Vientiane

The city's most sacred monument, this massive, 147-foot-high, gold-painted stupa is also the nation's most important cultural symbol, representing the unity of the Lao people. — Fodor's

Wat Si Saket, built in 1818 is Vientiane’s oldest temple. The worn walls contain over 2000 Buddhas in various sizes and positions; most of which have been dug up from underground. — Afar Magazine

This temple is one of the most important in Laos. — Lonely Planet

Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe replica is a slightly incongruous sight, dominating the commercial district around Th Lan Xang. — Lonely Planet

Opened in 1995 to celebrate the late president's 75th birthday, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum serves as a tribute to Indochina's most pragmatic communist leader. — Lonely Planet

You can watch documentaries on how the Vietnam war devastated Laos, and current efforts to clean up the UXOs still a threat to villages throughout the country. — Afar Magazine

Constructed in 1565, this temple was built to house the celebrated Emerald Buddha. — Frommer's