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The capital city and seat of government sits on a bend
in the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Despite
its chequered past, Vientiane is a laid-back city with a
number of interesting wats and lively markets. The most
important national monument in Laos is Pha That Luang (
the Great Sacred Stupa ), which is a symbol of both Buddhism
and Lao sovereignty. Other sights of interest include Wat
Pha Kaew, a former royal temple which is now a museum; Wat
Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane; and the Morning
Market, a sprawling collection of stalls which operate from
6 am to 6 pm. Wat Xieng Khuan is a collection of compelling
Buddhist and Hindu sculptures located in a meadow, 24km
south of Vientiane.
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