S1 E78 | Flat Tires, Buddha Park, and the Golden Temple in Vientiane
Our time in Vientiane began on a stormy note. Heavy rains from a typhoon had battered the city overnight, and we wondered if sightseeing was even possible. But when the skies finally cleared, we set out to explore the capital—unaware of the string of surprises that lay ahead.
The first challenge came with our scooter. Because our passports were stuck at an embassy for visa processing, we couldn’t rent a bike in the usual way. Instead, we borrowed one from our hotel—an old, temperamental machine that wouldn’t start properly and had a broken fuel gauge. As if that wasn’t enough, we soon found ourselves stranded on the outskirts of the city with a flat tire. The nearest puncture shop was two kilometers away, and we had no choice but to push the bike along the road, hoping we wouldn’t miss our embassy appointment later that afternoon.
Despite the rocky start, we made it to Buddha Park, a fascinating open-air sculpture garden about 25 kilometers outside the city. Here, colossal statues of the Buddha sat alongside Hindu deities and mythological figures. Among them stood a massive reclining Buddha, surreal sculptures, and winding pathways that invited both awe and curiosity. This park was unlike any other temple complex we had visited in Laos—part spiritual, part artistic experiment, and entirely memorable.
From there, we returned to Vientiane to visit one of Laos’ most iconic landmarks: Pha That Luang, the great golden stupa. Shimmering under the sunlight, this national monument stood as a proud symbol of the country’s history and resilience. Built originally in the 3rd century and later expanded in the 16th, it was once covered in real gold—over 1,000 kilograms of it. Although much of the gold was plundered during invasions, the French restored the monument in the 20th century, and today its golden-yellow façade still radiates a sense of majesty and reverence.
Our scooter troubles weren’t over, though. On the ride back, we suffered yet another flat tire. Frustration mounted, and we realized that sometimes tuk-tuks are far more reliable in Vientiane than motorbikes. But even with the setbacks, this day reminded us that travel is rarely perfect. The unexpected delays, the obstacles, and even the breakdowns—all of it added to the story we’ll never forget about our time in Laos’ capital city.