Wat That Luang Neua in Vientiane, Laos

Of the many temples that we visited during our time in Vientiane, Wat That Luang Neua was one of the most interesting. From the reclining Buddha statue to the colorful images depicting the life of Buddha, it is truly a beautiful temple. Located near the famous Pha That Luang, it is certainly worth taking the time to visit during a walking tour of Vientiane.

Reclining Buddha at the Temple
Colorful Paintings
Golden Statue
Monks in the Temple
View of the Temple Ceiling
Ceremonial Items Inside the Temple

The golden statues are all quite interesting as you walk around the temple grounds. The temple itself is very open and has paintings depicting the life of Buddha all over the ceiling. The colors are so vibrant and the paintings are so interesting that one could spend hours looking at them. Local residents were setting up tables to provide food to the monks who worship there. It was certainly fascinating for us to see them going through their daily rituals.

More Monks in the Temple
Setting Up for Lunch
Entrance to a Temple Building
Openness of the Temple
Detailed Artwork
Buddha Statue

There are so many wats, or temples, to see in Vientiane, but Wat That Luang Neua is definitely a highlight. Considering how hot it was during our time in Vientiane, any time in the shade or inside of building was certainly a welcome relief. Going to several of the temples to see how they vary is something that we would definitely recommend.

Standing In the Temple Courtyard
Visually Stunning Temple
Details on a Temple Building
Telling the Story of Buddha
Depiction of a Statue that Was Under Construction
Another View of the Golden Statue
Temple Building
Close-Up of the Reclining Buddha

 

 

Street Art in Hanoi, Vietnam

Although Hanoi is a very hectic city with bustling streets and every inch of space being utilized, we did happen to find some interesting street art. The majority of the art was found on the highway as we headed from our hotel to the airport and we took the photographs from the car, but most of them were still clear and not blurry. One of the great things about street art is that it reminds us that we are all similar around the world. Images of people, family, home, and our natural surroundings are often subjects of street art, but it is the whimsical nature of the art that is often most common.

Singing and Dancing
Temple Building
Turtle God
On the Wall Behind the Basilica
Family Home
Royal Procession
Fishermen
Whimsical
Dragon God
Fish Mosaic
3-D Tiger
Treehouse
Another Dragon
Colorful Farm with Crops

 

Unique Artwork in Vientiane, Laos

During our visit to Vientiane, we saw a piece of art near the country’s version of the Arc de Triomphe called Patuxai or Victory Gate. The elephants and temple are almost completely made of colorful cups and saucers that are arranged to make the various shapes. When seen from the distance, it is hard to tell what the piece is made from, similar to an impressionist painting. As you get up close, the details become readily apparent as the cups and saucers are tied together to create shapes like the curved trunks of the elephants or the tiers of the temple. There are a few features, like the tusks, that aren’t made from cups and saucers, but there are very few. We aren’t sure, but it seems like the temple and elephants are made to actually move, but it wasn’t in motion while we were there.

As Seen from the Top of Victory Gate
Saucers and Cups Up Close
One of the Four Elephants
Notice that the Temple is Leaning
Base of the Temple
Reflecting the Sun
Symmetrical View