The term "Buddhism" is not only popular at the moment, but also a spiritual pure land that young people yearn for. If you talk about which country in Southeast Asia has the most "Buddhist" characteristics,LaosUndoubtedly, second to none.
In this land of tranquility, there is a chic system:When men reach the age of 30, they can say goodbye to the workplace and show their care** with a generous pension gift. Such a policy has made many Lao men choose a leisurely lifestyle during the first period of their lives. However, this has also indirectly led to the relatively slow economic development of Laos, and the gap between the rich and the poor has gradually widened.
Despite the criticism of their choice, the Laotians remained unmoved. They believe that money is not everything, and that as long as they can maintain the basics, they will be satisfied. This contentment allows them to find joy and satisfaction in life despite poverty.
As a devout Buddhist nation, the way of life of Laotians is heavily influenced by Buddhist thought. They believe in the "four emptiness" and have always maintained an infinite longing for the afterlife in their spirits. In addition, the pleasant environment of Laos also provides them with unique conditions for retirement life. Warm climate all year roundThe maximum temperature in summer is just over 20 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal leisure and retirement resort. It is this tranquil and tranquil environment that has created a laid-back lifestyle for Laotians. Because of this, Laos attracts tourists from all over the world and has become one of the popular tourist destinations among foreign tourists. In recent years, with the opening of the China-Laos Railway, the desire of Chinese tourists to travel to this small Southeast Asian country and experience a leisurely life has also become within reach.
The Land of Faith· Xiangtong TempleThe temple is the jewel of Luang Prabang and was privately owned by the royal family from 1560 when King Setthanthirat Setatila gave the order to build the temple until 1975. It brings together the essence of Luang Prabang's ancient temple architecture, with the main hall being low and solemn, with overlapping roofs and three layers of heavy eaves. In the temple, the stout pillars are engraved with ** patterns, leading people's eyes to the golden Buddha statue behind them, showing solemnity and sacredness.
Outside the temple, on the back wall, a series of vivid tree-shaped patterns are inlaid in it, all of which are made of stained glass sheets. When the sun shines, the glazed puzzles shine brightly, and when you look closely, you will feel that these colorful puzzles seem to tell ancient stories - the hard work of farming, the bravery of war, the wit of hunting, the glory of the royal family, and the pious ...... of faithEvery single one of them is breathtaking.
· Luang Prabang Royal PalaceLuang Prabang Royal Palace, although not very old, has been the residence of the king and his family since it was built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1904. It was not until after the Revolution of 1975 that the palace was transformed into a palace museum and opened to the public. From the outside, the entire palace is resplendent and shining. Entering the interior, it is luxuriously decorated, showing the nobility and grandeur of the royal family. It was once the residence of the last king of Laos, Sisavang Vandana, and still retains the relics of the Lancang Kingdom and many national cultural relics, providing a valuable window for future generations to understand history.
It is worth mentioning that there are strict rules for visiting inside the museum. Photography is not allowed, backpacks are required and the dress code is strict. No shorts, t-shirts or sundresses are allowed. However, even if you can't stay, it's a rare pleasure to stroll around and sit on the surrounding benches. After viewing, there is a lively night market outside the palace gate, and you can go out and enjoy the beautiful night market.
· Triumphal Arch of VientianeThe Triumphal Arch of Vientiane, standing in the very center of the city, was built to commemorate the liberation and independence of the Lao people. Although the building is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in France, it incorporates typical Lao temple carvings and decorative elements, showing a unique local style.
Climb up to the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic view of Vientiane's city center. In front of the door is the Triumph Square, which symbolizes the friendship between China and Laos, and the fountain is open regularly, bringing visitors both visual and auditory enjoyment. When night falls, the lights are bright, and the Arc de Triomphe and the surrounding scenery complement each other, forming a beautiful picture.
· Wat ThaluangThe temple has gone through vicissitudes of life, and the treasures in the temple have been looted, but the reconstruction in the 30s of the 20th century has made it glow with new brilliance and become one of the most important national monuments in Laos, and its main pagoda image is engraved on the national emblem.
The temple is a unique Buddhist complex of brick and stone structures consisting of a main pagoda and 30 satellite pagodas. The stupa is covered in real gold, and its brilliant light can be seen from afar even on rainy days. Every year at the beginning of November of the Gregorian calendar, the temple holds a grand Thaluang Festival, where monks and devotees from all over the country flock to the square, and the square is bustling with theatrical performances and sports competitions.
· Xiangkun TempleXiangkun Temple, located on the meadows on the banks of the Mekong River, is also known as the Buddha Park. Walking here, you feel like you are in a "Buddha Museum", where you can see Buddhist and Hindu sculptures of various shapes, each of which is lifelike and full of charm.
Among the many peculiar Buddha statues, the most striking is the graceful reclining Buddha with a length of about 50 meters. The back of the Buddha is the wall, and the front guards these Buddha statues. This reclining Buddha is not only one of the symbols of Vientiane, but also a popular spot for tourists to take pictures.
· Tangding Ancient CaveDowning Ancient Cave is known as the "soul of the Mekong River". From the outside, the entrance to the cave is unpretentious, but the interior is unique. There are thousands of Buddha statues hidden in the cave, which are mysterious and unpredictable, and are extraordinary. The cave is more than 400 years old since it was discovered, attracting countless tourists to explore it.
Standing inside the cave and looking out, the sunset is reflected on the Mekong River, and the golden water waves are sparkling; The mountains in the distance are so quiet that they form a picturesque and beautiful landscape. No wonder Laotians say this is the abode of the gods. Here, people can feel the magnificent blend of nature and human culture.
Natural beauty· Phusi Hill
Although only more than 100 meters high, Phhu Si Hill stands proudly in the heart of Luang Prabang's old town, like a watchman silently guarding this ancient land. Her figure is not burly, but she embraces the elegance of the entire city with an incomparably wide vision. Whenever the morning sun dew or the sun sets, countless tourists come here to witness the flow of time with her and appreciate the unique beauty of sunrise and sunset.
On the way to climb Phusi Mountain, you can see quaint small temples and scattered Buddha statues everywhere, which quietly tell the story of thousands of years, waiting for every passer-by to arrive, sharing that peace and piety with them.
With the winding footsteps, I have reached the top of the mountain unconsciously, and I saw that the sky has been dyed by the sunset and is picturesque. The Nankang River flows quietly at the feet, and the mist is like a veil, gently covering the top of the small city, adding a bit of mystery and fantasy to this ancient land. The green trees and temples complement each other, and the panoramic pictures of the ancient city slowly unfold in front of you, making people intoxicated and lingering.
· Guangxi Waterfall
For Laotians, Quang Sai Waterfall is undoubtedly a shining pearl in their hearts, hidden deep in the rainforest, waiting to be discovered. The waterfall complex consists of a large waterfall and several smaller waterfalls below, like a string of emerald pearls set in the jungle, and the crystal clear waterhole is as green as emerald.
In the scorching summer, it is undoubtedly a great joy to come here to swim and frolic and feel the cool splash of water. There are several natural pools with crystal clear water and an ancient tree branch reaching into the pool, creating a natural jumping platform where people can swim and enjoy the bounty of nature. Here, people can forget the troubles of the world for a while and immerse themselves in the joy and beauty of this water park.
Fragments of lifeBe sure to witness the magnificent picture of Luang Prabang's early morning almsgiving. Early morning almsgiving, an ancient Buddhist tradition, is a picturesque expression of the intermingling of faith and life. When the morning dawns, the monks walk out of the temple and walk along the bluestone path. They folded their hands and smiled, receiving alms from the believers. These foods, drinks, or cash, gold and silver jewelry, represent people's devotion to faith and love of life.
Be sure to take a hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng for a stunning view of the "Little Guilin of Laos".
Vang Vieng, known as the most relaxing city in Laos, is surrounded by mountains and rivers and beautiful scenery. There are plenty of ways to float, dive and explore caves, but there's nothing more exciting than a hot air balloon ride that offers a whole new perspective. When the hot air balloon slowly rises into the sky, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the whole city, as if you are in a fairyland.
Be sure to be on the banks of the Mekong River and wait for the sun to set. At the Golden Triangle Pier, or choose a restaurant floating on the Mekong River to taste authentic Lao cuisine and watch the sunset quietly. Occasionally, a small boat rows across the river, leaving a sparkling trail that seems to tell the story of the Mekong.
Be sure to take a stroll through the bustling bazaars and get a feel for the Laotian atmosphere. Bazaars are an important part of the lives of the locals in Laos. Here, you can enjoy a dazzling array of handicrafts, taste authentic Lao food, communicate cordially with the locals, and feel the strong cultural atmosphere. Whether it's for souvenir shopping or experiencing the local culture, it's worth exploring deeply.
Before setting foot in Laos, many people may have thought that the attraction here was limited to pagodas. However, when you actually walk into Laos, you will find that it is like a kaleidoscope of colorful charms.
The rippling Mekong River, like a green ribbon, connects the beauty of Laos from east to west. The emerald green rice fields, like jewels inlaid in the mountains, shimmer with vitality; Under the blue sky, the ancient temple stands quietly at the foot of the mountain, telling the story of thousands of years; The ancient pagoda, on the other hand, shines with tranquility and mystery in the sun. Every scenery in this small country is as warm and sincere as the smile of the Laotian people. Here, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of life, and you can also experience the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.