I am going to Vientiane in October and from looking at a guidebook, I see I'll be there around the T

Laos is a great place to experience traditions and festivals, and I think it’s great that you will be there during such an important festival as That Luang. That Luang refers to the Great Stupa constructed by King Setthathirat. This 45-metre-high stupa is regarded as the largest in Vientiane and a national symbol. That's why the three-day That Luang Festival, which is usually held in late-October or early-November during the twelfth lunar month, is the country’s biggest annual event.

The Laotians begin their celebration with three days of processions and religious ceremonies, followed by seven days of revelry, including a carnival, fun-filled sports, beauty contests and a food fair. 

It is the time when Laotians pray at the pagoda for blessings and bring offerings comprised of candles and lanterns in honour of Lord Buddha. You should get up early to see the crowds gather at the pagoda to offer alms to hundreds of monks who have made pilgrimage to the pagoda.

The most entertaining activities take place in the afternoon and include traditional games and sports, with various kinds of entertainment going on into the night. Throughout the festival, you will find hundreds of stalls all around the pagoda compound selling food, clothes and all kinds of household items. The festival ends with a huge fireworks display and can be viewed from all over Vientiane. Accommodation in Vientiane will be in high demand during this time, which this year is the  last week of October, so you'd better book in advance.

 

 

Can you recommend the best way of travelling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap? I will be there in August, and wonder whether boat or bus would be a better option. Thanks, Manilee

 

Bus is the most popular means of travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Highway number 6 connecting the cities is well-paved and there are several regular scheduled daily buses in both directions, taking only 5 or 6 hours to make the trip. You can buy tickets from several bus companies, guesthouses and travel agencies. Prices and level of service varies from comfortable, basic air-conditioned buses to deluxe  air-conditioned buses with entertainment, snacks and on-board toilet. Most buses make at least two stops along the way - at Skun and Kampong Thom for lunch. These days, for US$13 one way, you can book a very comfortable reclining seat with wifi. 

Boat travel is a fine mode of transport as long as the water level is not too low. In fact, travel is best during the wet season when the water level is high. It is pleasant to watch the countryside on the way to the Tonle Sap lake. The end of the trip is marked by Phnom Krom, a hill near a ferry dock at Chong Khneas, 12 kilometres south of Siem Reap. However, the ferries are of various quality and comfort, so shop around to find the one that appears the most trustworthy. Have a good trip!