the monastic order resides there and heads the Buddhist institute for monks who come from all over the country for training in the Buddhist Dhamma . The heavy Buddha statue is 5.8 metres (19 ft 0 in) in height and is on the back side of the sim and is flanked by two more standing Buddha statues. Wat Inpeng Temple ('to transform') at Inpeng Pagoda, belongs to

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4074-522: The Buddhist sabbath days ( ວັນພຣະ , วันพระ, [van pʰaʔ] ), during the phases of the moon, and temple fairs are also regular times to visit the temples, pray, ask advice of the monks for spiritual concerns, and donate food, money, or help out with temple chores, known in Lao as tambun ( ທຳບຸນ , ทำบุญ, [tʰam bun] ). Laotian folk religion is the indigenous religion of most of the Mon–Khmer and more recent Hmong–Mien and Tibeto-Burman minorities, as well as

4171-451: The Isan region since Lao TV satellite signal is reachable in Isan. With the rediscovered interest in Lao pop music, Lao concerts are not only held in Laos, but also in Isan region of Thailand, thus, continually garnering new Thai fans of Lao pop music. Thailand's national channels have also broadcast Lao media throughout Thailand, as well as Thai media in Laos, resulting in Tai populations located in

4268-782: The King Rama IV 's reign, it was recorded that there are about one million Laotians throughout Thailand. Only in Bangkok, there are approximately 200,000 Laotians. The Lao communities in Bangkok include Bang Yi Khan and Bang Sai Kai on the Thonburi side as well as Bang Khun Phrom on the Phra Nakhon side (Bangkok core). The Laotians who living in Bang Sai Kai still inherit some traditions or cultures from their ancestors. There are around 3.6 million Laotians in Laos, constituting approximately 68% of

4365-762: The Lao are closely related to other Tai peoples, especially the Thai and Isan people of Thailand. The majority of Lao people adhere to Theravada Buddhism , which plays a central role in their cultural and social life. However, animist beliefs and practices also remain influential, particularly in rural areas. Historically, the terms "Lao" and " Laotian " have been used inconsistently in Western literature. Prior to Laos gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1953, these terms were often applied interchangeably to all inhabitants of Laos, regardless of their ethnic background. Since independence, "Lao" has come to refer specifically to

4462-837: The Lao are differentiated from the Lao of Laos and by the Thais by the term Isan people or Thai Isan (Lao: ໄທ ອີສານ , Isan: ไทยอีสาน, Thai pronunciation: [iː sǎ:n] ), a Sanskrit-derived term meaning northeast , but 'Lao' is still used. In Laos , little distinction is made between the Lao and other closely related Tai peoples with mutually intelligible languages who are grouped together as Lao Loum or 'Lowland Lao' (Lao: ລາວລຸ່ມ láːu lūm , Thai: ลาวลุ่ม, IPA: laːw lum). Most of these groups share many common cultural traits and speak dialects or languages that are very similar, with only minor differences in tones, vocabulary, and pronunciation of certain words, but usually not enough to impede conversation, but many of these groups, such as

4559-575: The Lao were forcibly settled in the lesser populated southern and western regions or sent to boost the populations of Lao mueang loyal to the Siamese. The area was relatively isolated from the rest of Thailand by the Petchabun mountains until the beginning of the 20th century, when a direct rail link was built to Nakhon Ratchasima . The region's isolation from Central Thailand and the large population of people in Isan, who were still attached to their cultural heritage, helped preserve Lao culture. Though Isan

4656-457: The Mon and Khmer cultures. It is known as the "historical landmark of arts and culture" of Laos. According to legends, God assisted in the construction of this pagoda by assuming the forms of an old wise man and an old white monk. It is to the north of Wat Ongtue Temple and has many artistic and cultural edifices of rock sculptures, Buddha images and rock columns. Lao people The Lao people are

4753-521: The Tai states of the Chao Phraya River valley as Siam and, albeit quite anachronistically, Lan Xang as Laos. The Kingdom of Lanxang , the "Land of One Million Elephants", began in 1354 AD, when Somdej Phra Chao Fa Ngum (1354 - 1373 AD) returned to Mueang Sua ( ເມືອງຊວາ , เมืองซวา), thence renamed Xieng Thong ( ຊຽງທອງ , เชียงทอง) and now known as Luang Prabang. From this base Lan Xang extended its sphere of influence to all of modern-day Laos and

4850-471: The adoption, or possibly re-adoption, of the Mon -based Tua Tham , or 'dharma script' for religious writings. The kingdom split into three rival factions, ruling from Luang Phra Bang, Vientiane, and Champasak ( ຈຳປາສັກ , จำปาศักดิ์). The kingdoms quickly fell under Siamese rule. The remnants of Lan Xang received their final blows in the 18th and 19th centuries, during the campaigns of Taksin , and retribution for

4947-552: The ancestors of Lao and some other Tai-Kadai populations, settled in the upper Tonkin and in parts of Yúnnán and Guìzhōu during the Táng times: lǎo 獠 < MC lawX < OC *C-rawʔ [C. rawˀ ] This reconstruction of the pronunciation for the phonogram 獠 confirms that 'Lao' originates in the etymon *k.raːw . The English word Laotian , used interchangeably with Lao in most contexts, comes from French laotien/laotienne . The dominant ethnicity of Northeastern Thailand who descend from

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5044-453: The beginning of the 1st millennium, but large-scale migrations took place between the 7th and 13th centuries AD, especially from what is now Sipsongbanna , Yunnan Province and Guangxi . The possible reasons that actuated Tai migration include migratory pressures stemmed from Han Chinese expansionism , Mongol invasions and incursions into Southeast Asia , the area's temperate climate and suitable land for wet rice cultivation, in addition to

5141-406: The body, and baci ( ບາສີ, [baː siː] , บายศรี, [bɑj siː] ) ceremonies are undertaken during momentous occasions or times of anxiety to bind the spirits to the body, as their absence is believed to invite illness or harm. Spirit houses , while common in Thailand are rare in Laos, owing to prohibitions on the worship of spirits in the reign of King Photisarath (16th century). In modern Laos, to

5238-451: The capital and insisted that Souvanna Phouma , become prime minister. In mid-December, General Phoumi then seized the capital, overthrew the Phouma government, and installed Boun Oum as prime minister. In mid-1975, Pathet Lao troops moved towards the city and US personnel began evacuating the capital. On 23 August 1975, a contingent of 50 Pathet Lao women liberated the city. On 2 December 1975,

5335-402: The capital of Lan Xang in 1563, to avoid a Burmese invasion. In the following several centuries Vientiane's position was not stable; at times it was strong and regional centre but often it came under the control of Vietnam, Burma, or Siam. When Lan Xang fell apart in 1707, it became an independent Kingdom of Vientiane . In 1779, it was conquered by the Siamese general Phraya Chakri and made

5432-477: The country, and nearly all of the ethnic Lao. The numbers may be much higher, as Buddhism has also influenced many other ethnic groups that are generally considered animist . It is also the predominant religion of Isan and most of the nations beyond Laos' frontiers. Of these, most are of the Therevada Sect ( ເຖຣະວາດ , เถรวาท, [tʰěː rā wâːt] ) although historical influences of Mahayana Buddhism remain and it

5529-440: The developer, and five percent by the Laotian government. The cost is estimated at US$ 1.2 billion. The developer will retain a 50 year concession on tolls from the expressway. The Lao government has approved the construction of the second section from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, with a length of 137 km (85 mi). Once completed, the travel time would be reduced from 6 hours to 90 minutes. This Laos -related article

5626-399: The early 20th century. Lao students and workers came to France during this period, including members of the Lao royal family , and some resettled there permanently. However, most Lao migrants were refugees who fled Laos after the Laotian Civil War (part of the greater Vietnam War ) and from the new communist Pathet Lao government. Primary places of asylum for the Lao refugees included

5723-417: The end of 2018 and was initially scheduled to finish in 2021, but was already completed on 20 December 2020. The road shortens the trip by 43 km compared with the existing Route 13. The expressway toll will be 550 kip per kilometre, or about 62,000 kip for a one-way trip between Vientiane and Vang Vieng. The trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is shortened from 4 hours to 1.5 hours using the expressway. Speeds on

5820-568: The ethnic group, while "Laotian" denotes any citizen of Laos, irrespective of ethnicity. However, some countries and international organizations continue to use these terms interchangeably in their demographic statistics. The etymology of the term "Lao" remains uncertain, although it is potentially connected to ethnic groups identified as the "Ai Lao" (Lao: ອ້າຍລາວ , Thai: อ้ายลาว, Chinese : 哀牢 ; pinyin : Āiláo , Vietnamese : Ai Lao) mentioned in Han dynasty historical records residing in what

5917-442: The existence of any group called Tai living south of the Yangtze, subsequently the first references of a group called Tai appeared in the 13th centuries, no such references of a group called or calling themselves Tai seem to exist. Other indicators that these early Proto-Tai groups called themselves Lao people can be seen in the Chronicles of the Tai Dam or Black Tai people , “Returning along Mae Nam Taav (The Red river) as promised,

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6014-425: The expedition passed through near today’s border of China and Vietnam, To mark their arrival, they named the area Lao Cai, which means “where the Lao passed over.” Lao Cai is now a province in Northwest Vietnam. also, about 5 kilometers north of Lao Cai, there is a town still named “Lao Phan” which means “where the Lao passed through.” Some Tai people still live there” (G.E. Hall, A History of SEA (1981)) According to

6111-426: The expressway are designated at 120 km per hour on flat terrain from Sikeut village to in Vientiane Prefecture , and 80 km per hour through the more mountainous section between Phonhong and Vang Vieng Districts. The road includes double tunnels measuring almost 900 m (3,000 ft) through Phoupha Mountain. The expressway is 95 percent owned by Chinese developer Yunnan Construction Engineering Group, who are also

6208-448: The fall of states that the Tais inhabited. According to linguistic and other historical evidence, Tai-speaking tribes migrated southwestward to the modern territories of Laos and Thailand from Guangxi sometime between the 8th–10th centuries. The Tai assimilated or driven out indigenous Austroasiatic Mon–Khmer peoples, and settled on the fringes of the Indianized kingdoms of the Mon and Khmer Empire . The blending of peoples and

6305-839: The five Buddhist precepts ( ປັນຈະສິນ , [ban tɕaʔ sin] , เบญจศีล, [beːn tɕaʔ sin] ), viz., to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Lao cultural and behavioural traits that stem from Buddhist belief include tolerance, respect for elders and family hierarchy, selflessness, detachment to worldly good and concerns, caring for younger siblings, politeness, self-negation, and modesty. Basic beliefs include rebirth and karma . Important holidays related to Buddhism include Boun Phra Vet ( ບຸນພຣະເວດ , บุญพระเวส, [bun pʰaʔ vet] ), Magha Puja ( ມະຄະບູຊາ , มาฆบูชา), Songkhan ( ສັງຂານ , สงกรานต์), Vesak ( ວິສາຂະບູຊາ , วิสาขบูชา), Vassa ( ວັນເຂົ້າພັນສາ , วันเข้าพรรษา), Wan Awk Pansa ( ວັນອອກພັນສາ วันออกพรรษา), Kathina , ( ກະຖິນ , กฐิน). In addition to these days,

6402-517: The forest when the French arrived in 1867. It eventually passed to French rule in 1893. It became the capital of the French protectorate of Laos in 1899. The French rebuilt the city and repaired Buddhist temples such as Pha That Luang , Haw Phra Kaew , and built colonial buildings. By a decree signed in 1900 by Governor-General Paul Doumer , the province was divided into four muang : Borikan, Patchoum, Tourakom, and Vientiane. Two years earlier, men from these four muang were responsible for building

6499-557: The forests. Common beverages are tea, coffee , and alcohol, including the native rice wine, lao lao ( ເຫລົ້າລາວ , เหล้าลาว, [làu láːw] ). The cuisine is noted for its use of mint and dill, relatively rare in surrounding cuisines. Laos has been generally a very rural country, and most of the people support themselves by agriculture, with rice being the most important crop. As inhabitants of river valleys and lowlands that have been long-settled, ethnic Lao do not practise swidden agriculture like upland peoples. The traditional folk music

6596-527: The ghastly phi pob ( ຜີປອບ , ผีปอบ) and the vampirical phi dip ( ຜີດິບ , ผีดิบ). The phi also include the indigenous, non-Hindu gods, the phi thaen ( ຜີແຖນ , ผีแถน). Mophi (mo-phi ໝໍຜີ, หมอผี), "tellers", are locally trained shamans , specialists in the rituals and in communication with their personal spirits and gods in general. Using trances , sacred objects imbued with supernatural power, or saksit , possessions, and rituals like lam phi fa ( ລຳຜີຟ້າ , ลำผีฟ้า, [lam pʰiː faː] ) or baci ,

6693-429: The hall known as Ho Trai, there are Buddhist manuscripts of the 18th century. During the French colonial regime, it was restored twice, once in 1924 and again in 1930. Buddha statues damaged during the Siamese-Lao War of 1828 are housed on the west side of the temple. A Khymer Naga Buddha sculpture seated on a coiled hooded cobra (naga) is in front of the main seated Buddha image dating to the 13th century Khmer period. In

6790-437: The history of Laos, highlighting the Lao peoples' struggle to free the country from foreign occupiers and imperialist forces. The museum has a range of artifacts, including items unearthed at Lao Pako , Plain of Jars , including Hindu statues from the Khmer period. The Ho Pra Keo Museum was originally a temple, built in 1565 by King Saysethathirath. It had an Emerald Buddha which was taken away to Siam in 1828, The building

6887-521: The influx of Indian philosophy, religion, language, culture and customs via and alongside some Austroasiatic element enriched the Tai peoples, but the Tais remained in contact with the other Tai mueang . The Tai states took advantage of the waning Khmer Empire and emerged independent. The Lao reckon the beginnings of their national history to this time, as many important monuments, temples, artwork, and other aspects of classical Lao culture harken back to this time period. From this point, one can refer to

6984-595: The land to the west and northwest of the main urban centre is forested and hilly in parts with the peaks of Phu Sang (1,666 metres (5,466 ft)) and Phu Khao Khuay (1,039 metres (3,409 ft)), and a small area in the northeastern part at the rim of the forest protected by the Phou Khao Khuay National Biodiversity Conservation Area . The protected reserves in the prefecture are the Houay Ngang Forest Reserve and

7081-742: The legends of Khun Borom were recorded on palm-leaf manuscripts and the Lao classical epic Sin Xay was composed. Therevada Buddhism was the state religion, and Vientiane was an important city of Buddhist learning. Cultural influences, besides Buddhism, included the Mon outposts later assimilated into the kingdom and the Khmer . A brief union of the crowns of Lannathai and Lanxang under Phra Chao Sai Sethathirath ( ພຣະເຈົ້າໄຊເສດຖາທິຣາດ , พระเจ้าไชยเชษฐาธิราช) (1548–1572 AD) introduced some architectural and artistic developments. The libraries of Lannathai were copied, including much religious literature. This may have led to

7178-478: The mid-1990s, the prefecture was led by a government which included fourteen departments. These were branches of national ministry offices. The prefecture was unable to collect taxes. Whatever revenues were collected were subsequently transferred to the national government. In 1993, the Vientiane Urban Planning Committee (VUPC) became the highest decision-making organization in the prefecture; it

7275-404: The modern terms used for Tai groups can be detected in these descriptors except Lao or Ai Lao people, which was applied to a variety of groups, mostly Hill-dwellers (Taylor 1983, 172; Cholthira 2001, 22–4). This indicates that the Lao are at the very least a Proto-Tai group; perhaps even that all Tai groups are actually subgroups of these ancient Lao people, as there are no descriptors to indicate

7372-488: The northern part of the city, and Nong Seuam Lake is to the northeast off Route 10 . About 5 km (3 miles) north of Ban Hat Kai is the Tat Xai Waterfall , and about 5 km (3 miles) to the west, the smaller Tat Leuk Waterfall . Ban Na, along Route 13 to the northeast of Vientiane, is surrounded by paddy fields. About 6 km (4 miles) from here is Pung Xai , a notable elephant observation point. Much of

7469-593: The numerous varieties of chili peppers and made pungent by the strong herbs and fermented fish sauces. The tropical climate and mountainous areas gives Laos a wide variety of climates and also a rich bounty of edibles, so much of traditional Lao cuisine is composed of vegetables and herbs gathered from the wild, weeds from the rice fields, as well as vegetable plots. A rich plethora of vegetable and fruit varieties are grown, including cucumbers, gourds, cabbage, snakebeans, winged beans, yams, water spinach, mangoes, pomelos, papayas, and sugarcane. Raw vegetables often accompany

7566-509: The other regions of Thailand (northern, central, and southern) discovering a renewed kinship with the people of Laos. Historically, Laotians living in other regions of Thailand, such as the capital Bangkok , have experienced massive immigration from Vientiane after Anouvong's Rebellion (1828) during the King Rama III 's reign, these Laotians have completely blended with the Thais nowadays. In

7663-496: The period of 1995–2005 was 2.79%. The main ethnic group in the province is Lao. 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

7760-539: The population living in Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France area. There are approximately 20 million Lao Isaan in Thailand, residing mainly on the Khorat Plateau in northeastern Thailand and in and around Bangkok. The government of Thailand has historically discouraged the Lao Isaan from identifying as or being identified as Lao . The Lao language is a tonal, analytic, right-branching, pronoun pro-drop language of

7857-596: The region has enjoyed a renewed interest in traditional culture which is quite distinct although similar to Thai culture. The region is becoming increasingly more urban, and many large cities have sprung up. Due to the large population and Isan's important function as a voting bloc in elections, more attention to improving the region's infrastructure, business and education has come from the national government although poverty and regionalism are still impediments to Isan's development. In recent times, Lao popular media, including Lao music and television, has found its way back into

7954-422: The region, 'Lao' was removed as a category in the census, and heavy-handed policies were enacted. References to Lao people or its past were removed and the language was banned from schools and books, erasing Lao influence and impact to the country. Although the region remains mainly agricultural and poorer compared to other regions of Thailand, and many leave the region to find work in Vientiane, Bangkok or abroad,

8051-417: The river. Dong Dok University in association with GTZ has developed the forest walk. The Nam Leuk and Nam Gnong Rivers also flow through the prefecture. The province is composed of the following districts: Districts in bold letters are part of the urban area of Vientiane . The prefecture had a population of 820,942 as of the 2015 census. The prefecture's average annual population growth during

8148-457: The second fastest growing economy in Asia in recent years. Laos has garnered several famous tourism awards by successfully promoting its northern city, Luang Prabang , as the newest tourist destination including serving as a religious hub where tourists may participate in almsgiving during morning procession of Lao Buddhist monks. Although parts of Isan were settled and were part of Lanxang, many of

8245-458: The shaman is often consulted during times of trouble, hauntings, and illness or other misfortune that might be caused by malevolent or unhappy spirits. They are also usually present during religious festivals. Hinduism was the primary influence over much of the Khmer Empire, and examples of Hindu themes can be found on their temples from that era such as Vat Phou . Temples were often built over

8342-548: The sites of ancient Hindu shrines, and statues or motifs of Hindu gods are commonly found outside temples. Although important influences can be traced to Hindu rituals, the Lao people are not as overtly influenced by Hinduism as their neighbours the Tai Thai . The Lao have adopted and adapted the Ramayana into the local version, known as Phra Lak Phra Ram ( ພຣະລັກພຣະຣາມ , พระลักษมณ์พระราม, [pʰaʔ lak pʰaʔ laːm] ). The Lao version

8439-440: The south. Subsequently, the term “ Hundred Yue ” was applied generically to the subjugated non-Han Chinese peoples in the south, with modifiers to denote groups in different locations or with some other distinguishing characteristics (Phomphan 1988). The term Yue fades from usage around 0 AD as the Chinese gained more knowledge of the southern peoples and began using other descriptors (Barlow 2001, chs. 1–2; Taylor 1983, 41–4). None of

8536-486: The time the French reached Laos in 1868, they found only a depopulated region with even the great city of Vientiane disappearing into the forest. The area of Laos, then annexed by Siam, was explored by the French and, under Auguste Pavie , the French were keen to control the Mekong . The French, as overlords of Vietnam, wanted all the tributaries of Vietnam, including the remnant territories of Lanxang . This led to French gunboat diplomacy and border skirmishes known as

8633-649: The traditional religion of the Tais before Buddhism, although some Tai tribes to this day are still folk religious. For the ethnic Lao, animism has become interwoven with Buddhism and some Hindu elements. Despite suppression at various points in time, it continues to be a large part of Lao religious tradition. A variety of gods ( ຜີ, ผี, [pʰiː] ) are worshiped as tutelary deities of buildings or territories, of natural places, things or phenomena; they are also ancestral spirits and other spirits that protect people, and include malevolent spirits. Guardian deities of places, such as

8730-443: The waterways. The cuisine of Laos is similar to other regional cuisines such as Thai and Cambodian cuisines, but has several unique distinguishing traits. Lao cuisine's most famous dishes are larb and green Papaya salad , both originated in Laos. The cuisines of the Lao in Laos and Isan have diverged only minutely, with the key differences is that Lao cuisine lacks the influences of Thai cuisine and Isan cuisine lacks many of

8827-478: Was converted into a museum during the 1970s. It houses notable Buddhist sculptures. The President's Palace (former Royal Palace) and gardens can be seen from the terrace of the museum. The Xieng Khouan Buddha Park , built in 1958, has Buddhist and Hindu sculptures placed in the gardens and trees. It is about 28 km (17 mi) south of Vientiane and overlooks the Mekong to Nong Khai in Thailand. The creator of this religious park, Bunleua Sulilat (1932–1996),

8924-429: Was denied the throne in favor of his younger brother. Thattaradtha founded a city called Maha Thani Si Phan Phao on the west bank of the Mekong; this city was said to have later become today's Udon Thani , Thailand . One day, a seven-headed Naga told Thattaradtha to start a new city on the east bank of the river opposite Maha Thani Si Phan Phao . The prince called this city Chanthabuly Si Sattanakhanahud , which

9021-913: Was governed by a chairman, deputy chair, and eight members. In 1999, the Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority (VUDAA) was established at the prefecture level to manage the city's development. The St. Paul Foundation built in 2001 and a Vocational School for the Disabled in Ban Sikeud in Vientiane Prefecture. The province and the capital city are on a bend of the Mekong bordering Thailand. Notable settlements include Vientiane , Ban Ang, Ban Simano, Ban Hat Kai, Ban Pako, Ban Donnou], Ban Na, Ban Don, Ban Tha Bok, Ban Non and Tha Ngon. Nam Houm Reservoir and Nam Souang Reservoir lie off Route 13 , north of Vientiane. Nongtha Lake lies in

9118-430: Was interwoven with the Lao creation myth and is also, mistakenly, thought of as a Jataka story so is held in high esteem. Many court dances were based on the events of the story. Hinduism blended easily into both animism and Buddhism, so many Hindu gods are considered phi thaen and Buddhist monks have incorporated much of Brahmanic rituals. Peculiar to Lao people are reverence for Nāgas , snake-like demigods that rule

9215-405: Was quickly divided between the royalists under Prince Boun Oum of Champasak ( ເຈົ້າບຸນອຸ້ມ ນະ ຈຳປາສັກ , เจ้าบุญอุ้ม ณ จำปาศักดิ์), the neutralists under Prince Souvanna Phouma ( ເຈົ້າສວັນນະພູມາ , เจ้าสุวรรณภูมา), and the communist Pathet Lao ( ປະເທດລາວ , ประเทศลาว, pá tʰêːt lá:w) under his half-brother Prince Souphanouvong ( ເຈົ້າສຸພານນະວົງ , เจ้าสุภานุวงศ์). These internal divisions, with

9312-516: Was said to be the predecessor of modern Vientiane. Contrary to the Phra Lak Phra Ram , most historians believe that the city of Vientiane was an early Khmer settlement centered around a Hindu temple, which the Pha That Luang would later replace. Khmer princes ruling Say Fong were known to have made pilgrimages to the shrine near Vientiane. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the time when

9409-548: Was split off from Vientiane province . On a curve of the Mekong River , and bordering Thailand , the prefecture covers an area of 3,920 km (1,510 sq mi). 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,

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