Compared to the city’s newer temples, Wat Sisaket looks like a modest wooden building.  Much of the paint has been weathered off, leaving a simple brown as the primary color of the temple.

Wat Sisaket was constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong and finished in 1824.  It was built using the Siamese architectural design with a surrounding terrace and a five-tiered roof instead of a Laotian design.  This may have saved the temple from destruction when the Siamese invaded the city in 1827.

The temple features a square cloister which encloses the ordination hall.  This is a common feature in Thai temples but is rare in Lao designed ones.  The defining feature of Wat Sisaket is its thousands of small niches in the outer wall.  Each of these holes contains a pair of small Buddha images.  There are over 10,000 of them in the temple with larger Buddha statues placed on shelves in front of the wall.  Some of these figures date as far back as the 15th century.

Scenes of the jataka tales (stories regarding Buddha’s previous births) are painted inside the ordination hall.  These murals depict an unusual story regarding Prince Pookkharabat who chose an honest thief as his chief minister and defeated enemy armies with a magic fan.

The former library is situated west of the monastery.  A massive cabinet that once held Buddhist manuscripts and books is housed here.  Although now faded, it was once appointed in black lacquer and gold designs.  Behind the library lies a dirt path lined with stupas containing the ashes of cremated temple devotees.

One of the prime attractions of Vientiane is Wat Sisaket.  It is truly one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and is definitely worth a visit.  Exotissimo’ s Vientiane City Tour – Full Day trip will take you to many of the city’s most interesting sites, starting off with a visit to Laos’ longest standing temple.  Just outside of Vientiane lies a world of natural beauty, stunning vistas, and magnificent wildlife.  If you have a knack for some adventure in Laos’ capital, then we recommend our Vientiane Natural Escape Soft Adventure tour.  This tour is a great way to experience the local culture and explore the country’s diverse ecosystem.  You can also see our suggested Laos tour page for other unforgettable trips into this wonderful country.

Only recently has Beng Melea been accessible from Siem Reap.  Dirt roads from the Cambodian city to the site made travel difficult, but it has now been paved and travel time from Siem Reap only takes about half an hour.
Much of the temple’s history is unknown and can only be deciphered from its architectural style, which is similar to Angkor Wat.  Because of this, scholars believe that Beng Melea was probably built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.  Although smaller than Angkor Wat, it is nonetheless a large temple complex, measuring well over one square kilometer within its moat.

Like a lot of Angkor-era structures, Beng Melea was originally built as a Hindu temple.  However, there are some carvings depicting Buddhist designs and motifs.  The structures at the site are built primarily from sandstone and are un-restored, with trees, figs and roots thriving amongst the structures.

The temple is orientated towards the east, with three additional causeways from the other cardinal directions.  At first sight, Beng Melea appears to be nothing more than a large pile of stone concealed by the surrounding jungle.  But upon closer inspection, the temple reveals itself and looks just as the way the French colonial explorers from the 19th century have found it.

Libraries are on the left and right side from the eastern causeway.  There are also carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda.

The dapped light caused by the jungle trees and un-restored structures at Beng Melea make it a fabulous temple site to visit and a perfect opportunity for picture taking.  The temple causeways also house one of the most impressive and beautifully decorated Naga (serpent deity) rails as well as some impressive lintels.

Beng Melea is not quite on the tourist trail yet, but with word spreading fast, that can change soon, and with good reason.  This is an impressive site where history, culture and nature all intertwine in one.  Exotissimo highly recommends visiting this site as part of your Siem Reap temple tour with our Beng Melea & Phnom KulenExcursion – Siem Reap day trip.  After exploring these magnificent ruins, continue on to Phnom Kulen.  This mountain range is considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire and is a sacred place for the Cambodian people.  Along with Beng Melea, our Grand Tour of Cambodia also includes other magnificent sites such as Angkor Wat and Sambor Prei Kuk as well as visits to cities and towns across the country.  You may also see our suggested Cambodia tours page for other memorable trips into this wonderful country.

Life in the tunnels was difficult.  They are small at 0.5 to 1 meters wide, which is just enough for a person to get around by bending or dragging oneself.  Air, food, water and other supplies were scarce and the tunnel network was infested with ants, poisonous centipedes, snakes, mosquitoes, spiders and other dangerous animals.  Sickness was common in the tunnels, with malaria and intestinal parasites spreading rapidly in the tight underground network.  In addition the tunnels were also very dark and soldiers must remember every path and turn so to avoid falling victim to their own booby traps.  But, as the tunnels grew, some improvements were made such as arms stores, hospitals, bomb shelters, kitchens and even theaters.

The Cu Chi Tunnels have been preserved by the Vietnamese government and is now a war memorial park where visitors are invited to crawl in and around the tunnels.  Some sections have been enlarged to accommodate the tourists and lights have been installed to make travelling through the tunnels much easier.  In addition, the underground network has been sprayed to deter the animals and insects that used to fill the tunnel network.

Underground conference rooms have also been restored and visitors may choose to sample food the Vietcong would have eaten at the time.  Above ground, visitors may extend their experience and have a go at firing an AK-47 or M-16 at a firing range.

A visit to Cu Chi Tunnels is an educating experience.  With Exotissimo, we take this one step further as you tour the underground network with a war veteran who lived in the tunnels for 12 years.  His firsthand account of the war is fascinating.

Learn about the tunnels and the role it played in the Vietnam/American War with our Half Day the Tunnels of Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City tour.  You may also learn about the tunnels on two wheels with A Day Biking the Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City tour.  Here you will cycle in and out of villages and get a sense of rural Vietnamese life before visiting the site.  These day trips are great extensions to our Unseen Ho Chi Minh City tour.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Pyin Oo Lwin was discovered by the British in the late 19th century.  Its high altitude and cooler weather eventually turned this town into a hill station and a summer getaway for the British.  Colonial style houses from that era makes Pyin Oo Lwin today seem less like Myanmar than anywhere else in the country.  The town is also home to many ethnic Indians as Pyin Oo Lwin was once a military center for the British Indian Army.  As a result of intermarriage, there is also a large Eurasian community, consisting mostly of Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indians.  Many Chinese, mainly from the Yunnan Province are also starting to settle in this mountain town.

The attractions of Pyin Oo Lwin are unlike any other Burmese towns.  Because of its colonial past, many of the sites are of European origin.  The town’s clock tower, known as Purcell Tower, has chimes sounding like Big Ben’s in London.  One of the oldest hotels in Myanmar is the Thiri Myaing Hotel (once known as the Candacraig) which was originally built as a guest house for employees of the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation in 1904.  Established in 1915, the National Kandawgyi Garden is a great stop for those who enjoy being in the surroundings of flowers and plants.  There is a wide range of flowers here, many of which are of English origins.  A stupa in the middle of the pond, as well a rose and orchid gardens are the highlights at this botanical garden.

There are also several attractive temples in Pyin Oo Lwin.  There is a Shiva temple dedicated to the Hindu God, and a colorful Chinese temple that was built by the Chinese immigrants of the town.

Pyin Oo Lwin is also a great base to explore some of the region’s natural attractions.  Anisakan Falls, located near the town of Anisakan, is a good half day hike from Pyin Oo Lwin.  A small stupa rests side by side with the base of the waterfall.  Another nearby waterfall is Pwe Kauk Falls, also known as Hampshire Falls during the colonial era.  It may not be as grand as Anisakan Falls, but it is a great place to be in the company of Burmese families on a picnic.  An hour hike from these falls leads to U Naung Gu caves where several Buddha images are stationed.

A tour of Pyin Oo Lwin is highly recommended on a horse-drawn Victorian-era carriage.  On Exotissimo’s Pyin Oo Lwin Tour – Mandalay day trip tour, we will let you tour this beautiful mountain town in one of these charming horse carriages.  You may also take this trip when you visit Mandalay on our Essential Myanmar tour.  This package will also enlighten you about this mysterious yet special country as you visit glittering pagodas and experience rural Burmese life.  You can also see our suggested Myanmar tours page for other memorable experiences in Burma.

Visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat envisioned this idea and work on the temple began in 1999.  The construction of the White Temple is his master work, which he has dedicated to Buddha and his country.

Chalermchai Kositpipat is one of Thailand’s most well-known visual artists.  Primarily a painter, his works have been exhibited worldwide and is known to use Buddhist imagery in his art.  A graduate of Slipakorn University, the country’s primary visual arts school, Chalermchai Kositpipat’s early works were at first controversial.  His murals and paintings at Wat Buddhapadipa in the U.K received complaints from many in Thailand for not representing the contemporary styling of traditional Thai art.  Nonetheless, his works gained acceptance through time, with King Rama IX among his clients.

What makes Wat Rong Khun different from any other temple in Thailand is the design of the ubosot (ordination hall).  It has been built entirely in white with beautiful reflections from mirrored white glass assorted into the building.  Chalermchai Kositpipat wanted to create a piece of work that truly reflects Buddha’s character.  White was chosen to represent Buddha’s purity while the white glass symbolizes Buddha’s wisdom.

It is estimated that the temple initially cost over 30 million Baht (approximately $ 1 million), which has been accumulated over 20 years from Chalermchai Kositpipat’s art sales.  The temple is still being constructed and will take many more years to complete.  Temple donations and sales of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s works contribute to further funds of the temple’s construction.

Glaring eyes from two menacing giants watch as you enter the temple and approach grasping hands pleading for help from the floor.  This is the gateway to hell.  As you climb the bridge and walk towards the main hall, a huge pond with water fountains come to view.  This is a representation of Si Tarndon, the river that separates heaven from the ordinary world.  As you walk towards the far end of the bridge, you will see various sculptures of Buddha meditating, which completes your short hell to heaven journey.

The murals inside the temple are colorfully painted, portraying Buddha’s teachings in a contemporary and modern manner.  He uses images and icons that people today would recognize such as space ships, Superman and Neo from The Matrix films.

Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple and a must-see if you are visiting Northern Thailand.  You will visit this temple on our Chiang Rai and the Far North tour as part of your orientation to the city along with more fundamental temples and other interesting sites.  The area is marked by mountain ranges, which makes for cooler climates when compared to other parts of the country.  It is also home to ancient ruins and indigenous people, some of which will open their homes to you.  Experience this colorful region with our Discover North Thailand tour.  You may also see our Thailand tours page for additional suggestions in this wonderful and exotic country.

In the late 19th century, the French made numerous efforts to navigate the river into China, but were not successful.  The solution they came up with was to build a railway between the two islands on the falls, thus avoiding the steep rapids.

Khone Phapeng Falls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls in terms of volume.  It is 21 meters high and is formed from three emerging cataracts merging into one powerful torrent.   The waterfall and its nearby pool feature numerous islets, rocky outcrops and bedrocks popping out of the water’s depths.  This allows local fishermen to employ their fishing technique by using bamboo ladders to place fishing traps.

Khone Phapeng Falls is home to an unusually large sized catfish species called the plabuck or Mekong giant catfish.  Measuring more than 3 meters and weighing over 300 kilograms, it is world’s largest freshwater fish.  The species however is critically endangered mainly because of overfishing and development.  Because of this, it is banned to fish for this species.

The Khone Phapeng Falls is also a great place to relax and unwind in the Laos wilderness.  The best view is from the viewpoint pavilion, located above the waterfall.  There are also nearby lakes where visitors can swim in, which leads to the pool and cataract.  Having a picnic is another popular activity for both local and foreign tourists, with nearby food stalls providing the meals.  In addition, handicraft artisans have set up shops around the area, promoting traditional Lao products to the masses.

The falls at Khone Phapeng is a wonderful site and a great example of Laos’ beautiful wilderness.  It is highly recommended to visit this site as well as Wat Phou, which you can do on our Wat Phou Cruise tour.  This way, you can get the best of Champasak and experience the province’s best cultural and natural sites, along with other interesting visits in the area.  We also recommend A Blend of Calm in Southern Laos tour if you would like to explore the area further.  On this trip, you will be escorted to the scenic Boloven Plateau and enjoy an elephant ride through the forests.  A stop at Siphandon is also in the itinerary, all cumulating into one peaceful trip.  You may also contact us if you have any questions or would like us tailor a tour to suit your needs.

Angkor Wat was built during the 12th century for King Suryavarman II. It was originally a Hindu temple, but when King, Jayavarman VII converted to Buddhism, so did the temple. Angkor Wat is the epitome of classic Khmer architecture and is one of the world’s most recognizable historical structures, also appearing on the Cambodian national flag. It is the largest temple in the world and is believed to have taken over 30 years of intense labor to complete.

After many centuries of abandonment, some of the structures are still in great shape, owing this to the encroachment of the surrounding jungle. Not only are they beautifully and expertly crafted, they blend in seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

The temples of Angkor are also symbolic. They were built to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The structures are pyramidal shape and topped by five towers, representing the five peaks of Mount Meru. Lingas were also an important aspect of temple building during the Khmer era. Although many of the lingas did not pass the test of time, linga stands can be found in most of the temple rooms.

Visitors to Angkor Wat and the nearby temples will notice certain carvings and structures of mystical creatures throughout the area. One is the apsara, a celestial nymph and spirit of the clouds and waters, usually dancing bare-breasted. They represent female beauty. Another of these creatures is the kala, a monstrous and jawless face found at gateways and meant to guard against evil. The naga, a serpent-like creature with many heads are also widely present around the park.

The large iconic water reservoir (measuring at approximately eight kilometers by two kilometers in size) surrounding Angkor Wat continues to mystify archeologists even until today. It was widely assumed that the purpose of the water reservoir was for irrigation and farming purposes, but some have argued that this was built for religious or even political reasons.

It is highly recommended to view Angkor Wat either during sunrise or sunset. The sun just below the plane of the horizon brings about a beautiful glow and the temple blends in perfectly with this. It is also suggested to bring sun block to protect yourself from the heat. To show your respects, make sure to wear long pants/skirts and shirts with sleeves to the site. This is the dress code Cambodians wear when they visit temples or other holy sites.

If you are planning on visiting Cambodia, a stop to Angkor Wat is a must! Exotissimo’s Angkor Discovery tour focuses solely on exploring Angkor Wat and the nearby temples. If you also like adventure, you may be interested in our Angkor Hike and Bike tour. Witness the marvelous temples of Angkor from the seat of your bike as you pedal to the various destinations in the park. After that, trek through the jungles and refresh yourself at the nearby waterfalls. You can also see our recommended Cambodia tours page for other memorable trips into this fascinating country.

They are an outgoing and colorful group who goes to great lengths in maintaining patrimonial clans within the tribe.  Relationships are based on family and even extend outwards to include the whole tribe.

The Lisu are primarily farmers who settle near the tops of mountains and as close as possible to bodies of water such as ponds, lakes or waterfalls.  Besides the practical reason for this, the Lisu believe that water holds divine powers.

Beginning in the 20th century, some Lisu tribes have converted to Christianity.  However, the majority of Lisu are still Animists and most villages reserve an area for an altar venerating different spirits.  They believe in a single creator (Wu Sa) and that there are numerous spirits (ranging from deceased ancestors to forest spirits) at work in daily life.  Some historians also believe that the Lisu’s concept of vampires may even pre-date the Romanians’.

The Lisu have been able to assimilate today’s modern world into their daily lives.  It is becoming common to see Lisu houses having electricity and television sets.  In fact, some houses are even made of concrete (the majority of homes have dirt floors and bamboo walls).  Despite this, the Lisu still live simple and traditional lives.  Crops are still farmed through conventional methods, although opium poppies are being cultivated much less nowadays for obvious reasons.  Ceremonies and donning of traditional costumes are also as prevalent as before.

The Lisu are easily distinguishable by their colorful and ornate costumes.  Most of their clothes are still hand-made by the tribe’s women.   During events and festivals, the Lisu will wear their best costumes.

During the Lisu New year, girls and boys will try to outshine each other as the best dressed person.  Individuals wearing brightly colored costumes as well as belts, headdresses and jewelry all vie for this recognition.  As with other hilltribes in the area, the New Year is also a time for courtship.  Singles try to out-do each other in an attempt to impress the opposite sex.

Throughout the celebrations, traditional music, dancing and feasting are prevalent.  A few of the village men are appointed as jesters and are responsible to push others if they are slowing down the overall pace of the dance.  This is all done in good nature as arguing and fighting is strictly forbidden during the celebrations.  Foreigners were at first not allowed to take part in the festivals as the celebrations were mainly confined to family, clan and friends.  This has eased a whole lot recently and foreigners are now warmly welcomed to join in the celebrations.

The Lisu New Year is also time for the village to make offerings to the spirits.  The shaman usually leads the procession and offers food and drinks to the spirits at the altar.

Marriage is another important ceremony for the Lisu, taking priority over nearly all other ceremonies.  Large sums are usually spent on both courtship and the marriage, so much so that most of their working hours are spent trying to save for the ceremony, clothing and dowries.  The bride’s father may beg for a dowry not because he is poor, but because of Lisu tradition that places marriage above many other aspects of life.

If you are looking to explore Northern Thailand, Exotissimo recommends a stay at the Lisu Lodge.  Nestled in a green valley and built with traditional design with western comforts, the lodge is the perfect base for adventure in this region where various hilltribes including the Lisu live.  This beautiful lodge is a perfect complement to our Lanna Shan Journey or Real Lanna Experience tours.  Uncover one of the world’s most mysterious countries with The Very Best of Myanmar tour.  Explore the country’s main sites with time to experience the different cultures of the country.  You may also see our Thailand tours or Myanmar tours page for other memorable tours or contact us if you have any questions.

The Mahamuni Pagoda was built in 1784 by King Bodawpaya, more than 70 years before the founding of Mandalay.  The purpose for the pagoda was to house the revered Mahamuni Buddha.  The image was originally from the Rakine State but taken by the king when he conquered the area.

Legend has it that the statue was casted in Buddha’s own image when he visited the city of Dhanyawadi, in Northern Rakine State in 554 BC.  It is considered to be the closest portrait of Buddha.  However, archeologists believe that the image was crafted during the reign of King Chandra Surya in 146 AD, over 600 years after the passing of Buddha.  Not much is known about the statue, other than it was probably taken as bounty or stolen by various conquering kings throughout history until settling at its present location.

The image was made of bronze and its crown is decorated with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.  Over the centuries, pilgrims have pasted golden leaves onto the image as a sign of homage, respect and merit making to the point where the figure has now developed a bumpy and irregular outline.  Since the face of this image is the closest representation of Buddha’s, monks at the temple regularly wash the image’s face and teeth each morning.

Near the Buddha image lie six bronze statues (three lions, two warriors and a three-headed elephant) that once stood as guardians of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.  Legend has it that by rubbing a wounded body part over the warrior statue, the image will cure the afflicted area.  It is said that the images were nothing more than figures and only obtained its healing powers until it was placed in the temple.  Origins of this legend remain shrouded in mystery.

If you are visiting Mandalay and are looking to experience Burmese culture, Exotissimo recommends a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, which is in the itinerary when we take you to Mandalay in our People and Heritage tour.  The tour is also a great way to discover Myanmar and its people by visiting some of its culturally rich areas such as Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake.  You may also see our Myanmar tours page for other memorable trips into Southeast Asia’s most mysterious country or contact us if you have any questions.

Bangkok was once called the Venice of the East, and for good reason.  From its early settlements right until the 19th century, the capital is home to numerous canals.  These waterways were spawned by the Chao Phraya, the Tai Chin the Mae Klong Rivers and their tributaries.  Many of the city’s citizens lived on floating houses on the river and canals or on the banks of the klongs.

During the mid-1800s, King Rama IV and his son, King Rama V started modernizing the city by building roads and railways.  The unique aquatic scene slowly faded away, as many klongs were drained or filled to make way for development.

Despite the city’s rapid modernization, Bangkok’s canals still contain glimpses of how life was like centuries ago.  Old bridges and houses as well as paddle boats, barges and tugboats still make up the scene around the klongs.

Even with the openings of the city’s subway and elevated train services, people still use the canals as a quick way of moving around the city.  The canal system extends all the way out to some of the city’s outskirts and residential areas.  People living in these areas come to work in the city center by boat as traffic jams during rush hour is still common.

One of the best places to enjoy Bangkok’s canal scenery is on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.  For a short time, this used to be the capital of Thailand during King Taksin’s reign.  However, King Rama I moved the capital across the river into what is now Bangkok.  Thonburi has remained a seperate province until it merged with Bangkok in 1972.  This part of Bangkok has avoided much of the modern development seen elsewhere in the city and its canals retain much of their old-world charm.

Visitors to these canals should expect a quaint scene of old teak houses and newer town houses with the occasional temple mixed in.  Different types of flora will also come to view such as palms, morning glory and floating hyacinths drifting along the klong waters.

Cruising along the city’s many canals and waterways is a great way to explore the city and to catch a glimpse of how life was like in the past.  If you would like to explore this side of Bangkok then our Insight Klong Saen Saap – Bangkok tour is for you.  After climbing the Golden Mount for panoramic views of Ratanakosin Island, hop on a boat for a cruise along Saen Saap Canal to Jim Thompson’s mansion.  You may also try our Unseen Klong Tour by Long Tail Boat – Bangkok tour for a journey along the canals to the countryside of Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok.  You may also see Exotissimo’s Thailand day trips page for other interesting extensions to any of our Thailand tours.