Photo du Jour: A Grassy Shrine and A Rainbow Tuktuk – Laos

A tuktuk sits on a hill overlooking grass-covered That Foun (also called That Chomsi). The brick stupa (Buddhist shrine) was built in 1576 in an ancient capital city, Xieng Khuang, in present-day Muang Khoun (northeastern Laos). In the 19th century, Chinese bandits tunnelled into the stupa’s interior, creating the entryway that is visible today. They spirited awayContinue reading “Photo du Jour: A Grassy Shrine and A Rainbow Tuktuk – Laos”

The Enduring Buddha at War-Ravaged Wat Phia Wat, Laos

Wat Phia Wat and its focal point — a war-scarred Buddha statue — are located in Muang Khoun, only 30 kilometers from Phonsavan, Laos. Muang Khoun was previously the region’s capital city, but all that remains of the capital today are the fragments of Wat Phia Wat, as well as a few stupas. Given ruggedContinue reading “The Enduring Buddha at War-Ravaged Wat Phia Wat, Laos”