Begin a whirlwind tour starting at Wat Sisaket Vientiane's oldest-surviving monastery and its thousands of Buddha statues. Then hear the history behind by Hor Pha Keo and how it was razed to the ground not once but twice by an invading ancient Thai army. You’ll see Pha That Luang a national symbol of Laos that is represented on the national seal and currency. Admire the large stupa covered in tons of gold leaf and surrounded by 30 smaller stupas, and make sure you see the impressive hand painted frescos that adorn the internal walls. Climb to the viewing platform of Patouxai, Vientiane’s arc de triomphe, and a window into its French-colonial history. The monument also has the nickname of the ‘vertical runway’ due to the Laos government using cement that was intended to build a new airport!